Holidays are arriving to us once again, and that means parties, decorating and family. Gifts are a big thing during the holidays, and as you make your list, you might have someone who has cerebral palsy to shop for. You might wonder what to give and what would be helpful. I compiled a list of ideas that I hope that someone would like or find of interest. Alexa or Google Home – Now someone who has a very bad speech impediment or difficult to understand might find these devices frustrating. I have a speech impediment, and Alexa doesn’t work perfectly,…
Author: Jessica Grono
Jessica Grono
Jessica Grono is a special education teacher, public speaker and writer. She is former Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania. She plays goalie for Philadelphia Flyers PowerPlay! Jessica is happily married with two children. She has cerebral palsy.
Finally a walking device exists to help parents and caregivers to help walk children with cerebral palsy and other mobility impairments. Walking is such a powerful exercise for children with cerebral palsy because it teaches patterns of walking and numerous other reasons. Especially when you consider the physical action of walking is an excellent way of exercising. The walking device, Firefly Upsee, makes walking the child so much easier and relief on the back of the parent or caregiver. Walking seemed common to me as a child and teenager. I didn’t always enjoy walking, but I knew that walking was…
People make me laugh sometimes about certain rigid rules in their mind. One of which is needing to wear jacket. My son doesn’t like to wear a jacket, and to me, it’s not that big of a deal if he decides. I remember being young and not wanting one and being forced into it.  My late husband and I shared the philosophy that if our children didn’t want to wear them, they will learn either they’re right or wrong in their decision. Now my son is at the age of being able to tell me what he wants and doesn’t. I…
You meet all kinds of people when you have cerebral palsy. Some people aren’t so nice, some make you feel uncomfortable and some are kind. Someone asked me recently what was the kindest thing someone did for me. Immediately, getting my wheelchair accessible van popped in my mind. It is not a secret that I’m a strong believer in God having an ultimate plan. However, the plan isn’t always easy or clear to me and I feel unsure. Sometimes when you least expect it and life looks bleak, something goes absolutely amazing. It can actually change your life forever. Back…
Thanksgiving brings to mind several thoughts. Many think about family, friends, traditions and food. Gratitude keeps us being optimistic. Having cerebral palsy tempts complaints. Despite  having cerebral palsy, there are reasons to be thankful. Give thanks for improved medical knowledge and advances. Medical conditions have improved for babies with disabilities. In the several decades, babies born with disabilities often died due to lack of medicine. Young children have physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their quality of life. Be thankful for the amazing technology.  Cerebral palsy affects motor skills in both our hands and limbs. Lack of these motor skills…
 Walking into the parade Beginning of the parade Today Jason’s pre school had an Alphabet Parade. The children were each assigned a letter from the alphabet and parents created a T-shirt for them to wear during the parade. I believe it’s a cute idea and came out very well. I believe that the school decided to have this parade to replace a Halloween costume parade. I can imagine that dressing several children who are five and under has presents a difficult task! Having limited arm control, I knew that I would need help creating his T-shirt. I immediately thought about…
Most people that know me also know that I really do not like thunderstorms. I’m not sure when my fear happened but ever since I remember, I truly hated thunderstorms. One of my earliest memories happened when there was a really bad storm one night. I think I was 7 or 8 years old and it was 11pm. Â The thunder made ridiculous loud sounds and my dad sat with me as the lightening lit up the sky and thunder crashed the air. My dad put on my radio and it played “Shout, Shout le it all out these are the…
Hello! Welcome to my little outlet to the world via my blog. You might think to yourself “oh yay another mom blog,l Well, you’re half way correct in that I do write a lot about being a mom,  but my blog is a little different than the rest. I have a disability known as cerebral palsy. Several medical professionals might classify me as severe cerebral palsy because I cannot walk and need help in many everyday tasks.  I beat most odds against me and might be a little crazy but never would classify myself as ‘severe.’ So, when I decided…
Children with disabilities have every basic right to an education as any child. Back in 1980, when I was beginning public school, children who have special needs were put in one room far from other kids. Even if a child had no mental challenges, they weren’t allowed to be in a regular classroom. We couldn’t eat in the cafeteria with other children because it might upset them, the school administration thought. Thank goodness that the times have changed. As I was finally included when I at the age of 11, I learned a few things that I wish teachers would…
Friendships are essential to life because friends guide, support, and love us. Friends keeps us in line, smiling, laughing, and makes life worth while. Imagine how bland life would be without friendships. Having severe cerebral palsy is an obstacle for forming friendships. Speech impediments, involuntarily movements and not being able to walk deters some people. How can you show someone who is truly inside? How do you form lasting friendships when you have cerebral palsy? The keys are to be your true self, let your light shine and not to take friendships for granted. As a little girl, finding friends…