Syracuse community members gathered outside of city hall Friday to recognize World Cerebral Palsy Day. On October 6, Syracuse and cities in over 80 countries around the world will raise awareness about the neuro-motor condition, and urge people of all abilities to exercise and play together.
Syracuse University Law professor Cora True-Frost says she revels in watching her son Leo, who has cerebral palsy, and her daughter Phoebe dance, swim, bike, and scale a rock wall. But she says it's clear we live in a world of separate and unequal activities that able-bodied folks might take for granted. True-Frost says children with disabilities often cannot join most sports programs due to outdated facilities, attitudes, and biases.
"Most playgrounds are inaccessible for wheelchair users, and don't include sensory components for blind or autistic children. Too many state and federal parks won't include accessible paths, or do so only nominally. Private gyms cite liability concerns, preventing atypical kids who require assistance from participating.”
True-Frost acknowledges, however, that Leo does participate in adaptive ski, soccer, and rock climbing programs. She adds that private business often doesn't see the market for disability.
Callie Dadey is one of Leo’s friends, and knows he wants to be included in activities like anyone else.
"Leo has physical limitations but doesn't let that stop him. Leo can't talk, so he uses a communicator. But somehow he always finds a way to crack a joke," she said to laughter in the crowd. "When people refer to him as 'the kid in the wheelchair,' I say 'no, his name is Leo, and yes, I am his friend.'"
Also marking World CP day at city hall were Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens and State Senator Rachel May. Cerebral Palsy is one of the most common physical disabilities, affecting an estimated 17 million people worldwide. People are encouraged to head outside on Sunday for a half-hour of exercise with friends of different abilities, and share their photos at #CPMoveAsOne.
