Jennifer LaRocco is writing this week’s blog for us. As an adult living with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, her insight into what living with cerebral palsy is like from childhood to adulthood makes her the perfect voice for the upcoming celebration of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. She advocates for and supports others with disabilities, especially those with cerebral palsy, through public outreach and social media.
A member of Cerebral Palsy Guidance, they are a trusted online resource dedicated to educating and supporting individuals with cerebral palsy, their families, and caregivers. Through in-depth information, it offers guidance on medical care, therapies, education, financial assistance, and daily life challenges. The site strives to empower families with a compassionate approach by providing clear, research-based insights to help them make informed decisions. Whether navigating a new diagnosis or seeking long-term support, Cerebral Palsy Guidance is committed to raising awareness and fostering inclusion, ensuring everyone affected by cerebral palsy has access to the knowledge and resources they need.
Empowering Women with Cerebral Palsy Through Sports and Awareness
Cerebral palsy (CP) impacts movement, posture, and muscle tone, but it doesn’t define the individuals who live with it. For women with CP, sports offer a powerful outlet for building confidence, improving physical mobility, and challenging stereotypes. This March, Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month shines a light on the importance of inclusion, celebrating the stories of those who’ve overcome barriers and encouraging broader societal support.
From adaptive technology to targeted advocacy, progress is being made—but it’s up to all of us to continue fostering inclusion. Organisations like SW/S play a pivotal role in ensuring opportunities are available for women of all abilities.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy and Its Barriers
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition caused by brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth. It affects tens of thousands of people across the UK. The challenges range from physical impairments to societal misconceptions about what women with CP can achieve. Despite these obstacles, many have embraced sports to boost independence, fight stigma, and inspire others.
For women, in particular, representation in sports can push cultural boundaries, showing younger generations that disability doesn’t mean the absence of ability. This is where initiatives like those supported by Scottish Women in Sport step in. Our work highlights these success stories and advocates for better accessibility in sports programs and leadership spaces.
Celebrating Scottish Athletes with CP
Scotland is proud to be home to athletes with cerebral palsy who have shattered expectations with their dedication and achievements:
- Hannah Dines – A para-cyclist from Glasgow, Hannah became a standout competitor in trike cycling. She has represented Great Britain at the Paralympics and serves as a trailblazer, inspiring adaptive cycling initiatives across Scotland.
- Samantha Kinghorn – Born near Gordon in the Scottish Borders, Samantha is one of the most successful wheelchair racers Scotland has produced. A double world champion, she’s shown how assistive technology like racing wheelchairs can empower athletes to excel on the global stage.
- Meggan Dawson-Farrell – A passionate wheelchair racer and advocate for inclusion, Meggan participates in track events while championing equity in sports programs. Her work encourages women of diverse abilities to stay active and aim high.
These women exemplify the triumph of resilience, innovation, and advocacy, breaking down misconceptions about CP and paving the way for others to follow.
The Role of Assistive Technology in Sports
Advancements in assistive technology have opened doors for athletes with CP. Tools like adaptive racing wheelchairs, handcycles, and wearable devices make previously inaccessible sports available to more people. For example:
- Advanced Sports Equipment – Lightweight wheelchairs and custom trikes allow athletes like Samantha and Hannah to perform at elite levels.
- Wearable Devices and Prosthetics – Companies such as Ottobock create mobility aids that improve comfort during physical activity. Smart tools like Fitbit and Apple Watch also track fitness goals in accessible ways.
- Community Initiatives – Projects like Cycling Without Age Scotland remove barriers for those with mobility challenges by offering tandem cycling adventures.
By investing in these advancements, Scotland ensures that more women with cerebral palsy can engage in sports, from amateur participation to competitive success.
How to Support Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month
Raising awareness for CP is just the beginning—supporting advocacy efforts ensures lasting change. Here’s how individuals and organizations can get involved this March:
- Educate Yourself – Learn about CP through reputable sources like Cerebral Palsy Guidance or local resources. Understanding the challenges faced by individuals with CP is key to creating a more inclusive society.
- Celebrate Achievements – Highlight the success stories of athletes and individuals with CP on social media or in your community. Amplify voices like those of Hannah Dines and Meggan Dawson-Farrell to inspire others.
- Support Organisations – Donate or volunteer with groups like Scottish Disability Sport or Scottish Women in Sport, who work consistently to promote inclusion and elevate disability sports.
- Advocate for Accessibility – Encourage schools, local clubs, and event organizers to provide inclusive facilities, ensuring women with CP can participate in sports fully and equally.
- Wear Green – Green is the official colour for Cerebral Palsy Awareness. Wearing it helps to spark conversations and demonstrate solidarity.
SW/S’s Role in Promoting Inclusion
While Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month focuses on a specific condition, broader advocacy for disability equality in sports requires year-round effort. Scottish Women in Sport has taken impactful strides in this area. Our efforts to Advocate, Celebrate, and Grow champion the inclusion of disabled women in sports at every level. Through their partnerships, annual awards events, and programs, SW/S encourages more organizations to prioritize accessible opportunities.
Their collaboration with initiatives like the Young Women in Sports Leadership programme aligns with the call for more disabled athletes and advocates to step into leadership roles, not just on the track but off it as well. Supporting these kinds of programs helps to build a future where women and girls with CP are not only visible but valued.
A Vision of Inclusion
Cerebral palsy may pose unique challenges, but with the right support, training, and advocacy, women with CP can accomplish extraordinary things in the sporting world. Whether competing with the help of cutting-edge technology or leading grassroots accessibility projects, these athletes are reframing what success and inclusion look like.
This Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, we have a chance to reflect on the progress made and work that remains. Together, by supporting organizations like Scottish Women in Sport, celebrating athletes’ achievements, and pushing for systemic change, Scotland can take another step toward an inclusive sports culture where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
Please contact Scottish Disability Sport to find out what is available in your area About SDS –
