Shining a Light on Cerebral Palsy: LA City Hall Glows Green for Awareness and Accessibility
Lighting Up LA City Hall: On March 25, 2024, Los Angeles City Hall was illuminated in green for Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, a powerful statement about the importance of awareness and accessibility.
Through the lens of Inclusive Sol: A Beacon of Advocacy for Cerebral Palsy! Advocacy is crucial for several reasons:
- Awareness and Education: Advocacy efforts help raise awareness about cerebral palsy, its effects, and the challenges individuals face.
- Access to Resources: Advocacy ensures that individuals with cerebral palsy access necessary resources, including medical care, therapy, assistive devices, and educational support.
- Policy Change: Advocacy can drive local, national, and international policy changes to support individuals with cerebral palsy better.
- Empowerment: Advocacy empowers individuals with cerebral palsy and their families to speak up for their rights, needs, and preferences.
- Breaking Stigma and Discrimination: Advocacy efforts work to break down stigma, discrimination, and misconceptions surrounding cerebral palsy by advocating for inclusion and equality.
Inclusive Sol is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Councilwoman Heather Hutt and the 10th District. Together, we illuminate city hall and foster a more inclusive environment for individuals with cerebral palsy and their families in LA!
Milestone Moment: Los Angeles Passes Historic Cerebral Palsy Motion
Celebrate a Milestone for Inclusion!
In March 2024, Inclusive Sol spearheaded the first-ever CP motion passed by the LA Board of Supervisors, a landmark achievement to improve resources and services for families affected by CP. We didn’t just advocate for a proclamation—we championed tangible change!
Recommendation as Submitted by Supervisor Mitchell:
Proclaim March as “Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month”
- Encourage County employees to wear a green ribbon on March in honor of individuals living with cerebral palsy.
- Acknowledge the family members and activists who come together each March to advocate for the cerebral palsy community.
Instruct the Director of Aging and Disabilities to work with the Director of Health Services and the Commission on Disabilities
- Report back to the Board in writing within 120 days on the following:
- Resources currently available in the County for people with cerebral palsy and similar muscular disabilities.
- Details on the different age groups for which these resources are available.
Instruct the Director of Aging and Disabilities to work in collaboration with the Director of Public Health and relevant Department Heads
- Report back to the Board in writing within 120 days to:
- Identify opportunities for outreach and awareness of cerebral palsy and similar disabilities.
- Evaluate existing resources available through the California Children’s Services program, operated by the Department of Public Health.
- Leverage existing relationships with external stakeholders working toward similar goals.
Data and Needs Assessment
- Identify the data currently available regarding the rates of incidence of cerebral palsy and similar disabilities among County residents.
- This includes demographic data regarding race, ethnicity, age, and disease rates by service planning area.
- Also consider data outside of the California Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (State-level data).
- Identify the data needed to conduct a needs assessment in the County to understand how many children and adults suffer from cerebral palsy and similar disabilities, and the corresponding need for services.
Additional Recommendations
- Create a resource guide for residents in need of services.
- Host a biannual online meeting with community partners to facilitate the sharing of information and best practices in serving individuals diagnosed with cerebral palsy.