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See beyond the disability

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  • Intellectual disability
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  • Cerebral palsy
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Cerebral palsy

Mary works part-time as an administrative assistant and plans to study for a degree in social work.

Mary's tips for including someone with cerebral palsy in everyday life

"There's no need to act differently towards people with a disability. People sometimes over-think things. Just say hello. Don't give children quick answers about disability. Talk to them openly and honestly and they will grow up to be more understanding and inclusive. Sometimes people with cerebral palsy have a speech impairment, but everyone should still make the effort to say hello and talk to them normally. Remember that people with cerebral palsy still achieve the same milestones in life as everyone else. We have a lot in common."

Managing cerebral palsy - how you can help

• Make every effort to communicate with a person with cerebral palsy. Do not feel bad if you have difficulty understanding what he or she is saying. It is okay to ask someone to repeat what they have said.
• Respectfully allow an individual with cerebral palsy more time to undertake tasks, communicate and move about.
• Remember that the effects of cerebral palsy differ greatly from one individual to another. Do not make assumptions about what people can and can't do. Work collaboratively to find the most appropriate ways you can support people.

"My colleagues at work identify what my strengths and abilities are and make the most of them. I'm married, I'm working, I've got friends, I'm happy."

Key facts about cerebral palsy

• Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects the way the brain controls the muscles of the body. This results in difficulties with movement and posture.
• The condition is caused by injuries to the developing brain from infections such as rubella, reduced oxygen supply to babies during or after birth, and exposure to infection or accidents early in life.
• Sometimes cerebral palsy can also cause intellectual disability, but it is important to note that cerebral palsy affects individuals in different ways. Not everyone with the condition will have an intellectual disability.
• Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. A child is born with cerebral palsy every 18 hours in Australia.
• It is estimated that two to three Australians out of every 1 000 will have cerebral palsy.