FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE 2020

Cerebral Palsy Foundation Early Detection & Intervention Network Lowers the Age of Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis to Less Than One Year

New Hope for Families

The May 2020 issue of PEDIATRICS the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, highlighted the results of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation Early Detection & Intervention Network reflecting the first time a US based hospital network has shown the age of cerebral palsy (CP) diagnosis can be lowered from approximately two-years of age to 9.5 months – leading to earlier intervention possibilities and better long term outcomes.

Cerebral Palsy is the most common lifelong motor disability impacting more than 1,000,000 Americans and more than 17,000,000 people worldwide. Earlier diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) is critical to begin treatment as early as possible leading to improved long-term outcomes.

Utilizing international guidelines in the US, the five institutions making up the Cerebral Palsy Foundation Early Detection & Intervention Network reduced the age of CP diagnosis in high-risk infant follow-up programs.

Rachel Byrne, Executive Director of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation for this study explains “In 2019 we showed that international guidelines could be successfully implemented through our network model with remarkable results at our collaborating sites including Nationwide Children’s Hospital, UCLA Medical Center, University of Utah Medical Center, UT Health Houston, and Kennedy Kreiger Institute at Johns Hopkins. Our partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital has resulted in over 1400 providers being trained in early detection assessments across the country to date. Our goal is for this to be the new standard of care in all NICU high risk follow up programs across the country.”

Dr. Nathalie Maitre, Neonatologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Principal Investigator of the network adds “We have now shown that large-scale implementation of international guidelines for early detection of Cerebral Palsy is feasible in diverse high-risk infant follow-up clinics. This step forward in cerebral palsy implementation research will positively change lives. It gives me hope that we will continue to develop effective early interventions that will lead to better outcomes and quality of life.”

The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is in the 3rd year of co-hosting the Cerebral Palsy Foundation Annual Implementation of Early Detection and Intervention for Cerebral Palsy Conference attended by 350 clinicians, researchers and administrators. International efforts for early

detection and intervention by leading an international working group have also been expanded the Cerebral Palsy Foundation to develop a global consensus for implementation.

To read more about these results, click here https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-05/nch-han052720.php

Collaboration celebrates March National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month with one-of-a-kind, ride-on car for child with cerebral palsy

PLANO, Texas (March 5, 2020) — Lexus and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF) have joined forces to create a one-of-a-kind ride-on vehicle inspired by children with cerebral palsy.  The collaboration combines Lexus’ human-centric design philosophy with CPF’s mission of improving the lives of people with cerebral palsy and opening up the world of possibilities.

“People with cerebral palsy rarely get the interventions and support they need at the moments they need them,” said Rachel Byrne, CPF executive director. “Our mission is to shift that paradigm and be a catalyst for creating positive change through innovative collaborations and partnerships.”

For children with cerebral palsy, one of the greatest challenges is being able to participate in their environment and play as other children do.

“At Lexus, our core design philosophy has always been human-centric,” said Cooper Ericksen, Lexus group vice president, product planning & strategy. “We create vehicles around the art and science of human needs. In this case, we wanted to push the envelope and explore what that might mean for a child with cerebral palsy who hasn’t been able to experience the joy of mobility like other children have.”

The ride-on vehicle was revealed to its recipient, Finley Smallwood, in March – a month also designated as National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. Together, Lexus and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation identified specific mobility challenges faced by children with cerebral palsy, and Finley in particular.

Because it can be difficult for Finley to sit for long periods of time, modifications were first made to the seat, adding side padding for lateral support around her waist along with an adjustable headrest and a five-point harness. Her customized ride-on car also includes increased door size and reduced ground clearance to allow for ease of entry and exit.

Many children with cerebral palsy don’t have the strength to be able to hold and turn a steering wheel consistently for a given period of time, and mobility challenges can make using a foot pedal impossible. Adding something as simple as an armrest joystick allows Finley the ability to control the direction and acceleration of the vehicle without the need for foot pedals or holding a steering wheel for an extended period of time — giving her the freedom to drive just like any other child.

“Oh, and we painted the body of the car purple,” noted Ericksen. “Because that’s Finley’s favorite color.”

“While these modifications will impact the life of one special child,” Ericksen added, “it’s also a step in opening a door for exploring the vast possibilities of human-centric design.”

The partnership is powered by Givewith. For more information and to watch Finley’s journey unfold, visit: https://givewith.com/lexus-cp.

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About Lexus

Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 242 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

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Note to Editors: Lexus information and images are available online via their news media web site http://LexusNewsroom.com.

About Cerebral Palsy Foundation

The Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF), a sixty-year old nonprofit foundation headquartered in New York City and a leading voice in the world of Cerebral Palsy, serves as a thought-leader and catalyst to create new opportunities in the world of disability. The Foundation focuses on improving the lives of people with Cerebral Palsy today through research, innovation and collaboration. Its deep partnerships with medical institutions, corporations and media companies support the efforts to inform, connect, and empower people with CP and their families. To learn more visit www.yourcpf.org.

About Givewith

Givewith is a social impact technology company that brings together companies and nonprofits through innovative solutions to generate new funding for effective social impact initiatives and unprecedented value for businesses by driving sales, profits, and share prices. By leveraging the power of everyday business transactions, Givewith generates new sources of funding for the world’s most effective nonprofits, and precisely measures the outcomes of the funding to help companies translate social impact opportunities into key business KPIs. To learn more about Givewith, visit www.givewith.com.

The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is deeply saddened by the loss of Paul Volcker. Mr. Volcker was Chairman Emeritus of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and led our board of directors until 2012.

He worked in the United States Federal Government for almost 30 years, culminating in two terms as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from 1979-1987. Educated at Princeton, Harvard and the London School of Economics, Mr. Volcker launched the Volcker Alliance in 2013 to address the challenge of effective execution of public policies and to help rebuild trust in government.

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Volcker’s loved ones.

NEW YORK – May 31, 2019 – PRLog — The Cerebral Palsy Foundation released a special two-segment video finale today highlighting an absolutely stunning dream home – Casa Cabo Pulmo, located on the Baja Peninsula of Mexico. Although the beautiful seaside location can’t be beat, what makes this home a dream is that it’s based on universal design, meaning it’s accessible and inclusive for everyone. This newest video is the concluding episode of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation’s Accessibility is Beautiful initiative, generously supported by CHUBB.

Architect, Cathi House of House + House Architects http://www.houseandhouse.com incorporates the principles of “Universal Design” to the degree possible in every project, explaining, “To have the opportunity to design a home for Pat Wright and Deb Zeyen was an extraordinary experience – not only to create a comfortable environment for clients whose lives are rich in friends with special needs, but to work with a disability rights activist whose efforts in creating positive change stretches around the world. We appreciate the Cerebral Palsy Foundation’s efforts to bring this concept to the forefront of design thought.”

You can view the newest two-part video finale in the miniseries here https://www.yourcpf.org/accessibilityisbeautiful/

Homeowner, Pat Wright adds, “As the population of the world ages, the need for accessible housing design should not be thought of as a frill, but rather as an important requirement. Designing a home incorporating thoughtful accessibility enables homeowners to age in place. Our beautiful home demonstrates that accessibility does not have to look medical, and can be art.”

Adds homeowner Deb Zeyen, “Our ramp is an eye-pleasing, artistic part of our home, providing shape to our yard and offering a beautiful view from the downstairs window. We use it every day to roll groceries and supplies up to the second level of the house. We love it!”

This YouTube miniseries, developed by the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, follows designer and HGTV host, John Gidding, as he explores a range of incredible architect-designed homes that follow the principles of Universal Design. Whether built in a remote, seaside beach town in Mexico, a gritty downtown urban location, or the beautiful suburbs of Seattle, these stunning homes meet the requirements of their owners’ specific needs, and are truly accessible for everyone. The video miniseries showcases how these residences are both beautiful works of architecture, as well as well-functioning homes.

The Cerebral Palsy Foundation also developed a 40+ page Accessibility is Beautiful “Look Book” accompanying the YouTube video miniseries, developed by experts in Universal Design https://www.yourcpf.org/accessibilityisbeautiful/.

“What is most exciting about our Accessibility is Beautiful initiative is that Universal Design works for everyone, no matter what their situation, age or physical abilities. Beautiful design and accessibility are not mutually exclusive,” explains Rachel Byrne, Vice President of Programs for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

Photo Credit: House + House Architects

NEW YORK – May 23, 2019 – PRLog — The Cerebral Palsy Foundation released a new video episode today highlighting a stunning home located in the Magnolia neighborhood in Seattle, Washington as part of their Accessibility is Beautiful initiative, generously supported by CHUBB.

Architect, Carol Sundstrom was able to reimagine the floor plan of this beautiful suburban Seattle home to maintain the scale and charm of the single-level, mid-century modern design where homeowner and fellow architect, Karen Braitmayer and her family, enjoy the beauty inside and out.

You can view the newest video in the miniseries here https://www.yourcpf.org/accessibilityisbeautiful/

“This project was a great opportunity to collaborate with another architect and accessibility consultant, Karen Braitmayer, on her own home. Since we both speak the language of design, we were able to quickly brainstorm and troubleshoot solutions that would work for her family’s needs, and also provide inspiration for others,” explains Carol Sundstrom of Röm Architecture Studio www.romarchitecture.com

This YouTube miniseries, developed by the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, follows designer and HGTV host, John Gidding, as he explores a range of incredible architect-designed homes that follow the principles of Universal Design. Whether built in a remote seaside town, a gritty downtown location, or the beautiful suburbs of Seattle, these stunning homes meet the requirements of their owners’ specific needs, and are truly accessible for everyone. The video miniseries showcases how these residences are both beautiful works of architecture, as well as well-functioning homes.

Adds homeowner and architect, Karen Braitmayer, “After 13 years of living in a home that required us to expend extra energy just to do daily tasks, we discovered the ease and freedom of having a warm and inviting family home that is accessible, personalized and beautiful.”

“Working on this project with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation has been an amazing experience, exposing me to architects leading the way in crafting spaces that welcome everyone. It has been eye-opening to visit these stunning homes and see firsthand the beauty of accessibility, the actual lifestyle upgrades provided by the principles of Universal Design, and how easy they are to implement,” shared John Gidding, Designer and HGTV host.

The Cerebral Palsy Foundation also developed a 40+ page Accessibility is Beautiful” Look Book” accompanying the YouTube video miniseries, developed by experts in Universal Design https://www.yourcpf.org/accessibilityisbeautiful/. “We’re excited to be able to share this Look Bookhighlighting the details of the beautiful homes featured in our YouTube miniseries, providing ideas that can be shared with architects and home designers alike,” adds Rachel Byrne, Vice President of Programs for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

Photo Credit: Kathryn Barnard

NEW YORK – May 16, 2019 – PRLog — The Cerebral Palsy Foundation launched a new initiative today called Accessibility is Beautiful, generously supported by CHUBB. This innovative accessibility initiative includes a YouTube video miniseries and Universal Design “Look Book” will feature the homes of disability advocates Pat Wright and Deb Zeyen, Karen Braitmayer, Leslie Haynes and Randy Earle, designed by architects Carol Sundstrom of Rom Architecture Studio, and Cathi House of House + House Architects.

You can view the initial video of the miniseries here https://www.yourcpf.org/accessibilityisbeautiful/

This YouTube miniseries, developed by the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, follows designer and HGTV host, John Gidding, as he explores a range of incredible architect-designed homes that follow the principles of Universal Design. Whether built in a remote seaside town, a gritty downtown location, or the beautiful suburbs of Seattle, these stunning homes meet the requirements of their owners’ specific needs, and are truly accessible for everyone. The video miniseries showcases how these residences are both beautiful works of architecture, as well as well-functioning homes.

“Working on this project with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation has been an amazing experience, exposing me to architects leading the way in crafting spaces that welcome everyone. It has been eye-opening to visit these stunning homes and see firsthand the beauty of accessibility, the actual lifestyle upgrades provided by the principles of Universal Design, and how easy they are to implement,” shared John Gidding, Designer and HGTV host.

The Cerebral Palsy Foundation also developed a 40+ page “Look Book” accompanying the YouTube video miniseries, developed by experts in Universal Design.

“The CPF Accessibility is Beautiful Look Book provides inspiration and a Universal Design Checklist on making homes and living spaces more accessible for everyone,” says Rachel Byrne, Vice President of Programs for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. “Our Look Book provides a detailed view of all the features in each of the homes in the YouTube miniseries and gives ideas that can be shared with architects and home designers alike,” adds Byrne.

Leslie Haynes, one of the homeowners featured explains, “We found a team of experts who crafted a space that gave me back peace of mind and allows my family to relax and flourish through smart, compassionate, universal design.”

Photo Credit: Dale Lane