National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day 2026
March 25th is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, a time to educate, push for inclusion, and find a cure for cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy (CP) affects movement and muscle control, impacting more than 1 million people in the U.S. While treatment options exist, CP has no cure, and many individuals require lifelong care and support.
"Throughout my life, I've faced many challenges, from navigating inaccessible spaces to overcoming societal prejudices."
— Amie Kroessig, Patient Advocate and Outreach Coordinator for Cerebral Palsy Guide living with CP
Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day began in the United States in 2006 with Reaching for the Stars, a parent-led advocacy group. That effort brought national attention to CP and the challenges families face. This year, it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
There’s still progress to be made, and Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day is an opportunity to take action. Getting involved can make a difference.
Wearing green, sharing stories, and supporting CP-focused initiatives all help create lasting change.
Why Raising Awareness on Cerebral Palsy Day Matters
Cerebral palsy is the most common lifelong motor disability, yet awareness and resources are still lagging across the nation. Many families facing a cerebral palsy diagnosis struggle to access specialized care, and research funding remains limited compared to other conditions.
As children with CP transition into adulthood, the lifetime cost of treatment and care can add up to over $1 million for many families. National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day helps drive donations to organizations that work directly with families in need.
By recognizing this day, people can help drive real change and push for a future where individuals with all types of cerebral palsy receive the care, support, and opportunities they deserve.
How to Show Support on Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day
On March 25th, people can show support for the CP community in many ways. The day is an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage action to improve access, care, and research.
Here are 5 ways to participate on National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day:
- Wear green: The official color of the cerebral palsy awareness ribbon, symbolizing growth and resilience.
- Use #GoGreen4CP on social media: Share facts, stories, and advocacy efforts to spread awareness.
- Support CP-focused organizations: Donate or volunteer to help fund research, assistive technology, and community programs.
- Advocate for accessibility: Encourage local businesses, schools, and workplaces to improve accessibility for individuals with CP.
- Educate others: Share information about what causes CP and the importance of early intervention and lifelong care.
Taking action on this day helps amplify the voices of those living with CP and pushes for lasting change in research, health care, and disability rights.
The Impact of Awareness on CP Research and Care
Increased awareness has led to critical advancements in CP research and disability rights.
Federal funding now supports studies on early diagnosis, cerebral palsy prevention, and treatment, while new policies aim to improve accessibility and health care protections.
Milestones made possible by increased CP awareness include:
- $5 million in CP research funding: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are investing in studies to improve early detection, treatment options, and long-term care.
- Expanded cerebral palsy tracking: The CDC now includes CP in its Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, collecting data in several states.
- Stronger disability protections: The update to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act enhances accessibility in health care, public spaces, and digital services.
- Improved medical accessibility: Hospitals and clinics must now provide accessible medical equipment and ensure fair treatment for people with disabilities.
These efforts drive research advancements in cerebral palsy treatment, enhance care, and promote a more inclusive world for individuals with CP.
Supporting the CP Community Beyond Awareness Day
Cerebral palsy advocacy doesn’t end on March 25th. Supporting individuals with CP year-round can help drive continued progress in research, accessibility, and health care.
Many families affected by cerebral palsy face challenges like high medical costs, limited access to specialized care, and barriers to essential resources. Ongoing support can make a meaningful difference in their lives.
If your child has cerebral palsy and you have questions, the team at Cerebral Palsy Guide is here to help. Our registered nurses can discuss treatment costs, legal options, financial assistance, and more — at no cost to you.
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
