Community, connection and celebration are at the heart of the Cerebral Palsy Social — our annual, flagship event that provides adults with cerebral palsy an opportunity to gather, socialize, and share in a special experience together in person.
Our fifth CP Social took place in New York City at Pier 57 on the west side of Manhattan, just a few days shy of World Cerebral Palsy Day (October 6). Each event dazzles a bit differently from the last and this year’s was no exception. Over 50 community members (!) traveled from around the northeast and all across North America to join in on the fun and help us create a welcoming space for us all to enjoy for a few hours.
Whether this was your first time attending an event or your third or fourth, your willingness to show up, meet new people, and share parts of yourself with us is what makes the CP Social such a powerful event year after year. Yes, it's a bit imperfect as we navigate public spaces, big cities, and meeting everyone's needs in the moment but we're grateful for your patience and understanding as we work to create an unforgettable experience!
For many attendees, this event marked the first time they had been in a space surrounded by others with cerebral palsy — a moment that can feel both overwhelming and deeply affirming. We listened to each other's unscripted stories, connected with new friends, and allowed the deepest parts of ourselves to come to light. The body image stuff, the shame and the hiding, and the having-to-explain ourselves to strangers... the messy territory that comes with disability. Take it from Liz:
“This was my second CP social, and the experience topped my first thanks to the huge turnout! Everyone seemed so in tune with the almost indescribable feeling of safety while being in a room filled with others who 'get it' and don't require an explanation or seem uncomfortable in the presence of someone with a physical disability. The experience made me suddenly aware of the weight I carry in almost every other setting where others are unable to truly relate, and it also made that weight easier to bear.”
At Cerebral Palsy Strong, our work is fueled by the people whose lives are forever changed by the experiences we're creating; we're in awe of their vulnerability, openness, and trust in our vision as we work to carve out spaces for belonging for and with adults with CP.
We hope that the CP Social, and all of our programming, can offer more people with cerebral palsy the chance to feel seen, supported, and understood by a group of peers. There are so many of us that have spent countless years feeling alone as we navigate life with a disability, and it's our mission to create a community where we can all find that sense of belonging we so badly needed for our younger selves.
