Back-to-School Success: Harper’s Journey with CP and AFOs
As the school year kicks off, families are preparing for new routines and classrooms. For Harper and her family, that preparation includes a little extra planning—and a lot of heart.
Harper was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) early in life, and her parents knew mobility would be a unique journey. With the support of her care team and pediatrician Ally Liddle, Harper began physical, occupational, and speech therapy to support her development. Around age 3, Ally recommended that Harper wear leg braces to help her gain stability and strength. That’s when Harper was introduced to Hanger Clinic.
AFOs Helped Change Everything
Harper’s first pair of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) were life changing. Before them, she struggled to stand or balance on her own. She couldn’t put much weight on her legs, and walking felt out of reach. But then Harper and her family were introduced to Hanger Clinic Pediatric Specialist Gwen Ansier, CPO. Once she was fitted for her AFOs, everything shifted.
“With her new orthoses, Harper began practicing standing with her stander, then progressed to walking with her walker, and eventually walking hand-in-hand with us around the house,” said Mike, Harper’s dad. “Her AFOs gave her access to mobility she never had before—and she hasn’t stopped moving since.”
Even when one of her dogs chewed up a pair (yes, really!), the difference in her mobility without them was striking. Her family saw firsthand how essential her AFOs were to her independence and growth.
Mike shared, “Throughout Harper’s journey, Gwen has been a constant source of support. From quick appointments to thoughtful conversations about therapy and school, Gwen’s care has made a lasting impact.
Harper lights up when she sees her. She takes time, respects Harper, checks her gait, and interacts with her therapists. She’s passionate about Harper’s success.”
Back-to-School Prep
Now nearly 5 years old, Harper is preparing for kindergarten and a new school year filled with play, learning, and socialization. Her dad, Mike, a special education teacher with fifteen years of experience, shared some valuable insights for families preparing their child for the new school year and navigating school with mobility needs.
- Practice routines at home: Walking with AFOs, sitting at a table, and interacting with peers can be rehearsed in familiar settings. Practice routines your child will need to navigate at home prior to the school year starting.
- Meet the teacher(s) early: Reach out to your child’s teacher(s) prior to the school year starting and set up an individual meeting. Mike shared, “Being a kindergartener, Harper will only have one teacher this year. We set up a one-hour individual meet-and-greet to review her mobility, explore the classroom, and build comfort. As she progresses, we will set up meetings with her various teachers she interacts with during the day to ensure a smooth transition for all.”
- Collaborate on the IEP: Mike emphasized the importance of accommodations, modifications, and a 1:1 aide to support Harper’s goals. “An IEP creates a customized learning plan that focuses on your child’s unique strengths and challenges, including physical, cognitive, and communication needs. It helps to ensure necessary accommodations and modifications are provided, along with access to related services such as PT, OT, or speech therapy. It will also outline measurable annual goals specific to your child and track your child’s progress to help ensure they are reaching their potential,” explained Mike.
- Communicate with the whole team: From teachers to school nurses to bus drivers, everyone plays a role. Mike recommends sharing mobility needs and tips for adjusting AFOs in case they are needed. “You may find that someone at school interacting with your child finds a better way of doing something than you have at home,” said Mike. “Be open to feedback and learning tips and trick from others too.”
- Ask questions—lots of them: “There are no bad questions,” Mike says. “Set up a communication system with teachers and staff for regular updates. Harper’s school is designed for children with special needs, which helps her feel included and supported. But even in specialized settings, building relationships and sharing information is key.”
Back-to-School Guide
Explore this Back-to-School Guide with tips to help you start the new school year.
Navigating Transportation
Transportation can be a separate challenge. Often times, bus transportation hubs are independent entities from your child’s school. Reach out to your bus transportation center to review your child’s mobility needs.
“Harper sometimes needs help getting into her wheelchair after a long day. We work with the school’s contracted transportation service to ensure her needs are met. Bus stress can feel very different from classroom stress—so it’s important to address both,” advised Mike.
Schedule a Back-to-School Appointment
Children grow quickly. If you have any concerns with the fit of your child’s orthosis, schedule an appointment for your child to be seen by an orthotist. Also, if your child works with an occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist (PT), they can be an added resource for your child’s needs and possibly help assist with a plan for the upcoming school year.
Request a Free Evaluation
If you or someone you love are looking for personalized, high-quality care, get in touch with a board-certified orthotist or prosthetist at a Hanger Clinic near you.
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