Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination. Cerebral Palsy caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during fetal development; before, during or shortly following birth; or during infancy. “Cerebral” refers to the brain and “palsy” to muscle weakness/poor control. CP itself is not progressive (i.e., it does not get worse); however, secondary conditions can develop which may, over time, get worse, get better, or remain the same. CP is not communicable. It is not a disease and should never be referred to as such. Although CP is not “curable” in the accepted sense, training and therapy can help improve function.

Associations/Groups:

Tempus Unlimited, Inc.  
600 Technology Center Drive
Stoughton, MA 02072
Phone: 877-479-7577
E-mail: [email protected]

Community Services: 800-924-7570

Tempus Unlimited  – Personal Care Attendant Program

MassHealth PCA services are self-directed personal care services provided by a personal care attendant, in a community based setting,  and which consists of physical assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).

600 Technology Center Drive
Stoughton, MA 02072
Phone: 800-924-7570

United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCP) 
UCP affiliates provide services and support on a community-by-community basis
1825K Street NW, Suite 600
Washington DC 20006
Phone: 800-872-5827 or 202-776-0406
E-mail: [email protected]

UCP of Western Massachusetts

  • 208 West Street
    Pittsfield, MA 01201
    Phone: 413-442-1562
    E-mail: [email protected]
  • 535 Curran Highway
    North Adams, MA 01247
    Phone/TTY: 413-664-9345

UCP of Metro Boston
71 Arsenal Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-926-5480
E-mail: [email protected]

Other Information:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Cerebral Palsy 
Definition, treatment and prognosis information.

Facts About Cerebral Palsy
Center for Disease Control and Prevention information including causes, diagnosis and treatment.

Fact Sheet last updated on:2/14/2023


Disclaimer: INDEX is pleased to provide you this information. Please note,  this information is not comprehensive, nor is it intended to take the place of professional advice. We encourage you to check other resources of such information. No endorsement by the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, DisabilityInfo.org,  INDEX, or affiliates, should be inferred. We reserve the right to remove, to modify, or to add any information at any time, for any reason, and without notice.

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