Cerebral Palsy Associations: Help for Families with a Cerebral Palsy Child

by Darlene Milla

Children with cerebral palsy are likely to have a variety of special needs. This condition puts a lot of stress and pressure on families. They need to know where they can turn for help. There are many cerebral palsy associations in your surrounding area that can help with financial needs, information and education on cerebral palsy.

Some cerebral palsy associations in the United States are listed below:

UCP - United Cerebral Palsy

United Cerebral Palsy was founded in 1949 and offers many services for families that have a child with a disability. They offer child services like the traditional therapy services, residential services such as the independent living program. They also offer vocational services like the adult day services.

Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation

CPIRF was founded in 1955. They are devoted in supporting research related to developmental disabilities. They are dedicated to improving health care services for families. CPIRF supports research in areas like prevention and rehabilitation.

CHASA or The Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association

Another cerebral palsy organization is the Childrens Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA). Parents of children with cerebral palsy known as hemiplegia formed CHASA. CHASA believes in support for the family. They spend their time and money into research and education for families dealing with these issues.

Easter Seals

In the 1900s, Easter Seals was founded to assist special needs people. They are committed in the research of developing disabilities. Families can turn to this association for help with medical rehabilitation, child assistance, activities, and they provide training for employees.

March of Dimes

The March of Dimes believes in giving babies a fighting chance against threats to their health. This organization is devoted to preventing risks such as birth defects, infant mortality, and premature birth Their website has information for parents about topics relevant to caring for newborns with health issues.

NICHCY - National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities

An organization that offers information about specific disabilities is the NICHCY. They believe in early intervention, education rights, and more for families that have children with disabilities. They provide a wealth of information to the nation on such topics as children and youth with disabilities; services for infants and youths with disabilities; IDEA and no child left behind.

NDSA - National Disability Sports Alliance

The National Disability Sports Alliance began as the United States Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association in 1987. Ever since, they have been in charge of organizing competitive sports for people with physically disabling conditions. The NDSA is organized internationally, national and locally. They are responsible for formulating rules, carrying out policies and more.

Cerebral Palsy Associations in Your Neighborhood

There are many associations where families can go to for information regarding their childs disability. Families can go to the associations website to find services in their area.

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