My Journey Through School With Cerebral Palsy
With the back-to-school season here, I wanted to share my educational journey in hopes that it might offer support to other families facing the stress and uncertainty that often come with being a student with special needs.
Navigating my education with cerebral palsy (CP) presented numerous challenges that were further complicated by the symptoms that often accompany the condition.
“At school, we worked a lot on fine-motor tasks. Amie’s tremors sometimes made things like writing more difficult. But she was never one to give up. She always had goals and wanted to get better, and she did!”
— Amie’s occupational therapist
My educational journey was anything but straightforward. I required specialized support and adaptations to succeed, but confronting obstacles head-on helped me build resilience and a deep appreciation for personalized educational strategies.
My Experience With Public Schools and IEPs
Throughout my education as a student with cerebral palsy, I experienced both public and private schools.
Public schools often have IEPs (individualized education programs) designed to address the unique learning needs of students with disabilities.
They outline specific goals, accommodations, and services tailored to each student’s requirements.
Classrooms often had two teachers to provide extra support, which was crucial for students who needed additional assistance.
This additional support included:
- Getting to work in quieter settings
- Receiving oral instructions for tests
- Other tailored accommodations
Public schools often offer students speech, physical, and occupational therapy. For someone with cerebral palsy like me, these resources were indispensable.
However, there were many moments when I longed to blend in and experience school as a “normal” student.
Related: Read Amie’s blog on cerebral palsy mental health challenges.
Transitioning to Private School
I started elementary school in a public setting, but my parents decided to transition me to a private school when it became clear that I wasn’t receiving the help I needed.
Starting a new school was never easy, as it involved adjusting to new environments and methods. However, the move was necessary to receive the support I needed to succeed.
I loved my years at my first private school, even though I was a little more challenged than I was used to.
“She always had a smile on her face and was eager to learn. This was a private/religious school, so the curriculum was rigorous. Amie had to work hard to do well.”
— Amie’s middle school teacher
A recognition I received in 5th grade is called the Eagle Award. This is awarded to one student who works hard but never can quite make the honor roll.
Receiving the Eagle Award meant the world to me, as it showed that my hard work was being recognized. I was honored to be the first recipient of this award, which continues to be given to students today.
Middle School and a New Learning Method
During my middle school years, my parents and I thought that it would be best if I transitioned into a new private school.
This school was different from my first private school because it was designed to help students with learning disabilities while allowing them to live up to their potential.
According to my middle school teacher, I benefited from 3 important factors:
- My mother was a great advocate for me with the teachers and the school
- The school had the flexibility to make accommodations for special needs
- I was always eager to learn and put in the effort needed to succeed
For example, one factor in my success was a technique where teachers had us swipe our hands across a rough board while verbally affirming what we needed to remember.
This learning method, combined with the unwavering support from my teachers, enhanced my reading level by two full grades.
Returning to Public High School Before Finding My Path
My second private middle school did not extend to high school, so I decided to try public school again.
Unfortunately, I didn’t receive the support I needed, which led me to transfer to a remarkable self-paced private school in the middle of my sophomore year.
This school offered a different experience than traditional high schools. It provided the flexibility and personalized attention I needed.
“She set high expectations for herself; she often made appointments to work outside of class to stay on top of her work. She also kept busy playing soccer! Amie participated in the regular education/college prep classroom with agreed-upon accommodations.”
— Amie’s collaborative English teacher
One of the highlights was completing an internship as a physical therapy aid, which I could count as a school credit. This school’s small class sizes and focus on individual strengths greatly contributed to my learning.
While some may view my frequent school changes as excessive, navigating different educational environments can sometimes be necessary to find the right path to success.
I recall the headmaster at my high school graduation reading a quote along the lines of: It doesn't matter how long it takes you or what door you go through as long as you are successful. I couldn’t agree more.
Finding the Right Path: Success Through Persistence
My journey through different schools and educational environments may not have been straightforward, but it taught me that success is possible when you have the right support and determination.
For families facing similar challenges, it’s important to remember that every child’s path will be unique. The key is to advocate for your child, be open to exploring different educational settings, and remain persistent in seeking the resources they need.
Back-to-school time can be stressful, but your child can thrive in their education with patience and a willingness to adapt. Every challenge overcome is a step closer to success, and your support as a family makes all the difference.
Written by:Amie KroessigAmie Kroessig is a Patient Advocate and Outreach Coordinator for Cerebral Palsy Guide. In her role, she provides resources and support to families and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy to help give them the quality of life they deserve.
