About Us

The Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA) exists to help children – children who have survived an early brain injury that results in hemiplegia or hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body).  We also help adults who have been […]

What do I do next?

If your child has recently received a diagnosis of hemiplegia or hemiparesis you’re probably experiencing a variety of emotions – grief, denial, guilt, blame, sadness, worry, anxiety, confusion, and more. If your child is a newborn, these may be mingled with joy […]

Pediatric Stroke Awareness

Kids Have Strokes – Say it. Then do something about it! May is Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month! There is strength in numbers and you can join the movement to increase Pediatric Stroke Awareness. This page will give you tools to help […]

Assessment (Testing)

Pediatric Neuropsychology Assessment – Why order one? What to expect Buros Institute of Mental Measurements access Buros test reviews online Finding Information About Psychological Tests   Comparing reliability and validity of pediatric instruments for measuring health and well-being of children with […]

Orthotics

Pediatric Physical Therapist,  Fran Arkusinski, discusses orthotics How Many AFOs QUESTION: I was wondering what the PT thought about AFO/DAFOs and how many our children should be wearing – one or two. Our PT asked me to get two DAFOs […]

Support Community

I wish I could give a gift that would allow you to see into your child’s future. The unknown can be so very difficult. Will she talk? Will she walk?  Can she be potty trained? Will she go to prom?  […]

Coping with Holidays

We often have visions of sugar plum fairies and warm family gatherings for the holidays. Sometimes these dreams do come true, but often reality can fall short of our expectations. When we add a child who has a disability to […]

Thank you for donating to CHASA

Your support helps CHASA keep helping kids with hemiplegia or pediatric stroke.  The CHASA board of directors believes in reaching out directly to children and families to make an impact in their day to day living. We know the struggles […]

Newsletter

Sign up for news from the Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA). Examples of articles include: adapting clothing and items around the house ideas for working with teachers and schools new medical developments in pediatric stroke, cerebral palsy, and hemiplegia […]

Social Skills

Helping Kids with Social Skills in School and at Home Feeling accepted and liked by others – that’s what we all want, right? Our kids who have a diagnosis of hemiplegia are already facing some exclusion due to having a […]

Advocacy

Legislative Issues Facing People with Disabilities – Federal Fact Sheets A series of six fact sheets with talking points that summarize critical national legislative issues facing people with disabilities was prepared in March 2013. The documents include background information, key […]

Awareness Proclamations

May is Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month Help CHASA (Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association) tell the world that Kids Have Strokes by obtaining a proclamation or declaration in your city, county or state. Ask your public official to declare that May […]

Fundraising FAQ

We’re excited that you wish to help us promote the good works of CHASA and raise funds or spread awareness about our little stroke and hemiplegia survivors! Hosting an Awareness Event, Fundraising for CHASA or Selling Products to benefit CHASA […]

Walk or Run for CHASA Kids

Raising Pediatric Stroke or Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Awareness – Helpful Hints for Participating in an Established Walk or Run Check with your physician to make sure you’re in great shape and can participate in an athletic event like a walk […]

2012 Awareness Shirts

We’re excited to let you know that the CHASA Awareness shirt orders were shipped on 12/11/12, USPS priority mail , so watch your mailboxes for your order. We apologize for the 4-day delay in shipping. We had a slight set […]

Learn More About Pediatric Stroke

Pediatric Stroke Awareness  – Everything you need to get started! –  Click here for Fact Sheet, Awareness Month Ideas, How to Host a Pediatric Stroke Event, How to Share Your Child’s Story, Proclamations , Videos, and more. Learn more about […]

Let’s Play! 2025 Activity Scholarships

Good news! CHASA is accepting applications for Spring 2025 CHASA Let’s Play Scholarships.  This scholarship offering is for activities held anytime between Jan. 1, 2025 and August 31, 2025. It can be used for an ongoing class or a new […]

Thank you – CHASA Orthotic Grants

For years, CHASA has provided grants to help families purchase orthotics (foot braces). Orthotics help children with balance and walking and are often worn by children and young adults who have a diagnosis of hemiplegia.  The letter below is from […]

May is Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month

Kids Have Strokes – Say it. Then do something! May is Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month. There is strength in numbers and you can join the movement to increase Pediatric Stroke Awareness. This page will give you tools to help you […]

Research Study: Exploring the motivators and barriers for participation in cerebral palsy related research

This study is no longer accepting participants. The Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA) has teamed with researchers at Northwestern Medicine Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, to recruit participants for a research study. […]

CHASA Family Retreat 2018

Registration for the 2018 CHASA Family Retreat closed on March 8, 2018. If you are interested in being put on a waiting list, please fill out the Retreat Wait List Form. We will contact you if there are cancellations or […]

CHASA 2017 Adult Retreat

  ANNOUNCEMENT: We’ve had an overwhelming response to our adult retreat and registration has closed early. We are creating a wait list and if we have cancellations or can expand our space, we may be able to add more attendees. […]

Auditory Processing Disorder and CART Services

Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services may benefit students with hemiplegia. Traditionally used by the deaf community, CART is useful for students who may have difficulty understanding auditory information – information they hear. CART can help the student understand what others […]

CHASA Awards 14 College Scholarships – 2016

The Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA) has awarded fourteen scholarships to students pursuing a college education. This is our 15th year of awarding college and vocational scholarships! The total award for 2016 is $16,800. A very talented group of […]

Quick and Easy Meal Prep – With One Hand

Ready to cook your own meals? You may be a great “cook from scratch” cook, but if you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, check out our tips below. make extra meals and freeze them […]

We Can Help With Your IEP (Individualized Education Plan)

Examples of Individualized Education Programs for students with a diagnosis of hemiplegia, hemiplegic cerebral palsy, or hemiparesis and related disabilities. IEP and psychological report for Preschool student, age 2, with hemiplegia IEP for Pre-Kindergarten student, almost 3 years old, with […]

Using Scissors to Cut With One Hand

Before you read the tips, ask yourself these questions: How important is it to learn to precisely learn to use scissors? Would your child’s time be better spent learning something else? How often do adults cut around items on paper? Choose […]

Let’s Play Scholarship excluded activities

We are unable to provide a Let’s Play scholarship for these activities at this time Contraint-therapy, intensive therapy or other medical therapy camps or sessions – Resources for financial assistance Summer camps Day care or child care Adaptive driving and car […]

Kandu’s First Book

Kandu, the CHASA Mascot, has a new book! We’re excited to share Kandu’s journeys with you. Kandu is a penguin who wears a brace and has some pretty fun adventures. If you are a CHASA Kid, meaning our website helps […]

My Personal Best

My name is Trent Clayton and I like to run! I like to run because it feels exhilarating, I love feeling the wind in my face, and the best part is pushing myself to do something I wasn’t sure I could […]