World Cerebral Palsy Day (WCPD) is annually observed across the globe on October 6 to raise awareness of Cerebral Palsy (CP) and honour the efforts and accomplishments of people with Cerebral Palsy. CP is a neurological disorder that affects motor abilities and muscle mobility
- WCPD is a global healthcare campaign to ensure a future in which children and adults with cerebral palsy have the same rights, access, and opportunities as anyone else in our society.
The theme for World Cerebral Palsy Day 2023 is “Together Stronger.”
- The theme highlights the importance of unity, collaboration, and mutual support within the CP community and beyond.
Background:
i.In 2012, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) declared World Cerebral Palsy Day to be observed on 6th October every year.
ii.The obsercavance began with a small campaign called “Change My World in One Minute”, started by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance in Australia.
- The campaign aimed for a global change and encouraged people to share ideas for innovative technologies and products that could enhance the lives of individuals with CP.
What is cerebral palsy?
i.It is an umbrella term that refers to a group of disorders affecting a person’s ability to move.
ii.CP is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects a person’s ability to control his or her muscles.
iii.CP affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture, and balance.
- People who have CP may also have visual, learning, hearing, speech, epilepsy, and intellectual impairments.
Types: Spastic Cerebral Palsy, Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy, Ataxic Cerebral Palsy, Mixed Cerebral Palsy.
Key Facts:
i.There are more than 17 million people across the world living with CP. Another 350 million people are closely connected to a child or adult with CP.
ii.It is a complex disability:
- 1 in 4 children with CP cannot talk
- 1 in 4 cannot walk
- 1 in 2 have an intellectual disability
- 1 in 4 have epilepsy.
2023 Events:
i.To commemorate WCPD 2023, CPA opened the competition to individuals and organisations from the CP community to submit their life-changing ideas.
- One individual and one organisation will help shape the challenges for the 2024 Remarkable Design-athon, which brings together designers, developers, and entrepreneurs to bring ideas to life.
ii.CPActive and CPA together organised the World Cerebral Palsy Day Awards ceremony on 20 October 2023. The awards ceremony will be hosted by Australian disability rights advocate Elly Desmarchelier.
- Up to 2 winners will be announced at the World CP Day Awards, with a USD 5,000 cash prize.
Observance in India:
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India is the nodal department for Disability empowerment in India.
- With the objective of raising awareness about CP among the masses, DEPwD has observed World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6th October 2023, by organizing diverse nationwide events through DEPwD-affiliated institutions.
About Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA):
CPA formerly known as The Spastic Centre, is the world’s largest private funder of CP research and also a global center of expertise for CP research, advocacy, intervention, and assistive technology innovation.
Chair of the Board of Directors of CPA– Andrew Buchanan
Headquarters– New South Wales, Australia
Founded in– 1945
