05/10/2025
Today is and people everywhere are celebrating ith . Green is the international colour celebrating / hashtag/Hōkai Nukurangi.
CP is a physical disability that affects movement and posture, and an umbrella term that refers to a group of conditions that impact the way people move.
According to Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand around 10,000 people in Aotearoa New Zealand live with Cerebral Palsy, each with their own strengths, challenges, and ways of navigating the world. This diversity is something to value and celebrate, but despite this, myths and assumptions still get in the way of seeing the whole person. Let’s take a moment to set the record straight.
Myth 1 – Cerebral Palsy is the same for everyone.
Fact – Cerebral Palsy is a spectrum. It affects people in different ways.
Myth 2 – Cerebral Palsy gets worse over time.
Fact - It’s not progressive, but symptoms can change with age or health.
Myth 3 – People with Cerebral Palsy can’t live indepedently.
Fact - Many do with tech, workplace modifications or support.
Myth 4 – People with Cerebral Palsy have to manage everything on their own.
Fact: No one should have to. Know someone with Cerebral Palsy who could use extra support?
Not-for-profits like the Cerebral Palsy Society of NZ work alongside people with CP, their whānau, and communities to connect them to tools, opportunities, and support.
You can also refer someone to us. We’re Auckland’s NASC provider. We’re here to connect people and their whānau with Disability Support Services funded by the Ministry of Social Development.
Visit our website at www.kaikaranga.org.nz to complete an online referral. For more stories about CP, go to www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz. (Photo courtesy of our friends from Cerebral Palsy Society of NZ.)
