Greg Abbott is paralyzed from the waist down and is dependent on a wheelchair for mobility. This has not stopped the Texas politician from succeeding and getting elected as the first handicapped governor of the Lone Star State and the first governor to be wheelchair bound since Alabama’s George Wallace back in 1982.

The Texas Republican became paralyzed when a tree fell on him and broke his spine while he was jogging on July 14, 1984 — the same date he chose to run for governor nearly three decades later. In the thirty years since his accident, Abbott has learned to not only cope with his disability, but to succeed to the highest office in the state. It was during his recovery from his accident that the then 26-year-old developed an interest in politics. A law student already, Abbot passed the bar exam and eventually became a judge. As a part of his campaign for governor, Abbot used footage of himself climbing several parking garage levels in his wheelchair to illustrate the strength he has developed as a result of his partial paralyzation.

Abbott has never let his disability deter him from accomplishing his goals in life and political rivals who underestimate him because he is in a wheelchair do so at the risk of losing elections. His high visibility in the public eye also serves as an inspiration to other disabled Americans and helps raise awareness of the disabled and shows they can be just as successful in life as anyone else.

As with many disabilities, the general public is often unaware and uninformed about the causes, symptoms and lives of those who suffer from Cerebral Palsy. Here are four facts about CP that may surprise you.

1. Cerebral palsy is not a disease. CP is a group of disabilities that typically result due to an injury to the brain that occurs before, during, and sometimes after birth. An infection such as meningitis can also cause this disability to develop in children. CP can affect people differently and not all sufferers will have the same impairments. CP can affect muscle coordination and control, balance, reflexes and may result in visual impairment as well.
2. Cerebral palsy is not contagious or progressive. Because it is a disability and not a disease, CP is not transmitted from mother to child or from person to person and it does not progress or worsen over time. While it is permanent, CP can be dealt with through physical therapy and regular exercise, which can help strengthen muscles and help sufferers deal with their impairments.
3. Cerebral palsy is not necessarily painful. Sufferers of CP are not in constant pain although their impairment can lead to arthritis and many of the therapeutic exercise they perform can make muscles and joints sore.
4. Cerebral palsy does not prevent one from living a normal life. While CP certainly presents many challenges to those inflicted with it, it does not prevent people from leaving happy fulfilled lives, getting married, working and raising children.

While many large corporations contribute millions of dollars to charities and take their social responsibilities very seriously, there are other ways they can make contributions to the good of society that will make them quite a nice profit in return. This win-win proposition has to do with a huge, yet untapped market in technology.

There are over 54 million American citizens affected with some form of disability. This number, which includes people with cerebral palsy, is expected to double in size over the course of the next decade and a half. This represents an enormous opportunity for tech companies to capitalize on the needs of these individuals. On a global scale the opportunities to provide disabled students, workers and other professionals with direct access to technology is even greater in number. With millions of disabled people in need of accessible tech products, the opportunity to increase profits for tech companies is huge.

This subject was recently explored by Anthony Tusler in his book, How to Create Disability Access to Technology: Best Practices in Electronic and Information Technology Companies, published by the World Institute on Disability. Tulser’s book is a guide for tech companies on how to take advantage of this increasing demand, and to profit from it while serving an often overlooked market segment. The book features the advice of tech experts who share their experiences in the creation of accessible products, from phones to computers. It is also cautions corporations of the downside of not providing accessibility and violating the Americans with Disabilities Act which prohibits discrimination based on disability. Corporations who can serve this growing market, will certainly see their bottom line grow as well.

Tikvah Layeled helps children afflicted with cerebral palsy, not just function, but thrive in their everyday lives. Through education, therapy and loving care, the trained staff at Israel’s foremost educational and treatment center recognize that each child is different. They tailor their care to meet the very specific needs of each individual child. Tikvah Layeled therapists treat over 400 children each year and help them overcome the challenges presented by their disability so they can participate in everyday activities.

Tikvah Layeled provides care in a loving and supportive environment that helps children improve mobility and language functioning. Children with CP do not have the same motor skills or intellectual abilities as other children, so they are presented with more challenges in life. Teachers with no training in working with children with cerebral palsy may not be equipped to educate or help them function. Many children have difficulties with speech and hearing that require special attention.

The care workers at Tikvah Layeled are trained in dealing with these issues. Through physical therapy, as well as speech and language therapy, treatment specialists can work with children so that they can improve their daily interactions with others. Teaching children to write well, helping improve mobility and speech, will help children throughout their lives. Activities that seem so simple to abled children can be frustrating for a child with a disability. Through care and therapy, these children can learn how to compensate for things they may not be able to do as well. Tikvah Layeled helps them function and participate in routine activities and live productive and fulfilling lives.

Children with cerebral palsy experience pain and discomfort caused by muscle spasms and the abnormal posture of their bodies. This can put extra pressure on muscles, joints and organs. As a result, in addition to the challenges presented by CP, many children also develop sleeping disorders that are brought on by muscle spasms that occur during the night. This can lead to back pain and prevent the child from getting much needed rest. Certain medications may also make it difficult for children with CP to sleep through the night.

Good sleep is essential for the health of everyone, but it is especially important for children suffering from cerebral palsy. There are a number of things caregivers and parents can do to help their children sleep better. A calming routine implemented right before bedtime can help relax children. As for all children, brushing teeth and story time are an effective part of the routine. Aa warm bath can also help relax and prep them for sleep.

Stiffness due to poor posture can make finding a comfortable position difficult. Once in an uncomfortable position, the child may find it hard to move into a more comfortable one. Finding the best sleeping position may not be easy but therapists can help determine which position is best. That is why it is important to find a position that works and one that can help reduce the occurrence of spasms during the night. A good diet and exercise also helps promote healthy sleep cycles.

Good sleep can go a long way in the how a child copes with their disability during the day. Being overly tired can make the effects of stiffness and pain even more difficult. Regardless of our abilities, we all experience the negative effects of not getting enough sleep, this is only compounded in children with CP.