Fostering Inclusion: Join the Movement for Cerebral Palsy Awareness in LA Schools
Inclusive Sol is proud to announce that the resolution to recognize World Cerebral Palsy Day was voted on by the LAUSD Board of Education on September 11, 2024, and passed. This transformative resolution, initiated by Inclusive Sol in partnership with the office of Scott Schmerelson (Board District 3), introduces concrete measures to enhance inclusivity, awareness, and support for students with cerebral palsy and other disabilities throughout the district.
Key Points from the World Cerebral Palsy Day Resolution:
Proclamation of World CP Day: LAUSD will officially recognize October 6 as World Cerebral Palsy Day, promoting acceptance, respect, and inclusion for students with cerebral palsy.
Awareness Campaigns: The district will launch campaigns to expand awareness of cerebral palsy and other disabilities, providing resources to families at Parent Centers and PTA meetings. Schools will host one event per year to share knowledge and support for students with disabilities.
Inclusive Practices: LAUSD encourages staff to integrate inclusive practices and curriculum adaptations, ensuring students with cerebral palsy receive an education tailored to their abilities under laws like ADA, IDEA, and Section 504.
Recess and Lunchtime Inclusion: Schools will develop plans by March 2025 to increase inclusivity during recess and lunch, training staff on inclusive activities and communication.
Teacher, Staff and Student Training: The district will implement training programs for teachers, staff, and students on supporting students with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, focusing on inclusive teaching, communication, legal requirements, and assistive technology.
Ability Awareness: Schools are invited to engage in ability awareness activities in classrooms during the week around World Cerebral Palsy Day, incorporating them into lesson plans at the discretion of school leadership.
Milestone Moment: Los Angeles Passes Historic Cerebral Palsy Motion
Celebrate a Milestone for Inclusion!
We’re thrilled to announce that the first-ever Cerebral Palsy motion in Los Angeles has passed! Voted on by the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors on March 6, 2024, this historic achievement was initiated by Inclusive Sol, a dedicated cerebral palsy (CP) hub committed to supporting families like yours.
We didn’t just advocate for a proclamation—we championed tangible change!
Los Angeles County is poised to lead the nation in fostering a more inclusive environment for individuals with cerebral palsy and their families. Through enhanced local resources, refined data collection at the county level, and streamlined access to essential services, we can make a significant impact.
In a historic moment, on March 25, 2024, Los Angeles City Hall was bathed in green light for the first time ever, marking Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and Day. This remarkable event was made possible through the efforts of Inclusive Sol.
Proclaiming March as “Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month” in Los Angeles County and Bringing Resources to Families Who Have Loved Ones with Disabilities
Recommendation as submitted by Supervisor Mitchell: Proclaim March as “Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month,” and ask County employees to wear a green ribbon on March 25, 2024, in honor of individuals living with cerebral palsy and to acknowledge family members and activists that come together each March to advocate for the cerebral palsy community; instruct the Director of Aging and Disabilities to work with the Director of Health Services and the Commission on Disabilities, and report back to the Board in writing within 120 days on the following:
Resources currently available in the County for people with cerebral palsy and similar muscular disabilities and the different age groups for which these resources are available; and
Instruct the Director of Aging and Disabilities to work in collaboration with the Director of Public Health, and relevant Department Heads, to report back to the Board in writing within 120 days and identify opportunities for outreach and awareness of cerebral palsy and similar disabilities by evaluating existing resources already available through the California Children’s Services program, operated by the Department of Public Health, and to leverage existing relationships with external stakeholders working toward similar goals; identifying the data currently available regarding the rates of incidence of cerebral palsy and similar disabilities among County residents, outside of the California’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (State-level data), including demographic data regarding race, ethnicity, age, and disease rates by service planning area; identifying the data needed to conduct a needs assessment in the County to better understand how many children and adults suffer from cerebral palsy and other similar disabilities and the need for services; and creating a resource guidefor residents in need of service and host a biannual online meeting with community partners to facilitate sharing information and best practices in serving people diagnosed with cerebral palsy.