World Cerebral Palsy Day - celebrating achievements and fulfilling potential

Posted: 05/10/2021

World Cerebral Palsy Day, which takes place on Wednesday 6 October 2021, aims to promote inclusion for children and adults with the condition, so that they have the same rights, access, and opportunities as anyone else. The day is marked in more than 75 countries around the world by those with cerebral palsy, their families, and the organisations which support them. There is a focus on tackling key issues via collaboration, including improving diagnosis and treatment, increasing educational opportunities, and securing funding for continued research.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the collective name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination. A range of other problems can result from the condition including swallowing difficulties, speech problems, visual problems, and learning difficulties. There are many causes for CP, but it generally arises from damage to the brain that develops before, during, or shortly after birth.

Some will have a mild form of the condition which does not significantly impact their quality of life, while others may require lifelong care.

Despite the difficulties that CP can cause they can be overcome with the right support, whether that is suitable assistance via a care package, therapies such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, and the provision of suitable equipment to assist with mobility.

Who could not be both impressed and moved by the competitors participating in the recent Paralympics in Tokyo? A significant number had cerebral palsy, impacting their mobility. The athletes, however, overcame these difficulties, performing at the highest level and achieving incredible results.

As a firm, Penningtons Manches Cooper has acted for many individuals with CP due to, for example, hypoxic injuries sustained during their births, or difficulties in the neonatal period. Many of these clients have gone on to achieve great things, including in the sporting arena, where they have represented their country in sports such as boccia. Others have taken up places at top universities, when packages of support have been put in place to enable them to reach their full potential, despite their disabilities. The damages that clients recover can have a significant positive impact on their lives, and the lives of those supporting them.

World Cerebral Palsy Day is dedicated to promoting inclusion, which means standing up for a society that is open minded, educating the public about CP, ensuring that there are opportunities for all, and providing support where it is needed. Doing so gives those with cerebral palsy the greatest chance to fulfil their potential.

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