Go casual for a cause begins cerebral palsy awareness week
21 February 2001
The Spastic Centre of NSW will launch National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week with ‘Go Casual for a Cause’ on Friday 2 March 2001.
The Spastic Centres and Cerebral Palsy Associations of Australia are asking everyone to wear casual clothes to work or school for a day instead of their usual work and school wear. Those who absolutely can’t go casual can buy an ‘I would if I could’ badge instead.
In Australia, a child with cerebral palsy is born every 18 hours. It cannot be detected before birth and the incidence of severe disability is on the increase. ‘Cerebral palsy affects one in every 400 Australians,' said Alison Carmichael-Rulten, spokesperson for the Spastic Centre. ‘Many people don’t realise that it is the most common of all disabilities and is one of the few still on the increase.
‘It’s a great day. Everyone has a lot of fun and the money raised goes to a good cause. Even if you work in an environment where you can’t dress casually, you can still get in the spirit by wearing an “I would if I could” badge,’ she said.
National Patron for the day, Democrat Senator Natasha Stott Despoja, was a prominent supporter of ‘Go Casual for a Cause’ in 1997, causing some commotion and debate when she wore jeans and Doc Marten shoes into the chamber of the Senate.
As she did in 1997, the Senator will again give notice of a motion asking fellow Senators to choose to dress casually, or wear an ‘I would if I could’ badge.
This day is the major fundraising initiative for the Spastic Centres and Cerebral Palsy Associations of Australia.
Know the facts
National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the valuable contribution people with disabilities make in our community.
Yet, battling misconceptions and ignorance is still a major issue for people with cerebral palsy. The facts will dispel the myths.
- One child a day is born with cerebral palsy in Australia. In NSW, one child is born with cerebral palsy every 18 hours.
- Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to, or lack of development in, the part of the brain that controls muscle movement.
- The damage to the brain usually occurs before, around, or soon after birth.
- The incidence of cerebral palsy is on the increase.
- Testing cannot detect cerebral palsy prior to birth.
- Much can be done to reduce the effects of the disability, and to improve quality of life.
- Cerebral palsy is not a disease, it is not contagious and it is not hereditary.
- People with cerebral palsy do not necessarily have an intellectual disability. In fact, many hold university degrees.
- People with cerebral palsy take part in a variety of sports, including wheelchair soccer, archery, sailing, skydiving and abseiling.
- Issues such as transport, service options and retirement are critical to many people with cerebral palsy.
About cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is a term describing a collection of disorders affecting posture and movement resulting from damage to, or lack of development in, the part of the brain controlling movement. Cerebral refers to the brain. Palsy can mean weakness or paralysis or lack of muscle control.
Cerebral palsy:
- is NOT a sickness or disease;
- is NOT contagious;
- has NO known cure; and
- affects one baby in every 400 born in Australia.
The damage to the brain usually occurs before, around or soon after the baby is born. Exposure to certain infections in the early months of pregnancy can lead to premature birth and can be a cause of cerebral palsy. Serious infections, trauma or assault to a young child can also result in cerebral palsy. In many people, the cause cannot be determined.
What does it mean to have cerebral palsy?
There are 3 main types of cerebral palsy. Many people with cerebral palsy have a combination of 2 or more types.
- Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form, where muscles are stiff and tight and movement is often restricted.
- Athetoid cerebral palsy is characterised by movements of the trunk, limbs or head, which are difficult to control.
- Ataxic cerebral palsy is characterised by shaky movements and affects fine hand movements and balance, which may make walking difficult.
Although cerebral palsy will persist throughout life, much can be done to reduce the effect of the disability and improve quality of life. Early intervention in the first months and years of life can promote development and lessen the effects of the disability.
Last Reviewed: 26 February 2001
