World Cerebral Palsy Day 2022: History, Significance, And All You Need To Know

Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or abnormality when a child's brain is developing. It generally impairs muscular coordination and mobility.

World Cerebral Palsy Day 2022 (Image Source: Getty)

Source : Getty

New Delhi: Every year World Cerebral Palsy Day is commemorated on October 6 which reminds us about more than 17 million people who are victims of this disorder. This day also brings together people living with cerebral palsy, their families, friends, supporters, and organisations from more than 100 countries. Founded by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance the goal of this day is of ensuring that children and people with cerebral palsy have the same rights, access, and opportunities as everyone else in our society in the future.

World Cerebral Palsy Day 2022: A brief about cerebral palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or abnormality when a child's brain is developing. It generally impairs muscular coordination and mobility. 

Cerebral Palsy was traditionally assumed to be caused by problems during childbirth. While this does occur, it is now commonly accepted that birth problems account for just a tiny number of Cerebral Palsy cases, estimated at 10%.

According to current research, the majority of Cerebral Palsy cases are caused by abnormal brain development or brain damage before birth or during labour and delivery. Some recognised risk factors for Cerebral Palsy include accidents, abuse, medical malpractice, neglect, infections, and injuries.

World Cerebral Palsy Day 2022: A brief history

Dr. William John Little, the first person to investigate Cerebral Palsy, was born in 1810. A century later, Harry Jennings created the first contemporary foldable wheelchair, in 1932. His goal was to make those with motor disabilities happier.

This was closely followed by the establishment of The United Cerebral Palsy Association, in 1948 with the purpose to assist people with cerebral palsy in receiving a better diagnosis, treatment, and financing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention undertook the first large-scale Cerebral Palsy research in the United States to better understand the disorder's prevalence and effect.

Later, in 2012, The Cerebral Palsy Alliance declared October 6th as World Cerebral Palsy Day with the goal to bring together persons with cerebral palsy, their families, supporters, and organisations from more than 100 nations.

World Cerebral Palsy Day 2022: Theme 

Every World Cerebral Palsy Day, people all around the world come together to celebrate and support those living with cerebral palsy, embracing diversity, and working to make the future more accessible for all.

Around the world, there are about 1 billion people who are disabled. The goal of this year's 2022 Millions Of Reasons Campaign is to embrace diversity and contribute to a more accessible future for all.