Assistive Technology for Cerebral Palsy

Assistive technology describes any item, program, or system used to improve or maintain function for people with disabilities. People with cerebral palsy (CP), hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), cognitive impairments, and various birth injuries may require assistive technology to complete daily tasks. The term covers a broad range of items, from low-tech tools like weighted pens, to more high-tech equipment such as mouth-controlled wheelchairs. 

“Adaptive technology” is a type of assistive technology. This term refers to items or software designed specifically for people with disabilities. People without disabilities would probably not have a reason to use adaptive technology. A braille printer would be a form of adaptive technology.

description of assistive technology


Examples of Assistive Technology

The following are some examples of assistive and adaptive technologies that people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities may use in their day-to-day lives. These tools help with eating and dressing as well as communication and transportation. 

Assistive technologies in the kitchen for eating and food prep

Illustrated examples of assistive technologies in the kitchen, including universal cuffs, Swedish cutting boards, cups, and bowls.

Assistive technologies for bedrooms

Illustrated examples of assistive technologies in the bedroom, including sock aids, bed rails, shoe horns, and door knob extenders.

Assistive technologies for bathing and the bathroom

Illustrated examples of assistive technologies in the bathroom, including toilet rails, shower chairs, bath mats, scrub brushes, and walk-in tubs.

Assistive technologies for transportation

Illustrated examples of assistive technologies for transportation, including standing wheelchairs, gait trainers, wheelchair ramps, and car caddies.

Assistive technologies for communication

Illustrated examples of assistive technology for communication, including screen readers, typing aids, braille displays, and teletype phones.

Assistive technologies for personal hygiene

  • Nail Clipper Board: This nail clipper has a plastic base with suction cups that keep the base securely attached to a surface such as a counter. To clip nails, the user just needs to push down.
  • Soaper Bath Sponge: This sponge has a pocket for a small bar of soap, so users can wash without having to hold slippery soap. It also has a long handle, which is useful for people with limited reach or control of only one hand.
  • Hand Held Shower Spray: A handheld shower spray like this one can be useful for people who use shower chairs, and want to direct the stream of water towards them.
  • Hair Washer: This can be used to apply shampoo and massage the scalp, and can be used by those with limited range of motion.
  • Easy-Pull Hairbrush: This hairbrush comes with a velcro strap that can loop around the user’s hand. It is meant to be helpful to people who struggle to grasp items.
  • Self-Wipe Toilet Aid: This product is designed to help people who struggle with reaching or bending to wipe themselves. It includes a rotating handle that allows toilet paper to be discarded after use.

How can I decide what types of assistive technologies I need?

In order to decide which technologies will be most helpful, you may need to consult with medical experts or other professionals. These can include family doctors, rehabilitation engineers, occupational therapists, special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, and more.


Legal help for cerebral palsy resulting from birth injuries

If your baby suffered any birth injuries and has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy or another disability, please contact our attorneys at ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers (Reiter & Walsh, P.C.). We have numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that attest to our success, and we will fight to obtain the compensation you and your family deserve. We will evaluate your case to determine if your newborn suffered injuries due to the negligence of the physician or medical staff, and you never pay any money until we win your case.


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