Our approach

HOW WE WORK

Accelerating Groundbreaking Research, Real-World Implementation, Advocacy, and Knowledge Translation.

At the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, we are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) through a multi-faceted approach. By bringing together leading researchers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and the CP community, we are accelerating advancements in care, treatment, and inclusivity.

NETWORKS OF CHANGE

Our Networks of Change unite industry leaders, researchers, clinicians, and advocates with individuals living with cerebral palsy and their families to achieve the best outcomes for the CP community.

These networks drive collaboration and investment in areas that are traditionally underfunded, fostering innovation and building the infrastructure needed for progress.

Focused on systemic transformation, our approach ensures that individuals with cerebral palsy and their families are at the heart of all our efforts, creating lasting change across healthcare, education, and social inclusion.

  • Research

  • Implementation Science

  • Advocacy & Policy

  • Knowledge Translation & Dissemination

As a foundation, we lead and collaborate with target research efforts the serve the cerebral palsy community across our programmatic areas.

Research is at the core of what we do. The Cerebral Palsy Foundation funds innovative studies that push the boundaries of medical and scientific knowledge. We work closely with academic scientists, healthcare professionals, and industry innovators to explore new treatments, therapies, and technologies. By funding the most promising research, we help advance our understanding of cerebral palsy and improve the lives of people living with CP.

Our research engagements fall within four main categories:

We use proven models of implementation and developed research agendas.

We focus on turning the latest research into real-world solutions. Our clinical implementation efforts bring new treatments and therapies to healthcare providers, ensuring that individuals with cerebral palsy can benefit from the best care available. Whether it’s new diagnostic tools, innovative therapies, or training healthcare professionals, we work to make sure that these advancements are accessible and effective.

Our networks are led by individuals and organizations deeply rooted in the contexts and systems they seek to transform.

Creating Transformational Policy Change at the Federal Level for Cerebral Palsy

We advocate for policies that improve healthcare access and quality of life for people with cerebral palsy. Our advocacy efforts focus on creating systems change, whether through working with governments to shape healthcare policy or engaging with community leaders to raise awareness. By influencing policy and public attitudes, we help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for people with cerebral palsy.

Our work does not happen without the buy-in and involvement of the cerebral palsy community.

All foundation knowledge translation and dissemination efforts are thoughtful and intentional while being led by the cerebral palsy community, for the cerebral palsy community. We are committed to ensuring that the latest research and innovations reach those who need them most. Our knowledge translation and dissemination efforts make complex medical and scientific information easy to understand and accessible to the CP community. Whether through educational materials, online resources, or direct outreach, we ensure that individuals with cerebral palsy and their families are equipped with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their care.

Driving Change for a Better Future for People with Cerebral Palsy

Each year, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation funds initiatives, networks and collaborations that focus on improving the lives of individuals with cerebral palsy. We partner with researchers, clinicians, advocacy groups, policymakers and people with cerebral palsy and their families to promote better healthcare, inclusive education, and access to innovative technologies. Our work is built around clinical implementation, research, advocacy, and knowledge translation to ensure that advancements in cerebral palsy are effectively delivered to those who need them most.

Choosing Priorities

We work closely with individuals and communities affected by cerebral palsy to define priorities for action. By amplifying the voices of those who live with cerebral palsy, we ensure that our efforts are aligned with the real needs of the community. We foster collaboration between local and global initiatives, ensuring that clinical advancements, research breakthroughs, and advocacy efforts lead to meaningful improvements in the lives of people with cerebral palsy.

Decision-Making

The day-to-day work of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation is overseen by our executive leadership team. We also receive critical decision-making guidance from our Board of Directors and Advisory Committees in health and education. Their expertise, combined with our ongoing efforts, ensures that our priorities and initiatives are aligned with the needs of the CP community and are informed by the latest research and best practices.