March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on cerebral palsy, the leading cause of childhood physical disability in the United States. Cerebral palsy encompasses a group of permanent neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and motor skills, impacting millions of individuals and families across the country.
This year holds special significance. It marks the second anniversary of L.A. County’s official proclamation recognizing March as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. Since its passage, the proclamation has helped advance awareness, strengthen coordination across County departments serving residents with disabilities, and reaffirm L.A. County’s commitment to inclusion and access for all. These efforts align with the Aging & Disabilities Department’s Disability Services Strategic Plan, which prioritizes coordinated systems, community engagement, and improved access to services for people with disabilities.
A webinar held in conjunction with the proclamation, “Empowering Voices: Navigating Life with Cerebral Palsy and Advocating for Inclusion,” became the department’s most attended webinar to date, a testament to is the importance of raising awareness and sharing lived experiences.
Featuring disability rights advocates and medical experts, the webinar gave viewers an in-depth look at the everyday realities of living with cerebral palsy, including navigating healthcare systems and advocating for greater inclusion across all aspects of life.