About

Old lady in a wheelchair and a 5 year old boy smilig at the camera

A Global Movement for Change

World Cerebral Palsy Day is a worldwide movement. Every year on October 6, millions of people come together to recognise, celebrate, and take action for the 50 million people living with CP.
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Why it matters

Cerebral palsy cerebral palsy is the most common lifelong physical disability, yet it remains one of the most underfunded and overlooked disability and global health issues.
Many people living with cerebral palsy face barriers from lack of access to healthcare and education to social exclusion and employment discrimination.

World CP Day exists to change that.

50+ million

people worldwide live with cerebral palsy

350+ million

parents, family members and caregivers are directly affected

What we stand for

We believe in a world where every person with cerebral palsy has the same rights, opportunities, and access as everyone else.

Celebration

Honouring the unique stories of the cerebral palsy community. This is about celebration, not sympathy.

Awareness

Shining a light on cerebral palsy, challenging outdated assumptions, and replacing stereotypes with solidarity.

Action

Driving real change in attitudes, policies, and systems – by focusing on strengths, not perceived limitations.

We celebrate individuality, champion inclusion, and stand united for a better, fairer future.

The History of World CP Day

World Cerebral Palsy Day started with a simple but powerful idea: to give people with cerebral palsy a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Since then, it has grown into a global movement.
2012

World CP Day is founded by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance (Australia) and United Cerebral Palsy (USA), bringing together individuals and organisations from over 100 countries.

The inaugural World CP Day campaign, 'Change my World' launches, inviting people with cerebral palsy to submit ideas to improve lives. The winning idea was a solar-powered wheelchair.

2013-2020

Global participation grows, with thousands of events, campaigns, and advocacy efforts making an impact worldwide.

2021

Millions of Reasons campaign launched, reaching over 18 million people from the WCPD social channels.

2022-2023

10 years after the initial WCPD campaign, the idea was relaunched, asking people living with cerebral palsy to submit ideas for technology solutions that would meet their unique and currently unmet needs. Over the two years we saw almost 900 ideas coming from the community.

2024

The #UniquelyCP campaign 24.5 million people, encouraging those living with cerebral palsy to share their stories.

WCPD partnered with global entertainment brand Disney+ to exclusively premiere the trailer of 'Out of My Mind', a story of a young girl with cerebral palsy, to the World CP Day community.

2025 & Beyond

World CP Day continues to build momentum, with a renewed focus on driving policy change, securing global funding, and strengthening the CP360 movement.

CP360

World CP Day has always been more than a celebration—it’s been a global catalyst for action. Year after year, through the voices of people with cerebral palsy, their families, and partner organisations, one message became clear: The CP community wanted more than just awareness. They wanted a coordinated movement to drive real change. CP360 was born from this demand.

After decades of mobilisation and advocacy, CP360 formalises the next phase of the movement—a powerful global coalition dedicated to advancing research, early detection, and lifelong care for people with cerebral palsy, and ensuring recognition and support at every stage of life.

With the support of leading cerebral palsy organisations and over 200 partners in more than 50 countries, CP360 is leading the charge in:

  • Broadening awareness and understanding of cerebral palsy
  • Advocating for global policy change at the WHO level
  • Pushing for increased global investment in cerebral palsy research, prevention, and lifelong care

World CP Day started the conversation. CP360 is bringing the community together to create lasting impact. By taking part in World CP Day, you’re not just raising awareness—you’re shaping the future of cerebral palsy globally.

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