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Neuro Note 3: Cerebral Palsy

Since beginning OT school, the field of assistive and adaptive technology, along with the development of numerous creative softwares, has continually amazed me. I am in awe of the ways people work to bring independence and unique opportunities to the lives of individuals with disabilities. There truly is nothing like witnessing someone  use their technology to showcase unique abilities and talent. The Ted  Talk linked below features a young man with Cerebral Palsy who uses technology to create and develop music.
https://www.ted.com/talks/tod_machover_dan_ellsey_inventing_instruments_that_unlock_new_music#t-551473

Cerebral Palsy is caused by an abnormality or injury during brain development, and usually occurs in children before birth. CP can affect the whole body, or only partial limbs and can include the following symptoms:
  • High or low muscle tone
  • Spasticity
  • Ataxia, which we have learned in class, means problems with movement and coordination 
  • Rigidity 
  • Involuntary movement 
  • Tremors
  • Developmental delays
  • Excessive drooling
  • Problems swallowing, eating and/or sucking, as well as speaking
  • Seizures

While the causes of CP can vary, some of the most common include lack of oxygen to the brain, infections during infancy or pregnancy, TBI’s, and fetal strokes.

See the link here to learn more facts about Cerebral Palsy.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cerebral-palsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20353999

While some symptoms may range from mild to severe, the impact it has on one’s ability to perform a variety of ADL’s is quite large. The sad truth is that it’s so very common for one to look at an individual and focus on the things they can and can’t do. The happy truth is there are brilliant people out there that make the “impossible” a reality through new technology. This is exactly what the creator of Hyperscore accomplished for the inspiring Ted Talk guest, Dan Ellsey.

Hyperscore is a computer program operated by touch, drawing, or in Dan’s case, a head-mounted interface, to create and perform unique musical pieces. This software allows Dan to be independent, and provides a creative outlet for him to express himself. I believe this encompasses so much of what OT is all about because it provides a holistic therapy approach.
https://opera.media.mit.edu/projects/hyperscore.html

To see the way Hyperscore works for people who have no music background is one thing, but to watch Dan operate the program with such ease and enjoyment is a completely separate experience, one that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and inspire you to look at things and people differently. The world of OT is ever evolving due to the development of new technology. I have no doubt that music can play a huge role in bringing joy to one’s life. Grading activities and finding the “just right challenge” can only be done through creativity and having an open mind. Although I still have much to learn about this software, as well as the ways it could be incorporated into an intervention, I could not be more proud to be pursuing a career that allows me to think outside the box in ways such as this.

I hope this video inspires you as much as it did me!!!



References 

Cerebral palsy. (2019, August 17). Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cerebral-palsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20353999

Ellsey, T. (2008, March). Inventing instruments that unlock new music. Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://www.ted.com/talks/tod_machover_dan_ellsey_inventing_instruments_that_unlock_new_music

Farbood, M., & Pasztor, E. (n.d.). Hyperscore. Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://opera.media.mit.edu/projects/hyperscore.html




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