Handwriting felt like an important part of life during my youth. We were taught handwriting in school. Working on the ability to make our writing legible. While at the same time, attempting to write quickly. These skills were challenging to master with my disability. Cerebral palsy causing my fine motor movements to be difficult. Though, … More Pen Grip
I grew up loving the game of basketball. Shooting hoops in my driveway. Dreaming of playing on the high school team. Like my father and uncles had done during their school days. Believing if I practiced enough, there would be a spot. Cerebral palsy might limit me to the final man on the bench. But, … More Cross-Over Bounce
Everybody could use a good tool. No matter what kind of physical task you’re attempting to accomplish. Sometimes all that is required might be your hands. For most people who are typically developed, a solid set of hands works well. But, when the hands are impacted by a disability, they might need assistance. For me, … More The Button Hook
The method of RDL we have used is single legged. Performing like a hinge from the waist. One leg is used to steady myself. The opposite leg comes off the ground and extends behind the body. All of this occurring while the upper body tilts forward to the floor. Then, the same move is done … More Pointer Finger RDL
Bernard and I were talking the other day about the jump rope. With my struggles jumping rope as a child. My curiosity was around how he knew I could pick up the jump rope? What was telling him with some persistence the movement would work out? He responded by telling me that he didn’t know. … More The Rope Line
Another ball was added in the last few weeks. It is referred to as a reaction ball. Completely different from the three balls we have used. I have been working with a lacrosse ball, tennis ball, and small spongy ball. Each of those are perfectly round. Giving them predictability when bouncing off the floor. The … More Reaction Ball
There seems to be a couple ways of jumping rope. Cerebral palsy making any method challenging. With all the timing and coordination required. The achievement of getting over the swinging rope was monumental. Something I struggled with mightily as a child. When other kids on the playground appeared to clear the rope with ease. Eventually … More Double Rope Jumping
Playing catch has been more fun than challenging. Possibly due to the amount it can be adjusted. The ball can be tossed with more or less force. This translates into how challenging it might be to catch. The ball we have been playing catch with is called a sponge ball, after some research. I found … More Sponge Ball Catch
Jumping rope is one of the most challenging movements. During my childhood, it was one of the most frustrating. Watching kids spin the rope around themselves with ease. Not taking them long to get the hang of hopping over the moving rope. Soon, they moved on to playing in small groups. Taking a larger rope, … More Jumping Rope
The time had arrived to move forward from the lacrosse and tennis balls. We weren’t going to abandon working with them. But, Bernard wanted to progress the movement by adding another challenge to the mix. The new ball was small and squishy. Similar to the size of the small bouncy balls we used as kids. … More Small Ball Toss
