There are over 17 million people impacted by Cerebral Palsy. CP is one of the most common physical disabilities affecting the most vulnerable among us – children. Additionally, CP occurs over the span of a child’s entire lifetime, and there is sadly no cure. This year, and from now onwards, let’s all become catalysts for change to improve the lives of those with cerebral palsy.
As an organization that believes in advocating for communities to create awareness about human rights and that facilitates the inclusion of Children With Disabilities (CWDs), it is imperative for us to share some information with you so that you can learn a thing or two. RN has a program called the Together for Inclusion program that sees CWDs including those with CP, engaged in sporting activities with other CWDs and children who do not have disabilities. Here are some things you may not have known.
4 Things about Cerebral Palsy that will make you pause for the cause
1. It mainly affects children
One in four children with CP are unable to talk; one in three can’t walk; one in two have mental health or intellectual disability, and one in four has epilepsy.
2. It affects infants
One in 500 infants is born with Cerebral Palsy.
3. Cerebral Palsy stigmatizes
In many societies around the world, people with CP are kept uneducated and hidden away from the rest of the world.
Why World Cerebral Palsy Day is important
A. Cerebral Palsy is not a disease
In order to correctly examine cerebral palsy, it’s important to note what it is not — a disease. In fact, CP is considered a disorder. The effects of CP change from person to person. Those effects include weakness in one or both hands, epilepsy, intellectual disability, and a total inability to control movement such as walking.
B. World Cerebral Palsy Day promotes inclusion
One of the big goals of World Cerebral Palsy Day is to promote more inclusive societies for people with CP. One way to accomplish this is to educate the world on the idea that CP is not some isolated disorder. In many societies, people with CP are either pitied and overprotected — or they are regarded with suspicion. Some cultures believe that a mother was cursed for doing something wrong if her child was born with CP. World Cerebral Palsy Day is an opportunity to produce actions that will lead to more open minds and societies.
C. World Cerebral Palsy Day tackles big issues
Cerebral Palsy is a worldwide disorder affecting millions of people, primarily children. Global organizations are collaborating together to take on the big issues that CP sufferers face. According to World Cerebral Palsy Day organizers, there is an active group of families and organizations in 65 countries working on improved CP diagnosis and treatment, better quality of life, educational opportunities, and charitable contributions to fund continued research.
*sourced from nationaltoday.com