Hemiplegia and Skiing
A child with hemiplegia can ski and enjoy the mountains with family and friends! Ski 2 Freedom has many clients who have discovered the joys of the snow and magic of the mountains. All ski schools which have qualified instructors for disabled and adaptive skiing and snowsports are able to work with children and young adults who have balance issues and conditions relating to hemiplegia.
Confidence on the snow is the key issue and it is well worth investing in the excellent private tuition that is on offer by the ski schools. Once the person has gained the basic skills then there is no reason why the family can not all ski together - it is also a good idea to return to the same ski resort for a couple of winters just to maintain that special relationship and new found confidence.
Many of the ski schools have a good idea of what is required especially when it comes to equipment and clothing, in particular the ski boots. Whether special ski equipment is required will depend on the degree of the disability. In most cases a child can manage with an ordinary pair of skis, perhaps with a link system on the front to aid the snow-plough, but there is also the possibility of a Kart-ski or sit-ski. Discussing in detail your childs specific needs and condition is VITAL to ensure that both the ski school and you know what is going to happen. Do ensure that you aski the ski school if they can recommend a ski hire shop.
In some cases when a child is new to the slopes or not a very confident skier then why not have an hour or so on the piste and then take the opportunity of the instructor whizzing your child around the slopes with the rest of the family - he or she gets the chance to relax a bit and be with brothers, sisters, parent and friends! A lot of fun and laughter can be had!!
Ski Schools
Although most ski schools should be able to teach your child we do have some which are known personally to Ski 2 Freedom either because we have skied with them ourselves or we have positive feedback from parents/skiers who are affected by hemiplegia. If this is a first-time ski holiday many of our families are delighted to share their experiences and we can put you in touch.
France
Organisations which relate specifically to people with hemiplegia or have suffered a stroke.
What is hemiplegia?
Hemiplegia is a neurological condition that weakens one side of the body, and affects up to one child in a thousand. It is sometimes described as a form of cerebral palsy, and the effects are similar to those of a stroke.
L'hémiparésie c'est quoi ?
Une hémiparésie est une forme mineure d’hémiplégie.
La déficience motrice est moins importante que dans une hémiplégie. L’atteinte motrice touche l’hémicorps droit ou l’hémicorps gauche c’est à dire le membre supérieur et le membre inférieur du même côté.
HemiHelp - a UK based charity for people with hemiplegia and their families.
www.hemihelp.org.uk
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5512952137