World Cerebral Palsy Day is a global observance that shines a spotlight on cerebral palsy (CP) and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. Celebrated every year on October 6th, this day serves as a platform to raise awareness about CP, support those living with the condition, and advocate for greater inclusion and understanding. Children and adults affected by cerebral palsy often face challenges that hinder their full participation in society. The day sheds light on the need for increased awareness, understanding and support for those with cerebral palsy. The theme for World Cerebral Palsy Day in 2023 is “Together Stronger.” This theme highlights the importance of unity, collaboration, and mutual support within the cerebral palsy community and beyond. It emphasizes that when individuals, families, caregivers, and communities come together, they become a powerful force for positive change and inclusion.

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India is the nodal department to look after all the development agenda of Persons with Disabilities of the country. With the vision to create awareness about Cerebral Palsy among the masses, the Department observed the World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6^th October 2023, through the institutions associated with it by conducting activities like Webinar in both Physical and online mode, Awareness generation programmes, Workshops, Assessment and Health check camps, Sensitization programme, Lightning up of the building in Green colour and other recreational activities at more than 70 places across the country.

The main program of the observance of World Cerebral Palsy Day was organized by the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability and Multiple Disability, an autonomous body under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India where a Workshop on World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6^th October 2023 at National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), Auditorium, Dwarka, New Delhi. There were panel discussions, experience sharing and talks on challenges, needs and facilities for Persons with Cerebral Palsy. The workshop was conducted under the Chairmanship of Sh. Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) and CEO of National Trust Shri K R Vaidheeswaran.

While addressing the workshop Secretary, DEPwD said that there is a need for setting up help line through parents associations. He also said that information about government schemes and facilities for persons with disabilities need to be widely disseminated.

Mr. Mohit Arora, a person with Cerebral Palsy and Branch Manager, Punjab & Sind Bank in his speech said that with firm determination he overcome his disability and now heading a branch of Punjab & Sind Bank. A panel discussion on Facilitating opportunities- A life span approach including People with Disabilities, Parents & Professionals conducted in which an expert, Persons with Cerebral Palsy and Mother with Cerebral Palsy shared their experiences, encouraged participants and put forth their suggestions.

A film on Sambhav: Making Inclusion possible (Assistive Devices for Persons with Cerebral Palsy) was displayed. An exhibition for display and demonstration of various assistive devices and technologies for Persons with Cerebral Palsy was also held.

The workshop was attended by over 100 participants in both the physical and virtual modesthat include NGOs, Professionals, Parents and persons with Cerebral Palsy.

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MG/PD/SD

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