World Cerebral Palsy Day 2023

Global, 6 October 2023 (TDI): On October 6 every year, the world celebrates “World Cerebral Palsy Day” which is a worldwide event dedicated to raising awareness about cerebral palsy (CP) and its effects on individuals and societies.

CP is a physical impairment that disrupts body movement and posture. Individuals with cerebral palsy often experience associated challenges related to vision, hearing, communication, and mobility.

Its effects can vary from mild weakness in one limb to severe limitations in voluntary movement.

Individuals, both children and adults, who are impacted by cerebral palsy frequently encounter obstacles that impede their complete participation in society.

Global CP Day was initiated in 2012, this movement was established by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance to unite individuals living with cerebral palsy, their families, allies, and organizations from more than 100 nations.

In 2022 this movement reached over 10 million people and about 17 million people in the world are living with cerebral palsy.

This day provides a platform for increasing awareness of CP, offering assistance to individuals affected by the condition, and promoting greater inclusivity and comprehension. It highlights the necessity for enhanced awareness, understanding, and support for those with CP.

This year’s theme of the CP Day is “Together Stronger.” This theme underscores the significance of unity, cooperation, and mutual support within the cerebral palsy community and broader society.

It emphasizes that when individuals, families, caregivers, and communities unite, they become a formidable catalyst for positive transformation and inclusiveness.

Significant figures with CP

Christy Brown, an Irish writer was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that rendered him incapable of controlling any of his limbs except for his left foot. His mother, who had 12 other children and opted not to institutionalize him, instructed him in reading.

Using his sole functional limb, he learned to write and later to type. In 1954, he achieved considerable success with his autobiography “My Left Foot,” and in 1970, he authored the widely popular “Down All the Days.”

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Jhamak Kumari Ghimire, a Nepali author, was born in 1980 with cerebral palsy and composed her writings using her left foot. She has received prestigious awards in Nepalese literature, including the Madan Puraskar, which is the most renowned literary award for outstanding contributions.

Her autobiography “Jiwan Kada Ki Phool” earned her this recognition, and she has also been honored with awards such as the Kabita Ram Bal Sahitya Prativa Puraskar (2015), Aswikrit Bichar Sahitya Puraskar (2016), and a prior Madan Puraskar in 2010.