Cerebral Palsy Research Network - CPRN

06/12/2026

🗣️ Let’s Talk CP! 💚

What’s happening in the MyCP Discussion Forum? 🧠💬

🟢 Headaches & Secondary Conditions as an Adult
🟢 What are some upsides to CP?
🟢 Freezing of Gait in Cerebral Palsy
🟢 Chronic Pain Options with CP at age 66

Your experiences matter. Your voice matters. Join MyCP to connect, share, and stay informed about cerebral palsy research and real-life experiences. Together, we’re shaping the future of CP care!

🔗 Join today: https://cprn.org/mycp/joinmycp/

ID: ID: A promotional graphic with a bright green abstract background and a cream-colored center panel encourages viewers to "Join MyCP Today" in large, bold text. Below, the graphic invites individuals to join the MyCP online forum to share experiences with cerebral palsy and discuss current and future research. A screenshot of the MyCP discussion forum is featured, displaying community topics related to adult cerebral palsy, chronic pain, advocacy, wellness, and research. The CP Research Network logo appears near the bottom, along with a disclaimer noting that the organization provides educational information and does not offer medical advice.

06/11/2026

📖 Stories That Drive Science

The 2026 Cerebral Palsy Research Network Annual Research Meeting brought together researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, community members, and partners from across the country to collaborate on one shared goal: improving the lifelong health and wellbeing of people with cerebral palsy.

This year's theme, Stories That Drive Science, highlighted the importance of combining scientific discovery with the lived experiences of people with CP and their families. From adulthood and aging with CP to pain, sleep, mental health, dystonia, neurosurgical and orthopedic interventions, and healthcare delivery, the meeting showcased innovative research and meaningful conversations that will help shape the future of CP care.

Most importantly, community voices remained at the center of the discussion, reminding us that the best research is built in partnership with those it serves.

Read the full recap and explore key highlights from the meeting: https://cprn.org/stories-that-drive-science-highlights-from-our-2026-research-meeting/

ID: A large group of researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, community members, and partners gather on a staircase and balcony inside a hotel atrium during the 2026 Cerebral Palsy Research Network Annual Research Meeting. Participants smile for a group photo, representing the collaborative spirit and diverse voices working together to advance cerebral palsy research and care.

06/09/2026

💡 Assistive technology can open doors to communication, creativity, independence, and connection.

A recent national TV ad from AT&T highlights a 7-year-old with cerebral palsy and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) who uses eye-gaze technology to communicate and create music. The commercial highlights how assistive technology (AT) helps individuals express themselves, connect with the world, and participate more fully in everyday life.

For many people with CP and HIE, and other disabilities, AT plays an important role in supporting communication, mobility, health, learning, and daily independence across many settings. Check out the Disability Scoop article to learn more about the ad and AT. Not everyone has access to the tech they need and desire, but as advocacy and awareness continue, we move closer to that reality.

An AT&T commercial centers on a 7-year-old with cerebral palsy and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy who uses eye-gaze technology to communicate — and to play music.

06/08/2026

📊 Did You Know?

Cerebral palsy is diagnosed more frequently in boys than girls.

This finding and others come from national data collected on children living in four U.S. communities that are part of the ADDM network, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The ADDM Network tracks population information in the US about Autism Spectrum Disorder. We rely on this network for some of our CP population tracking (who has CP and how many people have it). This means communities can receive more targeted resources and support. Thanks to CP advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, CDC population tracking for CP is improving! Stay tuned for opportunities to contribute to and support advocacy efforts by our fellow CP orgs.

To learn more about the CDC's CP population tracking visit their website. https://www.cdc.gov/cerebral-palsy/data-research/index.html

ID: A graphic with the heading "Did You Know?" highlights a cerebral palsy fact. The text reads, "Cerebral palsy is diagnosed more frequently in boys than girls." The statement appears in pink and green text inside a large green oval on a light beige background. The CP Research Network logo and website, cprn.org, are displayed at the bottom, with abstract green brushstroke and grid design elements framing the graphic.

06/05/2026

Planning summer travel with cerebral palsy? ☀️✈️

Traveling with a disability can come with extra challenges, but with careful planning, flexibility and lots of patience, summer adventures are possible. From accessible destinations to helpful travel tips from families and wheelchair users, there are more tools than ever to help make traveling smoother and more enjoyable.

Read the full article for summer travel tips, accessibility resources, and inspiration for your next trip, and tell us some of your favorite destinations and why. 🌍♿

🔗 https://cprn.org/cerebral-palsy-traveling/

ID: A young girl wearing sunglasses and a colorful hat sits in a mobility device at the edge of the Grand Canyon, with the canyon's expansive rock formations and a bright blue sky filled with clouds stretching behind her. The photo highlights accessible travel and the opportunity to experience breathtaking destinations.

06/04/2026

“It’s so important to spread awareness of not only the challenges we face every day, but what our true capacity is with proper accessibility accommodations and inclusivity initiatives.” 💚

Thank you to Bree Andrews for this powerful reminder that accessibility and inclusion create opportunities for people with CP to thrive, succeed, and fully participate in their communities.

ID: A quote graphic from the Cerebral Palsy Research Network featuring Bre Andrews shares her message about raising awareness of both the daily challenges and the true potential of people with disabilities when accessibility accommodations and inclusive initiatives are in place. The graphic includes a photo of Bre, decorative quotation marks, and the CPRN logo.

06/03/2026

Perimenopause and menopause can bring noticeable changes in your body and how you feel. From hot flashes and sleep changes to bone health and heart disease risk, understanding these transitions and how to best support your health and wellbeing is important to discuss with your healthcare providers.

Our Adult Toolkit shares information about gynecological, reproductive and breast health and includes informaiton about perimenopause and menopause.

Check it out today beginning on page 86!
🔗 https://cprn.org/our-toolkits/

ID: Graphic titled "Menopause & CP: What You Should Know" on a teal-green background. The center image shows an older woman sitting on a couch indoors, holding a red handheld fan and appearing to cool herself, representing a hot flash. Below the image, text reads: "Adults with CP may face increased health risks during perimenopause and menopause, making awareness and conversations with healthcare providers especially important." The Cerebral Palsy Research Network logo appears at the bottom, with decorative cream-colored abstract shapes framing the design.

06/02/2026

💡 : Looking for practical tools, information, and support for life with cerebral palsy?

The Cerebral Palsy Research Network offers free toolkits/resources to support individuals with CP, family members, and their caregivers!

• The CP Tool Kit
• The Dystonia in Cerebral Palsy Toolkit
• The Wellbeing Guide for Parents and Caregivers
• NEW! The Adult Cerebral Palsy Toolkit

Whether you are newly navigating a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or looking for resources for adulthood, there are a lot of resources here for the community!

Explore all of the toolkits: https://cprn.org/our-toolkits/

ID: Graphic from the Cerebral Palsy Research Network featuring a collection of free educational resources. Several CPRN toolkit covers are displayed on a green background, including The Cerebral Palsy Toolkit: From Diagnosis to Understanding, Navigating Life with Cerebral Palsy (The Adult CP Toolkit), and additional guides for individuals with CP and their families. Photos of children, adults, caregivers, and community members are incorporated into the designs, highlighting the diverse experiences of the cerebral palsy community. The CPRN logo appears at the top, and the words "FREE Resources" are prominently displayed at the bottom.

06/01/2026

🧠💪 Want to improve your health and well-being as an adult with CP?

We’ve teamed up with the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) to offer the MENTOR program — Mindfulness, Exercise, Nutrition To Optimize Resilience for Adults. This FREE 8-week wellness program is designed to help adults with disabilities create lasting healthy habits. 🌿

Here’s what you can expect:

✅ Mindfulness - Focuses on mindfulness to give you a clear and focused outlook on your wellness journey, allowing you to continue to meet your wellness goals long after the program has ended.
✅ Exercise - Adapts to your exercise goals and needs, providing comprehensive classes and equipment.
✅ Nutrition - A registered dietitian will help you create a foundation in nutrition to better your health and be mindful about the foods you put in your body.
✅ Resilience - A holistic approach to resilience merges mental, physical and emotional health to optimize the way you live.
Once delivered exclusively in rehab centers, MENTOR is now available in a more accessible and flexible format to fit your lifestyle. As always, check with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise or wellness routine.

🔗 Learn more about MENTOR: https://cprn.org/mentor-program/

🔗 Discover other wellness programs from NCHPAD: https://www.nchpad.org/nchpad-connect/

ID: Graphic promoting the CP Research Network MENTOR Program, a free mindfulness, exercise, and nutrition program for adults with cerebral palsy offered in partnership with NCHPAD. The image features green and gray branding, highlights the program pillars of Mindfulness, Exercise, Nutrition, Optimize, and Resilience, and includes a photo of two adults, one using a wheelchair. The graphic notes that MENTOR is an 8-week, 40-hour program designed to build knowledge, improve health, and develop sustainable skills.