Today marks World Cerebral Palsy Day, a global initiative that began in 2012 and has since reached over 10 million people worldwide. The goal is simple yet powerful: to make sure individuals with cerebral palsy have the same opportunities and rights as everyone else, which is at the heart of the role of rehabilitation professionals.

There are over 17 million people with cerebral palsy. The physical functioning of people with cerebral palsy is affected, such as altered movement patterns and posture. But it’s more than that. Many people with cerebral palsy also face real challenges related to vision, hearing, and communication. The impact can range from mild to severe, affecting daily activities like talking, eating, writing, and dressing.

Many children with cerebral palsy benefit from the help of the rehabilitation team. As experts in movement and function, rehabilitation professionals play a vital part in the lives of those with cerebral palsy. Strategies can include activity planning, adaptive equipment, orthotics, and exercises to optimise function and social interaction.

World Cerebral Palsy Day is a chance to celebrate our amazing rehabilitation professionals and ensure a future in which children and adults with cerebral palsy have the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else in our society. We can all help by raising awareness of the voices of the millions of people with cerebral palsy worldwide, through learning and educating others about the condition. There are many pages on Physiopedia dedicated to cerebral palsy, including insights into diagnosis, treatment options, and available resources – just follow the links throughout this article to learn more and see the full range of Physiopedia resources on cerebral palsy here. Let’s stand together for a future where every move matters – learn, share and join the conversation throughout the day on social media using the hashtags  #WorldCPDay and #MillionsOfReasons.