Cerebral Palsy Association
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. However, there are numerous cerebral palsy associations throughout the country that help individuals and families find financial, medical, educational and informational resources.
Below is a list of cerebral palsy associations 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 Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation (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
Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA) is a cerebral palsy association that provides support and information to parents of kids with hemiplegia (or hemiplegic cerebral palsy). 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 is a great resource for learning more about programs and services available to infants and children with disabilities like cerebral palsy. Parents can find out about educational programs (including individualized education programs, or IEPs), state resources, and services for special needs 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.
The NDSA specifically formulates athletic rules, implements policies, conducts championship games and selects athletes to represent the U.S. in international competition.
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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See Also:
Burke & Eisner Law Blogs
Cerebral Palsy Law Blog
