Celebrating National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month 2024

In honor of National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month this March, Cerebral Palsy Guide wants to share big and small ways people can show their support and become an ally for people with disabilities.

This initiative was started by a cerebral palsy advocacy group in 2006. Supporters, activists, and advocates celebrate by wearing the color green, using the #GoGreen4CP hashtag, and donating to organizations such as the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

Learn how you can get involved in supporting the cerebral palsy community this month.

Learn more about cerebral palsy symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and resources for support by downloading our free Cerebral Palsy Guide now.

What Is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month?

During the month of March, individuals living with cerebral palsy, as well as family members and activists, come together to advocate for the cerebral palsy community.

Cerebral palsy is a permanent disability that impacts a person’s mobility and muscle strength. Unfortunately, some cases of cerebral palsy are caused by preventable birth injuries that stem from medical negligence before, during, or after delivery.

The goal of National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is to push for positive change in education programs, the health care system, and the job market to provide more opportunities to those living with this disability.

As National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month grows, more people are coming forward to share their stories. Several organizations are working to make sure people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities get a national voice.

The Ongoing Journey of Spreading Cerebral Palsy Awareness

Since activists first started the official awareness movement in 2006, schools, businesses, and communities have begun taking part to better understand and support people with cerebral palsy. Great achievements have been made for cerebral palsy inclusion thanks to these efforts.

Some examples of advancements in cerebral palsy awareness include:  

1. Schools have begun implementing new programming to help students discuss disabilities and understand that we are much more connected than we realize. The Cerebral Palsy Foundation’s “Just Say Hi” curriculum, which aims to help students engage with classmates who are different from them, is just one example of these efforts.
2. Businesses are showing their support by hiring and accommodating a diverse workforce. By hiring more people from different backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities, businesses can benefit from new perspectives that lead to innovation.
3. U.S. lawmakers are finding ways to increase awareness and advocate for those with cerebral palsy. Last year, Congressman Steve Cohen of Tennessee introduced the Cerebral Palsy Research Authorization Act to secure $5 million in cerebral palsy research funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Despite the incredible work already being done, there is still more progress to be made so people with cerebral palsy can truly be included, heard, and supported. Two important ways to do this are breaking down stereotypes and the way we talk about disabilities.

The words and language we use have a great deal of power in shaping how people feel. Cerebral palsy and other disabilities do not define an individual. It is important to ask questions and listen carefully to the needs and feelings of those in the cerebral palsy community.

How to Show Your Support During Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

There are many different ways you can spread cerebral palsy awareness. One of the most popular ways to show your support for National Cerebral Palsy Month is to wear the color green.

Here are some other things you can do to show your support for the cerebral palsy community this month:

• Advocate for more research funding by writing letters to government officials using the GoGreen4CP template
• Donate to organizations such as the Cerebral Palsy Foundation to support the community
• Encourage people to learn more about cerebral palsy on National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day on March 25
• Help advocate for more accessibility accommodations in public spaces so people with cerebral palsy have more freedom
• Share photos and stories about cerebral palsy online using the hashtag #GoGreen4CP

If you are interested in supporting the cerebral palsy community year-round, consider joining a cerebral palsy support group. There are plenty of community support organizations around the country that need volunteers.

More people across the nation are celebrating National Cerebral Palsy Month each year and breaking down barriers to help open up more areas of society to those with disabilities.

Get Help With Your Child's Cerebral Palsy

Thousands of children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy every year. Many of these families are left trying to make all the right choices for their children while still learning about this disability that may have been caused by medical negligence.

At Cerebral Palsy Guide, we have seen firsthand the stress and anxiety this can have on families. With registered nurses on staff, our team is dedicated to helping families navigate this and seek financial support. Call us at (855) 220-1101 or download a free Cerebral Palsy Guide now to see how we can help you.

Whether you or someone you love is affected by cerebral palsy, the whole team at Cerebral Palsy Guide celebrates you this month.

Written by:Cerebral Palsy Guide

Cerebral Palsy Guide was founded upon the goal of educating families about cerebral palsy, raising awareness, and providing support for children, parents, and caregivers affected by the condition. Our easy-to-use website offers simple, straightforward information that provides families with medical and legal solutions. We are devoted to helping parents and children access the tools they need to live a life full of happiness