Cerebral palsy can affect movement, coordination, speech and posture, but it does not define a person’s intelligence, ambitions or ability to contribute to society. On World Cerebral Palsy Day, here are people whose work and achievements have helped challenge stereotypes around disability.
Maysoon Zayid: Comedian and Activist
American-Palestinian comedian and disability advocate Maysoon Zayid was born with cerebral palsy. Through stand-up comedy, writing and public speaking, she has brought disability into mainstream conversations and challenged assumptions about what people with disabilities can achieve.
RJ Mitte: Actor and Advocate
American actor RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad, has cerebral palsy. He has used his public platform to promote disability awareness and greater representation of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry.
Josh Blue: Comedian
American comedian Josh Blue rose to prominence after winning Last Comic Standing. Born with cerebral palsy, he often incorporates his experiences with disability into his comedy, helping audiences see CP through a different lens.
Hannah Cockroft: Paralympic Champion
British wheelchair racer Hannah Cockroft is one of the most successful Paralympic athletes with cerebral palsy. Competing in the T34 classification, she has won multiple Paralympic and world championship titles.
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological conditions caused by abnormal development of, or damage to, the developing brain, affecting a person’s movement, muscle control, balance and posture. It usually begins in infancy or early childhood and can affect people very differently; some may have mild difficulties with movement, while others may need mobility aids or lifelong support. CP itself is not progressive, meaning the underlying brain injury does not worsen with time, although symptoms and physical needs can change throughout life.
Sources: CDC, World Cerebral Palsy Day, TED, SAGE Publications, ParalympicsGB, Biography.com
