CRIANÇAS TETRAPARÉTICAS E CUIDADORES: CARACTERIZANDO O PERFIL E A ACESSIBILIDADE À TECNOLOGIA ASSISTIVA

The objective of this study was to describe the profile of caregivers and children with tetraparesisaccording to their characteristics, sociodemographic aspects and accessibility, by means of aquestionnaire developed and applied during the physical therapy sessions, performed at the sector ofchild neurology from the Rehabilitation Municipal Center of Santo Andre. We interviewed 19 caregiversof tetraparetic children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.Analysis of the results showed that the majorityof caregivers were the mothers of selected children and that these women were engaged, fully, totake care of their children, abdicating their own professional or educational activities.The children hadimportant motor impairment (GMFCS V), being dependent for many functional activities and needingsome Assistive Technologies. It was also found little knowledge on the part of caregivers, in relation tothis terminology that, associated with the lack of financial resources, may cause harm in the processof autonomy, participation and social inclusion of these children.