Disability inclusion across Los Angeles continues to grow through collaboration among community organizations, advocates, public agencies, and local leaders. Local advocacy helps translate disability rights into policies, programs, and services that improve access across education, health care, transportation, employment, and civic participation.
Organizations and institutions across Los Angeles raise awareness, inform policy discussions, and strengthen connections between families, service providers, and government systems that support people with disabilities.
Public agencies such as the Los Angeles County Department of Aging and Disabilities and the Los Angeles City Department on Disability help advance disability inclusion through policy coordination, community engagement, and public education across the region. Disability inclusion efforts also intersect with broader civil rights, public health, and community initiatives across Los Angeles.
Inclusive Sol contributes to this local ecosystem by supporting disability awareness, community education, and collaboration that helps connect families, advocates, and institutions working to improve systems of support.
Policy Highlights in Los Angeles
Los Angeles County Cerebral Palsy Motion
On March 6, 2024, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted the County’s first motion focused on cerebral palsy, initiated by Inclusive Sol to strengthen coordination across departments and expand public awareness of cerebral palsy.
Key outcomes to date:
• Launched the County’s inaugural Cerebral Palsy webinar in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities and the Los Angeles County Department of Aging and Disabilities
• A follow-up webinar later became the Department’s most attended disability focused webinar to date
• Expanded community outreach and awareness efforts across Los Angeles County
• Contributed to the development of a countywide disability resource guide currently in progress
Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability and affects individuals across the lifespan, yet individuals with cerebral palsy and their families often face challenges finding coordinated information and resources.
LAUSD World Cerebral Palsy Day Resolution
On September 11, 2024, the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education adopted a resolution recognizing World Cerebral Palsy Day. The resolution was initiated by Inclusive Sol, in partnership with the office of Board Member Scott Schmerelson, to increase awareness of cerebral palsy within one of the nation’s largest public school systems.
Key outcomes to date:
• Established annual recognition of World Cerebral Palsy Day across the district
• Encourages ability awareness activities and inclusive education practices in schools
• Supports staff awareness of assistive technology and communication access
• Inspired a districtwide Listen and Learn campaign led by LAUSD’s Special Education Division to identify barriers experienced by students with disabilities
These efforts help strengthen awareness, accessibility, and inclusion for students with cerebral palsy and other disabilities across school communities.
Additional details about these initiatives and their impact across Los Angeles are provided below.
Fostering Inclusion: Join the Movement for Cerebral Palsy Awareness in LA Schools
Inclusive Sol is proud to announce that the resolution to recognize World Cerebral Palsy Day was passed by the LAUSD Board of Education on September 11, 2024.
This transformative resolution, initiated by Inclusive Sol in partnership with the office of Scott Schmerelson (Board District 3), introduces concrete measures to enhance inclusivity, awareness, and support for students with cerebral palsy and other disabilities throughout the district.
This resolution reaffirms LAUSD’s commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, creating a future where children with disabilities can thrive.
Key Highlights of the Resolution:
- Official Recognition: LAUSD will officially recognize World Cerebral Palsy Day, promoting acceptance and inclusion for students with CP throughout the district.
- Awareness Campaigns: The district will initiate awareness campaigns, offering resources to families and schools, with at least one annual event to support students with disabilities.
- Inclusive Education Practices: LAUSD staff are encouraged to integrate adaptive learning practices and ensure compliance with laws like ADA, IDEA, and Section 504.
- Recess and Lunchtime Inclusion: By March 2025, schools will develop inclusive recess and lunch programs supported by staff training.
- Training Programs: Teachers, staff, and students will undergo training on how to support students with CP, with a focus on inclusive teaching, communication, and assistive technology.
- Ability Awareness: Schools will engage in ability awareness activities around World Cerebral Palsy Day and incorporate them into classroom lesson plans.
LA County's First-Ever Cerebral Palsy Webinar Sets Attendance Record and Advances Support for Families
On August 14, 2024, the LA County Commission on Disabilities, in collaboration with the LA County Aging & Disabilities Department, hosted its inaugural webinar on cerebral palsy—marking a significant step forward in supporting individuals with cerebral palsy and their families. This event was the department’s most-attended webinar to date.
Why It Matters:
Earlier this year, the LA Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the first-ever motion dedicated to cerebral palsy, initiated by Inclusive Sol. This motion is a commitment to lasting change, with the webinar serving as the first action step to raise awareness and advocate for ongoing government support.
Since 2022, Inclusive Sol and the LA Department of Aging & Disabilities have worked together to assist families navigating cerebral palsy. This webinar was not just an event but a celebration of community and collaboration, pushing us toward a future where support is accessible to all.
The Importance of This Work:
- LA sees over 295 babies born with cerebral palsy annually, yet resources remain scarce. Inclusive Sol aims to fill this gap by offering free resources, support groups, and essential connections for families.
- The historic motion passed by the LA Board of Supervisors is just the beginning. Continued efforts like this webinar are paving the way for more significant changes.