Cerebral Palsy Support Groups and Organizations

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Hearing the news that you have a child with cerebral palsy can be overwhelming. You may need to reach out to others for support. Fortunately, there are numerous avenues you can take to get the help you need.

Support from Family and Friends

One of the most obvious choices when looking for support is to reach out to family and friends. Whether venting frustrations over the phone or visiting family and friends in person to share your daily joys and/or complaints, support by people you know and trust can be invaluable.

It’s highly recommended that you try to help your family and friends learn as much about cerebral palsy as you can. Education is the key to better understanding such a complex disorder. Learning together can also help bring you closer to your family and friends.

Cerebral Palsy Organizations and Support

Cerebral palsy is the most common type of childhood motor disability. Numerous organizations have been created to help with support, learning, and other assistance.

• United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is a popular organization that not only advocates for people with cerebral palsy, but also provides support services for caregivers, parents, loved ones, and more.[1]
• The Cerebral Palsy Forum is an online forum for anyone who has questions about cerebral palsy or just needs to talk. There are threads for parents, about treatments, discussions of medical malpractice, and more.[2]
• March of Dimes supports research and heads up advocacy and education programs related to health issues for moms and babies.[3]
• Cerebral Palsy Foundation is a national advocacy group that funds and promotes programs to help children and adults with CP.[4]
• Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center at Columbia University in New York conducts research and provides patient care and education. The program aims to provide lifelong, comprehensive care for people with CP.[5]
• The Arc is an advocacy group for people with disabilities. It provides information, advocacy, and life skills through hundreds of local chapters.[6]
• Family Voices supports families of children with disabilities and special health needs. It connects family organizations across the country to provide education, advocacy, and resources.[7]
• Mommies of Miracles is the largest online support group in the world for mothers of children with disabilities and special health needs.[8]
• Cerebral Palsy Support Network in Australia helps families access therapy, find educational resources, and coordinate services.[9]
• Enable Ireland connects parents and their children with assistive services, technology, and ongoing care for a lifetime.[10]
• HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy “HMS School educates, nurtures, and cares for children and young adults with complex physical disabilities resulting from cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury or other neurological impairments, with the goal of enabling each to reach his or her maximum potential. We promote independence and improve the quality of life for youth in a safe and secure environment so each can lead a fulfilling, stimulating life now and as an adult.”

Online Support Groups

Cerebral palsy online support groups give you the opportunity to branch out and get additional support in the comfort of your own home. Social networks connect people with similar interests and experiences and becoming especially popular.

In fact, many of the popular cerebral palsy organizations have Facebook pages set up for people to support each other and learn more information about cerebral palsy.

Look for local groups as well. Many organizations have regional, state, and city branches. Some cities and communities also have independent groups that provide resources and support for area residents.

Here are a few of the online and virtual support and informational groups available to children, families, and adults with CP:

• Inspire Support Group. Hosted by Inspire.com, this CP support group is active and includes discussions about independent living, family and friends, treatments, raising a child with CP, and more.[11]
• Special Needs Moms for Moms. This online group connects moms for support and socializing. The site includes a forum, blogs, groups for more specific interests, and resources.[12] 
• Mommies of Miracles. This group is among the largest virtual support groups for parents of disabled children. Here you’ll find forums, special programs, resources, and plenty of peer support.[13]
• Only Adults with Cerebral Palsy. A great social resource for adults, this Facebook group connects people living with cerebral palsy.[14]
• Cerebral Palsy Worldwide. This Facebook group connects people around the world, including children, adults, and parents.[15] 
• Inclusive Sol is a CP hub that offers an online support group monthly at no cost to parents and caregivers who have children with cerebral palsy.

Community Fundraisers

Although community fundraisers are generally designed to bring awareness to cerebral palsy while raising money, many people find a wealth of support while attending these types of events. Parents and loved ones will generally find others who are not only going through similar issues but also live in the same community.

Not only will you find support, but you may also find new friends and new playmates for your child.

International Resources

Some international organizations and groups in other countries provide resources and support to individuals with cerebral palsy and their families.

Kenya

• Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Located in Mombasa, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation performs outreach to local villages. They reach underserved areas to provide therapy for children with cerebral palsy.
• Cerebral Palsy Society of Kenya. The Cerebral Palsy Society of Kenya is an organization in Nairobi. It provides rehabilitation, therapy, education, advocacy, and support to families with children who have cerebral palsy.

Nigeria

• The Cerebral Palsy Center. The Cerebral Palsy Center in Lagos supports awareness and advocates for policy change for disabled individuals. It also provides respite care for parents and caregivers.
• The Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation. This group educates families, assesses children for school readiness, and helps place children with cerebral palsy in schools.
• Marigold Special School. Marigold is a year-round boarding school that provides therapy and education for children with special needs. It is located in Lagos.
• Sultana Nabilah’s Cerebral Palsy Foundation. This Lagos group supports families of children with cerebral palsy and plans to build an inclusive village for special needs individuals.

Pakistan

• Akbar Kare Institute. The AKi is a rehabilitation center for disabled children located in Peshawar. Services are free.
• Association for the Rehabilitation of the Physically Disabled. Located in Peshawar, ARPD offers rehabilitation, inclusive education, vocational training, outreach, and more.
• The Pakistan Academy of Cerebral Palsy. This group gathers a variety of medical experts to further cerebral palsy awareness, research, and treatment.
• Tamir Welfare Organization. Located in Faisalabad, Tamir provides rehabilitation services, special education, and vocational services for disabled individuals.