As a disability representative organisation (DRO), we exist to elevate the lived experiences, priorities, and rights of the cerebral palsy community across Australia.
Since 1952, we’ve been proud to provide a national platform and, in the past, to advance research and innovation supporting children and adults living with cerebral palsy. Today, our focus remains firmly on advocacy and amplifying the experiences of those we serve.
Cerebral palsy is the most common lifelong physical disability in the world, and people with cerebral palsy face significant barriers in everyday life.
We aspire to be a Disabled Person’s Organisation (DPO) led by and for people with cerebral palsy. Our vision is to:
Australia’s leading online information resource for all things cerebral palsy.
Become part of a community that lives with Cerebral Palsy.
Help us to support those living with cerebral palsy.
Improving the quality of life for people with cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ability First Australia (AFA), operating with a semi-independent board structure. Our governance model ensures strong strategic oversight and community representation.
The CPA Board includes:
This structure ensures that decisions are informed by lived experience and sector expertise, with a commitment to transparency, inclusion, and impact.
The CPA Advisory Panel is a diverse group of individuals with lived experience of cerebral palsy, including people with CP and their non-paid supporters. The panel plays a vital role in shaping CPA’s strategic direction, contributing insights, and guiding initiatives that reflect the community’s needs.
Panel members represent a wide range of backgrounds, life stages, and geographic regions, ensuring that CPA’s work is inclusive and representative.
Cerebral Palsy in Australia: Key Facts
Cerebral palsy is the most common lifelong physical disability in the world, and people with cerebral palsy face significant barriers in everyday life.
Cerebral palsy costs the Australian economy an estimated $5.17 billion annually (as at 2019) due to systemic barriers, underinvestment, and missed opportunities. Source: The cost of cerebral palsy in Australia.
This figure reflects:
When people with cerebral palsy are empowered through inclusive policies, accessible environments, and appropriate support, they thrive—and so does our society. Investing in better outcomes isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s economically smart.
“I can’t remember being conscious of my CP. I didn’t know any different. My parents and their friends never treated me any differently, so I always just had the attitude to get on with my life, even from a very young age.”
