Associations for Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a permanent, often debilitating condition that affects thousands of babies born each year in the United States. Children with cerebral palsy tend to have a number of special needs, and making sure those needs are met can be overwhelming for parents. There are, throughout the country, numerous associations related to cerebral palsy that can help families and individuals with financial, educational and informational resources.
Below is a list of cerebral palsy resources in the U.S. where families can turn to for help:
United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy was founded in 1949 to advance the rights and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. With a nationwide network of affiliates, UCP provides an array of services including:
- Employment assistance
- Training in assistive technologies
- Housing and community living
- Support for individuals and families
The national office of UCP is also involved in legislative advocacy and research initiatives.
Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation
The CPIRF (CPIRF) is an association dedicated to funding research relevant to developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy. CPIRF specifically advocates for research in the areas of prevention, early diagnosis, curative strategies and rehabilitation.
Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association
CHASA or Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association is an association that offers parents of children with hemiplegia (or hemiplegic cerebral palsy) support and information. By joining CHASA, parents can:
- find other families in their area that are dealing with this type of cerebral palsy
- sign up for an email support group or locate a local support group
- learn about issues specific to children with hemiplegia
- obtain information about resources and events
Easter Seals
Easter Seals was founded in the early 1900s to help individuals with special needs and their families. The organization offers a variety of services to people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, including:
- Medical rehabilitation
- Job training
- Child care
- Camping and recreational activities
- Services for caregivers and employers
March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is an organization dedicated to preventing birth defects, infant mortality and premature birth (a risk factor for cerebral palsy). Parents can visit the March of Dimes website for information on infant health and various issues relevant to parenting a newborn.
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
NICHCY has program and service resources that support families of infants and children with disabilities. Parents of children with special needs will be able to find state resources and services as well as educational programs for their children.
National Disability Sports Alliance
This organization began as the United States Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association in 1987 and has since been responsible for coordinating competitive sports for individuals with cerebral palsy and other physically disabling conditions.
Athletic rules are formulated by the NDSA as well as the implementation of policies, conducting of championship games and the selection of the United States athletes for international competitions.
Cerebral Palsy Associations in Your Area
United Cerebral Palsy has affiliates across the country and can help you locate additional cerebral palsy associations in your area. Some of the associations mentioned above also list resources on their websites.
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