World Cerebral Palsy Day (WCPD) is annually observed across the globe on 6th October to raise awareness of Cerebral Palsy (CP) to ensure a future where children and adults with cerebral palsy have the same rights, access, and opportunities as everyone else in society.
- CP is a neurological disorder that affects motor abilities and muscle mobility
Theme:
The theme of World Cerebral Palsy Day 2024 is “#UniquelyCP”.
- The theme of WCPD highlights raising awareness that a person’s disability is not their entire identity, their unique capabilities and strengths help them achieve their goals in life.
Background:
i.In 2012, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance declared 6th October as WCPD.
ii.Cerebral Palsy Day began with a small campaign called “Change My World in One Minute”, initiated by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance in Australia
About Cerebral Palsy:
i.Cerebral palsy is a physical disability that mainly impacts movement and posture, often involving additional difficulties with vision, hearing, communication, muscle control, balance, and mobility.
ii.Cerebral palsy is typically caused by damage to the developing brain either during pregnancy or shortly after birth.
iii.Types: Spastic Cerebral Palsy, Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy, Ataxic Cerebral Palsy, Mixed Cerebral Palsy and Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy.
Key facts:
According to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF):
- Around 17 million people worldwide have some form of cerebral palsy. Another 350 million people are closely connected to a child or adult with cerebral palsy.
- Effects: 1 in 4 children with CP cannot talk, 1 in 4 cannot walk, 1 in 2 have an intellectual disability and 1 in 4 have epilepsy.
2024 Event:
To commemorate 2024 WCPD, activities may include awareness campaigns, fundraising events, and educational workshops designed to improve support and services for those living with CP.
Observance in India:
Under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE), Government of India (GOI), the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation (Intellectual Disability), and Multiple Disabilities organized a National Meet on World Cerebral Palsy Day, October 6, 2024.
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 centre of expertise for CP research, advocacy, intervention, and assistive technology innovation.
Chair– Andrew Buchanan
Headquarters– New South Wales, Australia
Founded– 1945
