HR0643 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0643 LRB103 39827 LAW 70499 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, There are nearly one million people living with cerebral palsy in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders affecting motor and developmental skills, and it is neither a genetic nor contagious condition; rather, it is caused due to brain damage or abnormal brain development during gestation, birth, or soon thereafter; and

WHEREAS, The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary greatly from individual to individual, and 75% of individuals with cerebral palsy also have one or more developmental disabilities, including epilepsy, intellectual disability, autism, visual impairment, or blindness; and

WHEREAS, Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in children; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 345 children in the United States have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy; and

WHEREAS, In 2006, National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month was established by Reaching for the Stars (RFTS), a non-profit educational advocacy group led by parent volunteers under the guidance of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation; the observance is held annually in March to provide an educational opportunity for those outside the cerebral palsy community to learn about the condition and about life with cerebral palsy; and

WHEREAS, National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month further encourages individuals to consider ways to be more inclusive towards those who live with the condition; most importantly, the observance allows people to learn how they can become long-term allies of the cerebral palsy community; and

WHEREAS, National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day is also observed every year on March 25th; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare the month of March 2024 as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and United Cerebral Palsy with our sincere appreciation for their efforts.