How can support groups and organizations help?
Cerebral palsy organizations offer a sense of community among those living with CP as well as tangible help towards medical research, caregiving assistance, and financial aid. They are especially valuable for families new to a CP diagnosis who benefit from the knowledge of those with more experience.
Some of the many ways these groups contribute:
- Providing information on leading CP medical specialists and treatment approaches
- Raising money towards cerebral palsy research and clinical trials
- Providing training, rehabilitation, and caregiving support
- Offering a place for families to compare experiences and strategies
- Compiling information on the latest treatment technologies and assistive devices
- Providing stress relief and respite for exhausted caregivers
- Connecting families who may feel isolated from others who understand
Support guides for families
These two guides cover the practical and financial dimensions of life with CP — from daily living strategies to every benefit program your family may qualify for.
Types of cerebral palsy support
Support for CP families comes in several forms. Whether you need a live community, an online group you can access at 3am, professional assistance, or a local event to attend, help is available.
Major cerebral palsy organizations
A number of prominent organizations have emerged to bring awareness and support to those dealing with cerebral palsy. Together they provide assistance, research funding, and advocacy to millions of people each year.
Founded by CP parents to improve services for those with cerebral palsy, UCP helps more than 150,000 people each year through local chapters nationwide. Provides advocacy, employment support, housing resources, and direct services.
Has funded research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of CP for over 70 years. Pioneered new therapy techniques and groundbreaking neurological studies. Also runs the MyCPApp for families and therapy tracking.
Originally founded by FDR to combat polio, March of Dimes now focuses on preventing birth defects, infant mortality, and premature birth. Funds research and supports families navigating early neonatal challenges.
Boasts the largest network of hospitals and members working together to enhance quality of life for people with CP. Patients can support research by joining their community registry at cprn.org.
An advocacy group for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through nationwide local chapters they fund research and advocate for disability rights, housing, employment, and quality of life protections.
The first organization to provide services for children with disabilities. Today provides caregiving, assistive technology, camps, education, therapy, and transportation for over 1.5 million people each year.
An international organization funding CP research and innovation. Has supported efforts to improve prenatal care globally and conducted research aimed at reducing the occurrence rate of cerebral palsy.
A pioneer in empowering parents of children with disabilities. Matches experienced support parents with those newly seeking help — connecting families who have walked the path with those just beginning it.
Most national organizations have local chapters in major metro areas. Search the main websites of UCP, Easterseals, March of Dimes, and The Arc to find chapters and events near you.
Online cerebral palsy support communities
Online support groups allow those dealing with CP to connect with others around the world going through similar circumstances — 24 hours a day, from home. They’re a terrific gateway to local connections and peer knowledge.
The largest dedicated CP group on Facebook. Private and approval-required to foster privacy. Members share questions, ideas, and support for those with CP and their families.
Offers support specifically to parents of children with CP. A busy, active group for sharing practical advice, treatment experiences, and emotional support.
A global community for those with CP and their families to meet, share stories, and support each other across cultural and geographic boundaries.
Connects healthcare providers, researchers, and those affected by CP to discuss the latest research and treatment developments. Great for families interested in clinical trials.
One of the largest health sharing communities online, with an active CP forum providing information, hope, and peer support among 250+ condition-specific groups.
A creative and safe space for moms of children with special needs to socialize, share experiences, and find community with others navigating similar journeys.
Finding cerebral palsy support near you
Most national CP organizations also have local chapters in major metro areas. These satellite organizations fundraise and facilitate help for nearby residents, bringing national resources to the community level.
Through local chapters, families can create networks of support among people with similar experiences close to home. Local events and meet-ups are often organized through online support group forums as well.
To find chapters and resources near you:
- Search the main websites of UCP, Easterseals, March of Dimes, and The Arc for local chapter finders
- Ask your child’s care coordinator, hospital social worker, or pediatric therapy clinic for community resources in your area
- Search Facebook for local CP parent groups specific to your city or state
- Check your state’s disability benefits programs — many connect families to local support services
CP support from legal claims
While CP organizations do a tremendous job raising awareness, funding research, and fighting for patients’ rights, they don’t have the resources to provide direct financial help to individual families. Most families find that government programs and nonprofit support still leave a significant gap.
A CDC study estimated the lifetime cost to care for a person with CP at around $1.7 million in today’s dollars. When insurance, Medicaid, grants, and community support fall short — which they usually do — a birth injury legal claim can be the most significant source of financial support available.
If any medical mistakes during delivery led to your child’s CP, their insurance carrier may be responsible for a lifetime of care costs. Even if you ultimately decide not to proceed with a case, having a lawyer investigate your birth records can give you an honest explanation of what caused your child’s condition.
Contact us today to be connected with a lawyer at no cost. A legal claim may provide lifetime support for your child that isn’t available from any other source. Get a free review today.
Support group & organization FAQs
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF), and Cerebral Palsy Research Network (CPRN) are the largest organizations focused solely on CP. March of Dimes, The Arc, and Easterseals are national organizations that include CP among broader childhood disability missions. Together they serve millions of people each year through research, advocacy, and direct services.
Easterseals raises money to provide direct services including caregiving, assistive technology, education, therapy, camps, and transportation. Local UCP chapters also provide some direct financial aid. However, most national organizations focus on research and advocacy rather than direct family payments. For direct financial assistance, see our disability benefits guide and explore whether a legal claim applies to your situation.
Most national organizations focus on indirect support: funding research, raising awareness, and advocating for policy changes. Direct financial aid may be available through scholarships and grants from local chapters. Online groups and forums provide peer support, information sharing, and community connection for families at every stage of the CP journey.
The Facebook Cerebral Palsy Support Group is currently the largest online group dedicated solely to those with CP or family members, with over 45,000 members. It is a private group requiring approval to join, fostering privacy while providing peer support, answers to questions, and shared experiences.
While support organizations do excellent work raising awareness and funding research, they cannot provide direct financial assistance to individual families. A legal claim filed against the medical providers responsible for a child’s CP can provide lifetime financial support covering therapy, surgery, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and care costs — resources not available from any other source. Contact us today for a free case review.
