Pause. Connect. Belong.

Community makes space for us to breathe, share, and feel less alone.

OVERVIEW

Pause & Connect is a monthly space for caregivers of people with cerebral palsy to breathe, feel supported, and connect in community.

PURPOSE

To create a safe and nurturing online space where parents and caregivers of people with cerebral palsy can pause from daily routines, connect with others who understand, and feel seen and supported.

WHY WE GATHER

To connect the CP community, share experiences, and exchange practical ideas that help us support ourselves and our loved ones with confidence and connection at every age and stage.

FORMAT

Zoom Video Conference
 Session times rotate monthly:

  • 2nd Wednesday — 12:00–1:00 pm PST
  • 4th Thursday — 6:00–7:00 pm PST

Each month offers one peer-led session.

2026 CALENDAR

RSVP Directly on Eventbrite

  • January – Wed, Jan 14, 2026 · 12:00–1:00 pm PST
  • February – Thu, Feb 26, 2026 · 6:00–7:00 pm PST
  • March – Wed, Mar 11, 2026 · 12:00–1:00 pm PST
  • April – Thu, Apr 23, 2026 · 6:00–7:00 pm PST
  • May – Wed, May 13, 2026 · 12:00–1:00 pm PST
  • June – Thu, Jun 25, 2026 · 6:00–7:00 pm PST
  • July – Wed, Jul 8, 2026 · 12:00–1:00 pm PST
  • August – Thu, Aug 27, 2026 · 6:00–7:00 pm PST
  • September – Wed, Sep 9, 2026 · 12:00–1:00 pm PST
  • October – Thu, Oct 22, 2026 · 6:00–7:00 pm PST
  • November – Wed, Nov 11, 2026 · 12:00–1:00 pm PST
  • December – Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 6:00–7:00 pm PST

TESTIMONIAL

“I’m Annamarie, a parent to an 8 ½-year-old with right-side hemi cerebral palsy (CP). Our journey from an emergency c-section to navigating our son Jack’s stroke at birth has taught us resilience and determination. Managing his epileptic spasms and therapy for his thriving development has been a significant part of our lives.

Understanding the unique blend of benefits and challenges that come with parenting a child with a disability, I’ve found a pocket of comfort in the Inclusive Sol support group. In this community, judgment takes a backseat, allowing us to embrace the ordinary aspects of parenting without scrutiny. Despite the diverse abilities and ages of our children, we share a universal understanding born from our collective experiences.

My background as a child development specialist hasn’t shielded me from feeling guarded in professional settings. However, within this group, I’ve discovered a genuine space where personal connections flourish, enriched by the invaluable experiences of fellow parents raising children with CP. This depth of connection and personal investment sets it apart from conventional online forums like Facebook groups.

The peer-to-peer connections here offer both acceptance and emotional support, creating a unique blend of social interaction, advocacy, and expanded awareness. While it may be challenging to open up and be vulnerable, the lasting benefits far outweigh the initial discomfort. Consider joining Inclusive Sol for a space where understanding, support, and growth converge.”

~Annamarie Dopheide

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO CONNECT AND FIND SUPPORT

NONPROFITS/AGENCIES

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) & Regional Centers (California)

For families in California, Regional Centers and local United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) affiliates offer a range of connection opportunities, including support groups, workshops, and community events for parents and caregivers of people with cerebral palsy. Availability and format vary by location, so families are encouraged to contact their local Regional Center or UCP affiliate to learn what options are currently offered.

State Developmental Disability Agencies (Outside California)

Families outside California can look to their state’s Developmental Disabilities (DD) or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) agency, typically housed within the Department of Health or Human Services. These agencies play a role similar to California’s Regional Centers and commonly offer support groups, family education, and community connection opportunities—either directly or through local partners.

Search tip: Try “Developmental Disabilities services” or “I/DD services” plus your state name.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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