The Arc - Mark Riley

The Arc of Cowlitz Valley

Mark Riley

Mark Riley is an 11-year-old boy who has cerebral palsy, a developmental disability that affects the ability to control movement. The muscles in Mark's mouth, hands and legs are affected. Mark is unable to walk but this doesn't stop him! He uses his "cruiser" or wheelchair to get around and loves the freedom it gives him.

In addition to muscle stiffness, the kind of cerebral palsy Mark has can cause seizures. That's why he wears a helmet. During a seizure, he might fall out of his chair and hit his head. Mark says, "I wear this helmet to protect my great brains!"

Mark works with several specialists. His speech-language pathologist, Ms. Johnson, helps him learn how to better control the muscles in his mouth and throat so he can swallow more easily and is able to speak more clearly. Tricia, his occupational therapist, comes to his classroom two days a week and helps him with basic hand skills like grasping and holding objects. Tricia taught Mark to use a computer and how to write with a special pencil. Mark also works with a physical therapist, Roger, who helps Mark by developing exercises to improve coordination and balance. He gives Mark exercises to do at home to help loosen, strengthen and prevent further stiffness of muscles in his arms and legs.

Mark is a reporter for the school newspaper, The Woodburn Gazette. He loves to write stories, especially sports articles.

Mark has a great sense of humor and is very outgoing! He has a positive, optimistic outlook. He likes to try new things and approaches new challenges with a courageous attitude. As Mark says, "I'm a regular kid and I like it when people treat me like one."