Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, Governors State
University, University Park, IL, USA | Department of Physical Therapy, Governors State
University, University Park, IL, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Elizabeth A. Cada EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA,
Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Professions, Governors
State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60466, USA. Tel.:
+1 708 534 7295; E-mail: b-cada@govst.edu
Abstract: Project Export/Cerebral Palsy Project was a three-year study funded
by the National Institute of Health (1R24 MD000509-01) to investigate barriers
to adequate and appropriate therapy services for children and adults with
Cerebral Palsy who are living in the south metropolitan region of Chicago. This
study examined barriers individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and their families
encounter when accessing Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT)
services in the region. The study utilized a 3-tiered investigation system
(survey, educational forum, and focus groups) that provided families and
community therapists opportunities to identify barriers that impact access to
evaluations and ongoing therapy services for individuals with Cerebral Palsy. The findings revealed a multitude of barriers identified by family and
therapist participants. These barriers included, but are not limited to,
financial resources, availability of therapists, convenient appointment times,
and transportation issues. The educational forum and focus groups were
effective in identifying knowledge gaps regarding Cerebral Palsy and strategies
for accessing therapy in the region. Future plans include continuing
collaborative initiatives for families and therapy providers. These include
community educational forums that are accessible and provide relevant
information, opportunities for networking, and advocacy information. The
findings of the study will also be utilized to help occupational and physical
therapists develop and implement alternative models of service delivery that
provide greater access to therapy services for individuals with Cerebral
Palsy.
