Talking about CP — Scope | Disability forum
If we become concerned about you or anyone else while using one of our services, we will act in line with our safeguarding policy and procedures. This may involve sharing this information with relevant authorities to ensure we comply with our policies and legal obligations.

Find out how to let us know if you're concerned about another member's safety.
Please read our updated community house rules and community guidelines.

Talking about CP

Options
han156
han156 Community member Posts: 9 Connected
edited March 2018 in Cerebral palsy
I have mild CP- left side hemiplegia, and I don't know about anybody else, but I find it quite tricky explaining that to people when asked. Does anybody have any tips on talking to people about CP and explaining how it affects them in a way that is easy to understand for those who have no experience of it? 
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,648 Scope online community team
    Options
    Hello @han156
    Trying to explain your cp to somebody who has very little or no experience of it can be tricky. I tend to try to keep it as basic as possible, I explain that I was oxygen deprived at birth and it has affected my arms and legs. Their response to that is usually a good guide as to whether you should go into more detail. Here is an interesting solution, that may not be for everybody.
    https://blog.scope.org.uk/2013/02/12/harrys-cards/?_ga=2.241136259.187000956.1520852134-683246689.1520587137
    What part do you find particularly tricky?
    Scope
    Specialist Information Officer and Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead

    'Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.' 

    Want to tell us about your experience in the community? Talk to our chatbot and let us know. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • han156
    han156 Community member Posts: 9 Connected
    edited March 2018
    Options
    Hi :-)  I suppose the situations I find the most tricky are where I have to ask for help that people do not expect me to need. For example if I buy two drinks at a bar, I can only carry one of them at a time back to the table so would have to ask for assistance. I know I shouldn't have to justify asking for help, but I find that because it's not glaringly obvious that I need it, people can be reluctant to give it without explanation.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • han156
    han156 Community member Posts: 9 Connected
    Options
    Sorry @speedincaesar, I thought I had tagged you in that reply but I don’t think I did it properly!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,648 Scope online community team
    Options
    Hi @han156
    No problem! I can see how the situation you have described could be a little tricky. I use a wheelchair so my potential need for help is very obvious. I do still have a well-rehearsed script though as I mentioned. I have included a link to our Invisible Impairments discussion. There are some really useful tips from others in the Community. https://community.scope.org.uk/categories/invisible-impairments 
    Stay in touch, let me know how you get on.
    Scope
    Specialist Information Officer and Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead

    'Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.' 

    Want to tell us about your experience in the community? Talk to our chatbot and let us know. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Brightness

Categories

Complete our feedback form and tell us how we can make the community better.