"Everyone's cerebral palsy manifests in different ways."

Having CP has shaped who I am in my life. This includes my personality, my interests, and my passions.

I’ve faced and overcome many challenges due to my disability. It’s showed me how to speak my mind, and to let people know what I need. It’s taught me confidence and assertiveness, and to trust my own judgement.

Having CP has led to my keen interest in equality and diversity. I put a lot of energy into working on projects to improve these areas.

Many people think CP is the same for everyone. But everyone’s cerebral palsy manifests in different ways.

“Everyone should be approached as an individual.”

Since becoming a member of a few CP groups, I’ve realised people’s experiences can be very different to my own. For example, someone’s speech can be affected, which means that they may need assistive technologies for communication.

Other people suffer from fatigue, which can affect their everyday lives.

My own experience with CP means I need to use an electric wheelchair to move around my home and outdoors. I can walk when aided by my mum. I also need support for lots of everyday things, like my personal care. I often rely on using a hoist. Without it, I’m very restricted.

All people should be treated with dignity and respect. Everyone should be approached as an individual, with consideration for how they see themselves. If everyone with CP is seen as the same, there’s a danger that our unique gifts and contributions could be overlooked. We wouldn’t have a chance to flourish.

“Lots of people with CP have faced barriers.”

Whilst there’s lots of differences, there’s also similarities. Struggles with securing appropriate health and social care, for example, are common.

CP can affect people’s health in so many ways. There’s no set method of treatment, and care needs can vary. Without a blueprint, it’s hard to get the help we need.

Lots of people with CP have faced barriers. I know I have. People don’t always approach me respectfully, and they often make assumptions about my abilities. This includes whether I can speak for myself or make my own choices. Some people, for example, talk to my personal assistant or companion instead of speaking to me.

I’ve also faced barriers in education. Thankfully, though, I still achieved a business diploma. These struggles led me to become my own advocate.

“My vision is an equal society.”

The complexity of our community deserves acknowledgement. For this, more awareness around CP is needed. That awareness and education should be widespread, covering young people, adults and professionals alike.

Better representation of people with CP in film and TV would help, as well.

For me, this is about opening people’s eyes. My vision is an equal society. I want disabled and able-bodied people to be seen and treated equally. People with disabilities are ordinary people. We deserve the opportunity to live a full life, free from ignorance and discrimination.

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Are you looking to connect with other people with cerebral palsy? You might be interested in joining our online community.

Scope's online community: Cerebral palsy