World Cerebral Palsy Day!
On the 6th of October, 2021 it was World Cerebral Palsy Day! This is a very important day for us at Etac and for everyone around the world to celebrate and support those living with cerebral palsy. It aims to embrace diversity and help create a future that is accessible for all people.
How Important is Cerebral Palsy Day?
Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition caused by brain damage. It is the most common motor and movement disability with 17 million people affected worldwide with 34 000 of those being Australian. Of the 17 million people with cerebral palsy a further 350 million individuals are closely connected to a child or adult with this disability. People with cerebral palsy may not be able to talk or walk, or may have an intellectual disability or epilepsy.
At Etac, we often work very closely with children or teenagers with cerebral palsy and endeavour to help them be as independent as possible with the assistance of our seating, standing, walking or toilet/bathing aids. Oliver is one of these children, as a seven-year-old boy with cerebral palsy.
Oliver had a goal to be able to initiate steps forward using a walker. With the help of the R82 Meerkat, an upright standing frame with adjustable support for the feet, knees, pelvis and chest, Oliver could achieve this goal. After the study period, Olivier could consistently initiate steps forward in a walker and take continuous steps in a forward direction over 10+ metres. Ultimately, Oliver achieved greater postural control and motor skill development with the R82 Meerkat.
R82 Meerkat
The Meerkat is a simple upright standing frame with adjustable support for feet, knees, pelvis and chest.