HR0752 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0752 LRB104 21229 ECR 35830 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Cerebral palsy is the most common lifelong physical disability in the world, affecting more than one million Americans and an estimated more than 50 million people globally; and

WHEREAS, Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders affecting motor and developmental skills that is neither a genetic nor contagious condition; rather, it is caused due to brain damage or abnormal brain development during gestation, birth, or soon thereafter; and

WHEREAS, The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary greatly from individual to individual, with symptoms diversely impacting coordination, balance, and movement, creating lifelong and progressive changes for a person living with cerebral palsy; and

WHEREAS, National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month was established in 2006 by Reaching for the Stars (RFTS), a non-profit educational advocacy group led by parent volunteers under the guidance of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation who wanted to change the future of cerebral palsy; and

WHEREAS, The Cerebral Palsy Foundation has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of millions of people worldwide with cerebral palsy through cutting-edge research, improving early detection, and changing lives through policy change and public investment; and

WHEREAS, There is a significant lack of resources and funding for cerebral palsy research investment and better healthcare; and

WHEREAS, The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is committed to funding innovative research that improves the lives of individuals with cerebral palsy through research grants and donations; and

WHEREAS, National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month further encourages individuals to consider ways to be more inclusive towards those who live with the condition, and, most importantly, this observance allows people to learn how they can become long-term allies of the cerebral palsy community; and

WHEREAS, National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is held annually in March to provide an educational opportunity for those outside the cerebral palsy community to learn about the condition and about life with cerebral palsy; and

WHEREAS, Individuals with cerebral palsy make diverse and significant contributions to their communities by acting as advocates for systemic change and by raising awareness and fostering inclusive environments within their families, workplaces, and communities; and

WHEREAS, "Just Say Hi!" is an award-winning, PK-12 school-wide disability inclusion curriculum and program created by the Cerebral Palsy Foundation that provides schools with an intentional, evidence-based pathway to disability inclusion, fostering learning in a welcoming environment; and

WHEREAS, National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day is also observed every year on March 25th; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare the month of March 2026 as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month in the State of Illinois to bring awareness to those living with cerebral palsy and to prioritize disability inclusion and education; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we celebrate the 20th anniversary of National Cerebral Palsy Awareness day; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and United Cerebral Palsy as symbols of our esteem and respect.