Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month 2026
March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and push for better research, treatment, and support.
Cerebral palsy (CP) affects movement and muscle control, making everyday tasks more challenging for the more than 1 million people in the U.S. living with it.
"Throughout the day, tasks that may seem simple to others, like doing housework, running errands, commuting, or socializing, can drain a significant amount of my energy."
— Amie Kroessig, Patient Advocate and Outreach Coordinator for Cerebral Palsy Guide living with CP
The CP awareness initiative began in 2006 with Reaching for the Stars, a parent-led advocacy group that helped bring national attention to the various types of cerebral palsy. 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day.
Over the years, efforts to raise awareness of cerebral palsy have led to stronger disability protections, increased research funding, and a growing push for accessibility.
There’s still work to do, and this month is an opportunity to support the CP community and help create lasting change.
March 25th Is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day
While the entire month of March is recognized as National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, March 25th is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day.
Cerebral Palsy Day serves as a time to highlight the experiences of people with CP, promote inclusion, and encourage advocacy efforts.
Many people show their support on Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day by wearing green, sharing information, and participating in events that raise awareness for all types of cerebral palsy.
Why Cerebral Palsy Awareness Matters
Cerebral palsy is the most common lifelong physical disability, affecting movement, muscle strength, and coordination.
Raising awareness is important because CP can impact individuals in different ways. As a result, more research, education, and policy improvements are needed to enhance the lives of those affected.
Here are 5 reasons cerebral palsy awareness is important:
- Over 1 million people in the U.S. live with cerebral palsy.
- About 10,000 babies are diagnosed with CP each year.
- Awareness leads to better health care, education, jobs, and accessibility.
- Advocacy helped secure $5 million in CP research funding.
- Disability protections have improved, but people with CP still face barriers.
Recognizing Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month helps ensure that individuals with CP receive the resources, care, and opportunities they deserve.
3 Ways to Get Involved and Show Your Support in 2026
Anyone can participate in Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and support the CP community. There are many ways to spread awareness, encourage inclusivity, and advocate for change. Learn how you can help below.
1. Wear Green and Use #GoGreen4CP
Green is the official cerebral palsy ribbon color, symbolizing hope, advocacy, and progress. Wearing green during Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is an easy way to show support for individuals with CP.
Sharing information online can also help raise awareness. Social media users can participate by using #GoGreen4CP and posting relevant content.
These actions help bring attention to the condition, like what causes cerebral palsy, while fostering a more supportive and inclusive environment.
2. Spread Awareness in Schools and Workplaces
Education is key to increasing understanding and inclusion for individuals with CP. Schools and workplaces can take steps to promote disability awareness and accessibility.
Here are several ways to spread CP awareness:
- Community leaders can promote inclusivity by advocating for businesses and public spaces to be more accommodating to people with CP.
- Schools can introduce disability awareness programs, such as the Cerebral Palsy Foundation’s “Just Say Hi” program, which encourages meaningful conversations between students with and without disabilities.
- Workplaces can improve accessibility by using adaptive technology, flexible work arrangements, and inclusive hiring practices.
By improving education and accessibility, more people living with cerebral palsy can feel supported and empowered in their everyday lives.
3. Advocate for Research and Policy Change
Advocacy plays a vital role in improving cerebral palsy treatment options, accessibility, and overall quality of life for people with CP.
In recent years, legislative efforts have helped increase funding for CP research and strengthen protections for people with disabilities.
Legislative Wins for Cerebral Palsy Research
Federal policy and research funding play an important role in improving cerebral palsy detection, treatment, and long-term care.
Recent legislative efforts around CP include:
- Congress passed $5 million in CP research funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance studies.
- New NIH-funded work is exploring tools to guide lifelong care for adults with cerebral palsy, reflecting a growing research focus on adult outcomes.
- The CDC tracks CP prevalence through the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network in several states, including Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee, Utah, and Georgia.
- The NIH is expanding research to improve early detection, cerebral palsy prevention, and treatment outcomes across a person’s lifetime.
Increased funding and research efforts help improve medical care, develop new treatments, and support families affected by CP.
Stronger Disability Protections
In May 2024, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) updated Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The changes reinforce civil rights protections for individuals with disabilities.
These updates address critical areas of accessibility and discrimination in health care and public services.
Key improvements from the Section 504 update include:
- Accessible medical equipment, like mobility aids, in hospitals and clinics
- Improved accessibility for health care services and government websites
- Stronger protections against discrimination in treatment and public services
These updates help ensure that people with CP receive fair treatment, have access to proper care, and can navigate public spaces without unnecessary barriers.
Supporting the Cerebral Palsy Community Year-Round
Cerebral palsy awareness should continue beyond March. There are many ways to support individuals with CP throughout the year. This includes advocating for research, increasing accessibility, and raising awareness.
Every effort helps make the world a more inclusive place for people living with CP.
Many families impacted by cerebral palsy face significant challenges, including medical expenses, accessibility issues, and a lack of resources.
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you need guidance on treatment costs, legal options, or financial assistance, our team at Cerebral Palsy Guide is here to help.
Call (855) 220-1101 or download our free Cerebral Palsy Guide to learn more.
Written by:Cerebral Palsy GuideCerebral Palsy Guide was founded upon the goal of educating families about cerebral palsy, raising awareness, and providing support for children, parents, and caregivers affected by the condition. Our easy-to-use website offers simple, straightforward information that provides families with medical and legal solutions. We are devoted to helping parents and children access the tools they need to live a life full of happiness
