a smiling woman standing behind a young boy in a wheelchair, both looking happy. The text reads, "Ways to Support Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month."

Ways to Support
Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

March is just around the corner, and it’s almost time to celebrate Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month.

If you’re a Special Education teacher, you might be wondering how to get your class involved in this important month. Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for simple activities or something bigger, there are so many ways you and your students can participate.

Let’s explore these ideas that will make your class an ally for people with Cerebral palsy.

 

What is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month?

a smiling man in a wheelchair wearing a green shirt, extending his arms wide in a bright hallway.

In March, people with Cerebral palsy (CP), along with their families and advocates, come together to support and raise awareness for the Cerebral palsy community.

National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month shines a light on the lives of these individuals. It’s a time to educate the public, advocate for inclusion, and show support for the CP community.

Cerebral palsy is a permanent disability that affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. According to the CDC, CP is the most common motor disability in childhood, with about 1 in 345 children in the U.S. diagnosed. CP is lifelong, so affects these kids into their adulthood. 

 

an illustrated person using a walker, alongside the text, "Cerebral palsy is a spectrum, so is different for everyone."

The effects of Cerebral palsy on a person’s life can vary significantly. Some have mild differences, like trouble with coordination, while others may need maximum support for ambulating (or other daily tasks). CP can also come with other challenges like speech delays, vision or hearing problems, or seizures.

Since Cerebral palsy looks different for everyone, learning about it helps us better understand and support those who have it.

However, understanding Cerebral palsy isn’t just about recognizing the physical challenges. It’s also important to recognize the emotional and financial challenges that individuals with CP and their families may face.

That’s why we have National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month! This month-long campaign started in 2006 by Reaching for the Stars, an advocacy group run by parents who wanted to bring attention to children with CP.

The month also includes Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, observed on March 25, where people are encouraged to wear green—the official color of Cerebral palsy awareness.

Today, the movement has grown worldwide, with events and educational programs to help spread awareness.

Why Should You Participate?

a smiling young woman with glasses and wavy blonde hair, wearing a pink blouse, sitting in a wheelchair outdoors. She is extending her hands forward playfully.

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month isn’t just about learning—it’s about making a difference. When you support this movement, you and your students become allies for the CP community.

Since this awareness movement started, positive changes have been seen. Schools are starting programs to help students understand disabilities, businesses are hiring more neurodivergent people, and leaders are working to fund research and better support for individuals with Cerebral palsy.

By joining, you’re helping to spread awareness, break stereotypes, and inspire others to take action. Together, we can create a future where everyone feels included and supported.

 

How to Get Involved During
Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

Here are some simple and meaningful ways to participate in Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month with your students:

#1: Learn About Cerebral Palsy

The first step to understanding Cerebral palsy is learning about it. Teach your students what CP is, how it affects people, and how everyone’s experience with CP is unique.

You can have them watch a video or movie about Cerebral palsy, like the 1989 film “My Left Foot.” They can also read books, not necessarily textbooks, but some novels or short stories highlighting life with CP.

Or better yet, invite a guest speaker with CP or a family member so your students can listen to their stories and learn to build empathy and connection. Check out this blog post by a woman with Cerebral Palsy sharing her lived experience. 

For a deeper dive into teaching Cerebral palsy, other disabilities, and neurodiversity, explore this editable lesson on Disability Awareness and Neurodiversity. Here, you’ll find a lengthy lesson on the history of disabilities, ableism, physical disabilities, neurodiversity, developmental disabilities, and mental health differences.

 

#2: Wear Green

An effortless way to participate is by wearing green! Green is the official color of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month.

Wear green on March 25 to show support for the CP community, take a photo, and don’t forget to post it online!

#3: Spread the Word Online

Speaking of posting a photo, you and your students can use social media to raise awareness. You can post a photo with your class wearing green and holding a CP poster, or share an article about CP.

Use the official hashtag #GoGreen4CP whenever you post to show your support for the movement.

Here are some online resources to share, created by Erin Noon Kay, a disabled adult with Cerebral palsy:

Claiming Disability Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Yn4fadpSRth3tRTRkiLaH


#4: Adjust Disability Language

Using the right words matter. Teach your students to use respectful and inclusive language and avoid harmful labels when talking about disabilities. Terms like “handicapped” can feel outdated or offensive to some people, including those with CP.

Check out these disability terms you should know!

You can have a role-play activity where your students practice using positive, inclusive language or display a classroom chart with examples of respectful terminologies and harmful labels.

For your Special Education class, why not use a social narrative lesson format? Check out this My Disability Awareness | Editable Lesson & Activity. It’s an editable lesson that you can use to teach your students why the word “disability” isn’t negative, all about their own disability (including Cerebral palsy), the beauty of neurodiversity, and affirm why having a different brain or body can be wonderful while also having challenges. It includes visuals, activities, and questions to help students explore their unique disability profiles.

 

#5: Attend CP Events

If you’ve heard of a local event in your community, try to join it! Participate in local walks, fundraisers, or fairs to support the Cerebral palsy community.

Or, if you have the resources, why not go all out and hold an event? You can plan a field trip to a CP event or organize an awareness walk at your school.

#6: Join or Start a Fundraiser

Raise money to support Cerebral palsy research and services! I know this may sound like a big task, but there are actually simple ways to do this. Try hosting a bake sale, coin drive, or even a student-run business like a coffee-cart delivery service!

Even a small amount of money can make a big difference. You can donate it to a local CP community or advocate group to support their activities.

 

an illustration of two individuals touching foreheads in a supportive and affectionate manner. Behind them is a stylized brain, symbolizing understanding, connection, and neurological diversity.

Celebrating Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is a wonderful way to teach your students about inclusion, kindness, and understanding. By learning, spreading the word, or simply wearing green, you’re helping to create a more accepting world.

Remember, even small actions can make a big difference!