March is dedicated to raising awareness for Cerebral Palsy (CP), the most common motor disability affecting children and young adults globally. This observance provides an important opportunity to educate the public about this condition, which impacts a person’s ability to move, maintain posture, and balance. The month seeks to promote understanding and inclusion for the nearly 17 million people worldwide who live with CP. It encourages dialogue about accessibility, support services, and the diverse experiences of the CP community.
Defining Cerebral Palsy: Types and Causes
Cerebral Palsy is defined as a group of permanent disorders affecting movement and posture. These result from non-progressive disturbances that occur in the developing fetal or infant brain. The term “cerebral” refers to the brain, and “palsy” indicates problems with movement. The brain damage that causes CP does not worsen over time, though the symptoms may change.
The injury to the developing brain can happen before, during, or shortly after birth, though many cases have an unknown cause. Common causes include damage to the brain’s white matter, lack of oxygen, brain bleeding, or infections in the pregnant parent. Prematurity and low birth weight are significant risk factors for developing CP.
CP is classified into types based on the specific movement disorder present. Spastic CP is the most common type, accounting for about 77% of cases, and is characterized by stiff, tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes. Damage to the cerebellum, the brain’s coordination center, leads to Ataxic CP, which causes issues with balance and depth perception.
Dyskinetic CP involves involuntary, uncontrolled movements like writhing or twisting motions, and includes athetoid and dystonic types. Mixed CP occurs when a person exhibits symptoms of more than one type, such as a combination of spasticity and involuntary movements. The severity of CP varies widely, ranging from slight problems requiring no assistance to severe challenges needing lifelong care.
The Goals of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month
The dedication of March as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is rooted in the need to bridge the gap between medical fact and public understanding. A primary goal is to reduce misconceptions and eliminate the stigma associated with physical disabilities. By bringing the lived experiences of individuals with CP to the forefront, the month promotes a more accurate public perception.
The month supports the goal of promoting accurate representation and inclusion across society, including in schools, the workplace, and media. This focus aims to ensure people with CP are seen as active, contributing members of their communities. The month also highlights the ongoing need for specialized services and early intervention programs.
Advocacy groups use this time to encourage public dialogue about accessibility and disability rights protections. This includes pushing for greater accessibility in public spaces and workplaces, and advocating for legislative support. The initiative seeks to drive positive change in education, healthcare, and the job market, ensuring more opportunities for people living with cerebral palsy.
Ways to Support CP Advocacy and Inclusion
The most recognizable way to show solidarity is by wearing green, the official color for cerebral palsy awareness. This visual act helps spark conversations and draw attention to the cause, especially on March 25th, Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day.
Methods of Support and Inclusion
There are several ways to support CP advocacy and inclusion:
- Support major national and international organizations, such as United Cerebral Palsy, by making a donation or volunteering.
- Share factual resources and positive stories on social media, often using the hashtag #GoGreen4CP, to educate a wider audience.
- Promote inclusive language by focusing on the person first rather than their disability.
- Advocate for improved accessibility in community spaces and schools, including contacting local lawmakers or business owners to ensure accommodations like ramps and automatic doors are in place.
- Approach all interactions with kindness and respect, always asking before offering assistance to ensure the person’s independence is honored.