Cerebral palsy (CP) is often caused by one act of medical malpractice, the effects of which may last a lifetime. However, those stricken with CP and their families know that cerebral palsy is not something a person is, but something a person has. Parents of children with CP, especially, see the potential their child has despite the birth injury, and they face distinct challenges in helping them reach it.

Luckily, the cerebral palsy community is comprised of a vast supply of financial, medical, educational and therapeutic resources to support those with the disorder and their loved ones. These organizations are excellent resources to help those with CP reach for more.

The Oshman Firm LLP witnesses the personal victories, as well as the struggles, of families who deal with CP every day, and we know that the right combination of perseverance and a network of resources can ensure the very best future for a child with this birth injury. We are pleased to present you the following list of CP associations and treatment facilities, as well as a collection of blogs written by people who are touched by cerebral palsy.

New York Cerebral Palsy Resources and Associations

Niagra Cerebral Palsy – Within this blanket organization is Niagra Children Education and Treatment Center (NCETC) helps children up to 5 years old who have speech and language delays and/or other learning or physical disabilities. For a small monthly fee, preschool aged children may also attend.

Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State – With more than 24 affiliates and 18,000 employees, this organization supplies support, services and programs for more than 100,000 individuals with cerebral palsy and their families.

United Cerebral Palsy of New York (UCP of NYC) – This nonprofit agency in New York City provides direct services, technology and advocacy to children and adults with cerebral palsy through more than 75 comprehensive programs. Programs include medical, clinical, educational, technological, residential and rehabilitative services.

Upstate Cerebral Palsy – This non-profit agency delivers “Everyday Miracles” to fulfill life ambitions for people with cerebral palsy. With roughly 1,800 employees among more than 70 locations throughout central New York, the organization utilizes a vast system of programs and services to empower those with CP through exceptional opportunities.

Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country (CP of NC) – This organization strives to provide all-inclusive, accessible health and human services to people of all income levels in the counties of Northern New York. CP of NC especially endeavors to serve those with low income, those who are medically underserved and those with disabilities.

Blogging in the Cerebral Palsy Community

The Cohesion Project – This movie features the stories of three extraordinary men as they conquer the challenges of living with cerebral palsy: Rich Donovan, economic guru; Glenn Haerle, mountain climber and special education teacher; and Josh Blue, award-winning comedian. Check out their Facebook page.

Triple Threat: Actor, Writer, Cripple – An inspiration to those with cerebral palsy, Gregg Mozgala discusses his successful career as an actor and dancer in his blog.

Cerebral Palsy Family – This blog is written by the Hyndman Family, or as they call themselves, Team Hyndman. Nick, a member of the family, has cerebral palsy and progressive hearing loss. The blog details the family’s journey, as well as links to inspirational stories, events and movies about cerebral palsy.

Cerebral Palsy Baby – This blog is the story of a mother in Seattle, WA who is raising a daughter with cerebral palsy. She writes of her daughter’s multitude of treatments and her family’s hopes and plans for the future.

Motherlode, Adventures in Parenting – This blog section of The New York Times features contributing writer David Sexton, who talks about life with his son who has cerebral palsy. David’s most recent post focuses on how normal life can turn out to be, if one is game to alter the definition of normal.

Do It Myself Blog – This is the remarkable blog by Glenda Watson Hyatt, a Canadian woman with cerebral palsy, who defied all odds to earn the Canada Cord (highest award in Girl Guides), an Outstanding Junior Student Award and a gold medal in horseback riding. She is also the author of the book I’ll Do It Myself.

Bringing the Sunshine – Andi, the mother of a child with cerebral palsy and a child with Down syndrome, brings an honest, simple and positive perspective to this blog.

Top Hospitals and Treatment Facilities for Cerebral Palsy Patients in New York

The Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine – This facility offers a range of specialized inpatient and outpatient pediatric therapy programs for babies, children and young adults, including but not limited to

• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Horticultural Therapy
• Feeding and Swallowing Program
• Speech-Language Pathology

Columbia Cerebral Palsy Center – In recent years, medical advances have made it possible for those with cerebral palsy to live longer, with the majority reaching adulthood. Because of this, cerebral palsy patients are no longer just being treated in pediatric facilities. The Columbia Cerebral Palsy Center aims to help transition patients from pediatric to adult care, to provide education and training on how to work with these patients for the medical community, and to maximize the productivity of people of all ages with CP.

The Oshman Firm’s Role in the CP Community

For years, the law firm of The Oshman Firm has fought for compensation for individuals with cerebral palsy and their families. In one case, our firm obtained $42 million for a family in Brooklyn, Kings County after negligence during childbirth caused their baby’s cerebral palsy (CP). The Oshman Firm attorney John Langell represented a Staten Island child whose CP occurred during prenatal care, securing $10.5 million for that child’s lifetime care.

Contact Us

If your child suffers from cerebral palsy, there is a chance it could have occurred because of negligence or malpractice on the part of your healthcare provider. Many cases of cerebral palsy were preventable, if only the doctor or nurse had taken proper precautions before or during labor.

Contact the law firm of The Oshman Firm today to discuss the circumstances surrounding your child’s cerebral palsy. We will explain your legal rights and options and help determine if you are eligible for compensation to cover the costs of

• Medical Bills
• Future Treatment
• Other Financial Losses
• Physical and emotional burdens