The Cerebral Palsy League is the largest non-government disability services provider for people with a physical disability in Queensland, Australia. It currently assists almost 3000 people with cerebral palsy and related disabilities, and is supported through fundraising activities, support from the community, the corporate sector and State and Federal Governments.

The League spends millions of dollars every year to provide services to assist thousands of people with cerebral palsy and related disabilities to reach their goals. These goals may include educational attainment, independent living, meaningful employment and participating and contributing within the wider community.

While support needs vary through the different stages of life, the League gives particular emphasis to early intervention, providing targeted services at an early age which are fundamental in realising or maximising future life opportunities.

Support may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and social work services. Other support needs provided by the League include technology and equipment services, therapy and career support and in-home and community access support.

Communities are now recognising the contributions made by people with disabilities as their co-workers, friends, parents, neighbours and classmates.

Our Mission

The Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland will provide quality services, which will enable and empower people with cerebral palsy and related disabilities to create and access opportunities to lead valued lives as respected and equal member of society within their family and community.

About Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is the name given to a group of conditions, which affect the way the brain controls the muscles of the body, resulting in difficulties in movement and posture. Cerebral palsy has various causes and affects each person differently. Therefore, people with cerebral palsy have varying individual needs.

Many causes of cerebral palsy are still not known or understood, though the developing brain can be injured by:

• Exposure to certain infections such as Rubella in the early months of pregnancy or the first few weeks of life
• Reduced oxygen supply to a baby before, during or after birth
• An accident in the early years of life

Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. It is estimated two to three people out of every 1000 will have cerebral palsy. The condition is not hereditary and there is no cure.

Cerebral palsy can be grouped into three main types which describe the disorders of movement and posture that may be experienced:

Spasticity
Spasticity occurs when muscles are high in tone (tension), but weak in strength. A person with spasticity may have trouble moving their limbs or adopting a stable position.

Athetosis
Athetosis refers to uncontrollable movements which are often most noticeable when a person with this type of cerebral palsy commences movement.

Ataxia
Ataxia is characterised by unsteady, shaky movements or tremor. A person with this form of cerebral palsy has difficulty using their muscles to achieve balance and coordinated movement.