Cerebral Palsy Quotes
Sometimes, families affected by cerebral palsy (CP) may feel they need some extra words of encouragement as they navigate their unique journey. The team at Cerebral Palsy Guide has gathered quotes to help the CP community find inspiration and support when they need it the most.
Quotes About Cerebral Palsy and Strength
Children and adults with cerebral palsy may feel they are different and unable to achieve their goals as easily as their peers.
This collection of quotes may help inspire individuals with cerebral palsy to follow their dreams.
“To young people with cerebral palsy, I would say this: You do belong, even though it can be difficult, and it's okay to feel your emotions.”
– Amie Kroessig, Patient Advocate and Outreach Coordinator for Cerebral Palsy Guide living with cerebral palsy
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ ... You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt, former First Lady, diplomat, and human rights advocate
“Placing one foot in front of the other, I’ve climbed to higher lengths. Reaching beyond my own limitations to show my inner strength. No obstacle too hard for this warrior to overcome. I’m just a man on a mission to prove my disability hasn’t won.”
– Robert M. Hensel, athlete and Guinness World Records holder with spina bifida
“Of course, my education has been uniquely difficult — no one apart from Chickenshed believed that I was anything more than the label “cerebral palsy” — I was even described to my family as a vegetable. Who in this world would feel that they need to educate someone like me? This has held me back. If people had believed in me before we found Chickenshed, then I don’t know what mountains I would have been able to climb.”
– Paula Rees, writer, producer, and performer at the Chickenshed Theatre living with CP
Quotes on Cerebral Palsy for When You’re Having a Bad Day
There may be some days when people living with any type of cerebral palsy and their families feel frustrated or defeated while navigating life.
These quotes from others on the same journey may help families feel seen, supported, and understood.
“There are times during this journey that are so challenging and you may feel lost and discouraged. These are times when ‘showing up’ for the day and having an open mind and a prayer on your breath are the best tools you have to work with. It’s very humbling and most of us parents have been there. May love and hope hold you until this time passes.”
– Michele Shusterman, co-founder of the Cerebral Palsy Research Network
“Sometimes it seems too hard. Sometimes I wonder if I can do it. Therapy for years to come. How does anyone survive it? Then in a quiet moment of contentment, my son cradles my face with his tiny hands, looks deeply into my eyes, and gently kisses me. It’s more than words could ever say.”
– Beatrice Song, mother, occupational therapist, and blogger
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”
– Helen Keller, author, activist, and lecturer who was deaf and blind
"Part of the problem with the word ‘disabilities’ is that it immediately suggests an inability to see or hear or walk... But what of people who can’t feel?... Or manage their feelings in constructive ways?... These, it seems to me, are the real disabilities."
– The late Fred Rogers, known as Mr. Rogers, educator, minister, songwriter, and TV host
Inspirational Quotes for Cerebral Palsy Caregivers
Parents and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy may feel isolated while raising a child with special needs.
These quotes can remind you that you’re not alone and there is cerebral palsy support available.
“Our children may never be ‘normal’ in the world’s eyes but they can be better than normal — they can be extraordinary. … I’m not going to lie to you — there will be times when you get discouraged and afraid for the future but don’t ever give up!”
– David Juliano, father of a child with cerebral palsy
“They will find and show you what they are going to be excited and passionate and joyful about. And your job is to take a machete and carve the path in front of them. Find out what they love to do and carve it and let them experience all of the world.”
– Laura San Giacomo, actress and mother of a son with cerebral palsy
“If your child’s teacher tells you, ‘Your child doesn’t belong in my class,’ it’s time to find a new placement. It’s time to find a new placement not because your child doesn’t belong but because your child deserves better.”
– Doug Goldberg, special education advisor
“Motherhood is about raising and celebrating the child you have, not the child you thought you would have. It’s about understanding that she is exactly the person she is supposed to be. And that, if you’re lucky, she just might be the teacher who turns you into the person you are supposed to be.”
– Excerpt from The Water Giver by Joan Ryan
If you are a parent or caregiver of a child with cerebral palsy, you may find our free 12-page guide helpful. It offers practical advice and valuable insights to support your child's journey.
Download your free Cerebral Palsy Guide now.
Quotes for Cerebral Palsy Allies
It’s important for cerebral palsy allies to understand what life is like for individuals living with the condition. CP allies should be supportive and patient — never judgmental or doubtful of anyone’s abilities.
These quotes are a great resource for those who want to become better cerebral palsy allies.
“Look past the disability and see the person. If you have questions, ask them. Be patient because speech may be hard to understand, but carry on a conversation. Just because they’re difficult to understand doesn’t mean they don’t have something to say.”
– The late Dr. Gary Edwards, former CEO of United Ability
“As a person with cerebral palsy who walks with crutches, people have the assumption that I've had to overcome a lot of obstacles in my life because of it, and to some degree, I have. However, the most difficult obstacle to overcome is other people's perception of who a person with a disability is.”
– Greg Walloch, comedian and storyteller with cerebral palsy
“Be curious, not judgmental.”
– Walt Whitman, poet, essayist, and journalist
Cerebral Palsy Awareness Quotes
Raising awareness about cerebral palsy is one of the best ways to foster understanding, support, and inclusion.
These are powerful quotes that highlight the importance of cerebral palsy awareness and inspire action.
“Awareness is the greatest agent for change.”
– Eckhart Tolle, spiritual teacher and author
“In diversity, there is beauty, and there is strength.”
– Maya Angelou, poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist
“It’s not the disability that defines you; it’s how you deal with the challenges the disability presents you with.”
– Jim Abbott, former Major League Baseball pitcher born without a right hand
These quotes remind us of the strength and resilience of individuals with cerebral palsy and emphasize the importance of awareness and inclusion in building a supportive society.
World Cerebral Palsy Day Quotes
World Cerebral Palsy Day, celebrated every October 6th, brings people together from around the world. The main goal is to ensure that children and adults with cerebral palsy have the same rights, access, and opportunities as everyone else.
Since it started in 2012, it has united millions of people, including those living with cerebral palsy, their families, supporters, and organizations from over 100 countries. Last year, the event reached over 10 million people, showing its powerful impact.
Here are some inspiring quotes to honor World Cerebral Palsy Day.
“A world that’s made for everyone.”
– World Cerebral Palsy Day 2023 theme
“Disability is not a brave struggle or courage in the face of adversity. Disability is an art. It's an ingenious way to live.”
– Neil Marcus, actor, playwright, and poet with the movement disorder dystonia
“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.”
– Scott Hamilton, Olympic gold medalist figure skater and cancer survivor
These quotes capture the spirit of World Cerebral Palsy Day, encouraging us to pledge our support and create a more inclusive society for all.
Building a Supportive World for Cerebral Palsy
Living with cerebral palsy or caring for a loved one with the condition can present many challenges. These cerebral palsy quotes may help those affected understand they are not alone on their journey, bringing encouragement and inspiration to live a long, happy, and fulfilling life.
Sharing inspirational quotes about cerebral palsy is a great way to be a supportive ally, whether you want to empathize with others when they are having a tough day or show them that they can be resilient and bounce back from difficult situations.
Our team at Cerebral Palsy Guide is here to support your family in any way that we can.
If you have questions about your child’s cerebral palsy, call us at (855) 220-1101 to connect with one of our patient advocates.
Written by:Cerebral Palsy GuideCerebral 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
