Waldy Upchurch

Stepping Up, Pushing Limits, Breaking Barriers for CP and Beyond

Disability is a natural part of the human experience and it touches more lives than you might think. In the U.S., more than 61 million adults — that’s 1 in 4 of us — report having at least one disability. That means millions of our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors face barriers that affect their independence, health, education, and careers.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common lifelong physical disability, affecting 18 million people worldwide. Yet research into its causes and treatments is among the most underfunded in medicine. That’s where Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF) comes in. They fund early-stage research that meets the needs of people with CP and related conditions at every age and stage of life. These discoveries make a real difference for individuals, families, and care teams.

Because CP is a dynamic diagnosis that affects each person differently, CPARF's programs have far-reaching impact. They help inform care for other disabilities, our aging population, and society as a whole. For example, CPARF is exploring better ways to manage chronic pain without opioids; work that could change how pain is treated for everyone.

There's an equal and urgent need for innovative solutions that can bridge gaps across all parts of life, helping everyone participate fully and vibrantly in their communities and pursue their dreams.

That’s where assistive technology (AT) comes in. As a powerful driver of social equity, human dignity and inclusion, AT can improve access to learning, working, connection, and healthcare. It helps people live more independently and engage fully in daily life. Through Remarkable US, CPARF's tech accelerator, they’re expanding access to AT and helping people with disabilities, chronic conditions, and age-related challenges live healthy, dignified lives.

Will you make a donation to support this work? Your gift is more than an act of generosity, it’s a powerful investment in research and technology that changes lives.

Together, we can help build a more inclusive and accessible world for everyone.