Inclusion of students with cerebral palsy in elementary education: Contributions of physiotherapy

Abstract

This study aimed to show how physiotherapists can contribute in the process of inclusion of students with cerebral palsy (CP) in elementary education. The present study was undertaken at three public elementary schools in Curitiba. Each school was visited five times between March and April of 2009, for data collection. The sample was composed of three literate students, aged between nine and 16 years, with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, without cognitive impairment. To assess the students, two procedures were used: an Observation Protocol and the Descriptive and Qualitative Neurological Evaluation Card of Pequeno Cotolengo in Paraná. The results enabled the researchers to establish goals for physiotherapy; specific interventions were carried out according to the needs of the students involved, during the months of April through June 2009. As a result, the study showed the importance of the role of Physiotherapy on indicating how to adapt furniture and material, so as to become appropriate to the needs of students with cerebral palsy. Their supervision also provided for the elimination of architectural barriers, contributed to better awareness of the educational professionals and helped in the development of the student with cerebral palsy in the school environment.