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A permanent and often debilitating condition, cerebral palsy, affects thousands of babies born in the United States each year. Parents may find themselves overwhelmed by meeting the number of special needs that may be present for children with cerebral palsy. However, there are numerous cerebral palsy associations throughout the country that help individuals and families find financial, medical, educational and informational resources.
Below is a list of cerebral palsy resources in the U.S. where families can turn to for help:

United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy was founded in 1949 to advance the rights and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. With a nationwide network of affiliates, UCP provides an array of services including:

• Employment assistance
• Training in assistive technologies
• Housing and community living
• Support for individuals and families

The national office of UCP is also involved in legislative advocacy and research initiatives.

Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation
The CPIRF (CPIRF) is an association dedicated to funding research relevant to developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy. Advocacy for research in the areas of prevention, early diagnosis, curative strategies and rehabilitation is the focus of CPIRF.

Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association
Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA) provides information and support to parents of children with hemiplegia or hemiplegic cerebral palsy. By joining CHASA, parents can:

• find other families in their area that are dealing with this type of cerebral palsy
• sign up for an email support group or locate a local support group
• learn  about issues specific to children with hemiplegia
• obtain information about resources and events

Easter Seals
In the early 1900s, Easter Seals was founded to help individuals with special needs and their families. The organization offers a variety of services to people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, including:

• Medical rehabilitation
• Job training
• Child care
• Camping and recreational activities
• Services for caregivers and employers

March of Dimes
This organization is dedicated to the prevention of birth defects, infant mortality and premature birth, which is a risk factor for cerebral palsy. The March of Dimes has a website with information on infant health and other topics of interest to parents of newborns.

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
NICHCY is a resource for learning about programs and services that are available for infants and children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Parents can find out about educational programs (including individualized education programs, or IEPs), state resources, and services for special needs children.

National Disability Sports Alliance
In 1987, United States Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association was the name of this organization that has gone on to coordinate competitive sports events for individuals with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities.

The NDSA specifically formulates athletic rules, implements policies, conducts championship games and selects athletes to represent the United States in international competition.

Locating Cerebral Palsy Associations in Your Area
United Cerebral Palsy has affiliates across the country and can help you locate additional cerebral palsy associations in your area. Some of the associations mentioned above also list resources on their websites.