Find your care

We care for patients with cerebral palsy in all life stages. To learn more about cerebral palsy treatment at UCLA Health, call 424-259-6593.

Here are some helpful links to agencies, organizations and documents addressing issues related to cerebral palsy for both consumers and professionals.


Mental Health/Caregiver Support

  • Role of the Parent- Families Impacted by CP (video from Cerebral Palsy Foundation)
  • UCLA Behavioral Health Associates- Behavioral Health Associates (BHA) is a clinic designed to support your emotional well-being so that you can thrive. BHA works in partnership with your UCLA primary care provider and together, we are your UCLA team for overall health
  • Claudia Cares Consulting- Independent Facilitator - Special Needs Guidance and Support Behavior Intervention services. A certified Independent Facilitator (IF), this service can create and implement your child’s Person-Centered Plan and help them enter The Self-Determination Program. Also qualified to perform transitional/vocational IEEs, as well as Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA). Can provide tailored secondary transition services for students approaching the end of high school, as well as positive parenting services for families seeking behavioral intervention through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
  • Didi Hirsch- Didi Hirsch’s experts provide evidence-based treatment to low-income children and adults with mental disorders or behavioral challenges
  • DMH- The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), the largest county mental health department in the country, directly operates more than 80 programs and contracts with more than 700 providers, including non-governmental agencies and individual practitioners who provide a spectrum of mental health services to people of all ages to support hope, wellness and recover 
  • HelpGuide - is a small independent nonprofit that runs one of the world’s top 10 mental health websites
  • Inclusive Sol - An organization created to provide support for parents and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy as they navigate caring for a child with a disability. The site is a resource platform to build community and explore how collectively we can provide equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized. Inclusive Sol focuses on cerebral palsy (CP), a group of brain (neurological) disorders that affect movement and muscle tone or posture.
  • The Help Group- Founded in 1975, The Help Group is the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit of its kind in the United States serving children, adolescents and young adults with special needs related to autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse and emotional challenges
  • UCLA PEERS-The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is world-renowned for providing evidence-based social skills treatment to preschoolers, adolescents, and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and other socio-emotional problems 
  • Mental Health America-The following resources can be used to help you find mental health treatment services, including affordable treatment for those without insurance, in your community 

Crisis Help Lines: 24/7 365-day-a-year free and confidential crisis support services for people in need of emotional counseling and resources

Disaster Distress Helpline: 800-985-5990

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

National Youth Crisis Hotline: 800-448-4663

TrevorLifeline (LGBTQ+ youth services): 1-866-488-7386

  • Chinese Parents Association for the Disabled: Chinese Parents Association for the Disabled (CPAD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to help individuals with special needs and their families (e.g. Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy… etc).  All the parent members are volunteers, and strive to help each individual achieve his or her full potential toward a meaningful and productive life, to encourage opportunities of social integration, and social inclusion into mainstream society.
  • Fiesta Educativa: The mission of Fiesta Educativa Inc. is to provide information and training to Latino families on how to obtain services for all persons with disabilities.  In addition, training is provided to professionals who work with these families. Services include a home-based parent education and training program “Fiesta Familiar”, and an advocacy and outreach project assisting families and persons with disabilities to make the best use of the agencies and resources available to them in their communities.

Consumer/Medical Information


Recreation/Fitness Resources

  • Variety SoCal - We remove the barriers to Mobility, Education, and Healthcare by providing the necessary equipment, devices and funding to maintain inclusive opportunities for all children right here in our community. Variety’s Mobility Program steps in where insurance and other funding step out. Adaptive bikes, walkers, and strollers all provide children with the freedom, confidence, and exercise they need to get out into the California sunshine and have fun with their families and community.
  • Adaptive Tricycles - A brief guide of features and considerations for children with CP
  • Casa Colina Outdoor Adventures – a program that focuses on empowering people with disabilities by creating opportunities through challenging and exciting activities
  • Exercise and Recreation Resources in the Los Angeles area
  • Inclusive Fitness Coalition – a cross-section of the disability rights, sports, health/fitness and civil rights communities dedicated to promoting equitable access to, and safe use of, fitness and recreational equipment, facilities, and programs
  • National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability – links to ongoing program fitness and exercise initiatives across the nation. Includes items on health promotion and nutrition, research and videos of adaptive sports, recreation and access
  • NYC Ballet- Access workshops for teens and adults: Join the artists of New York City Ballet for a series of movement workshops designed especially for teens and adults with disabilities, live streamed on Zoom. Each one-hour workshop will be co-led by a pair of NYCB Dancers and will include a warm-up and choreography inspired by the Company’s vast repertory. Modifications and movement options will be offered throughout, and movers of all abilities are welcome. ASL interpretation and closed-captioning accommodations available for livestream events.
    - 1-hour Zoom Workshops
    - Tickets: $0 for livestream (advance registration required) 
  • Special Olympics
  • How Do I Become a Paralympian-2017
  • US Adaptive Recreation Center
  • UCLA Adaptive Recreation Program
  • Angel City Sports
  • Staying Driven-CPR- fitness for teens and adults. Staying Driven is a virtual adaptive fitness program founded by Stephanie “the Hammer” Roach. An adult with CP and a former CrossFit trainer and gym owner, Steph shifted her business during the pandemic to virtual classes for people with disabilities. She and her staff of adaptive fitness trainers offer multiple classes a week for people with disabilities. The CP Research Network has arranged for MyCP members to be able to attend up to two classes per week, free of charge.
  • Adrian's Place Santa Monica- Adrian's Place is a community hub offering recreational, social and academic programs for teens  and young transitional-aged adults tailored to meet their abilities. Adrian's Place is for families, friends, caregivers and professionals to come together to support loved ones who require additional support and attention. Community building, recreation, membership and socialization. Adrian's Place has grown out of our experience as parents of Adrian, a child with boundless energy who was born with Cerebral Palsy.
  • Infinite Flow Dance Company – Established in 2015, Infinite Flow is an award-winning Los Angeles-based nonprofit and professional dance company composed of dancers with and without disabilities. Infinite Flow's mission is to dismantle biases, promote inclusion, celebrate intersectionality, and encourage people to learn something new about themselves and the world around them.
  • SoCal Trykers The SoCal Trykers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2013 by a group of physical therapists and their families and friends. Their mission is simple, to help as many children and adults as they could acquire adapted tricycles. Both physical and occupational therapists acknowledge the AmTryke tricycle's many therapeutic benefits, citing improved motor skills, strength development and self-esteem. Follow link above for more information on the application process and next steps on how to request a AmTryke Therapeutic Tricycle.
  • Mighty Underdog - The Mighty Under Dog is a team of dedicated surfers who share and understand the healing powers of ocean therapy. They host surf therapy events and provide ongoing therapy for children with social challenges, cognitive, physical, and emotional disorders, as well as autism. Most services offered in Malibu.
  • Life Rolls On -  A non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with various disabilities. They believe that adaptive surfing and skating could inspire infinite possibilities beyond any disability. Services held in Venice Beach. 
  • THERAsurf is a non-profit organization based out of Malibu, California, committed to the healing energy and power of the ocean. Their goal is to provide children with special needs the opportunity to benefit from that positive energy by safely getting them into the water and up on waves.

    A Walk on Water serves children with special needs and their families through transformative Surf Therapy based in Malibu, California. In addition, they also offer yoga, massage therapy, art therapy, music therapy, food and drink, and many different variations of sports and play on the beach at their events. 

  • Alyssa Vanover - Dr. Vanoever is a physical therapist that utilizes the Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME) therapy. CME therapy is a dynamic exercise manually applied to children to provide automatic motor function response. Services offered in Agoura Hills.
  • Challenge Athlete Foundation - It is the mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) to provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges, so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The Challenged Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.
  • CSUN Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise (Assisted Program) - Individualized aquatic activity programs for children with special needs.  The program emphasizes adapted aquatic skills, water safety, balance and mobility.

    The Pools of Hope - The Pools of Hope services enable those unable to participate in land-based rehabilitation and exercise activities, an opportunity to engage in health promotion and disease prevention programs in a therapeutic, injury-free environment
     

  • Painted Turtle Camp - The Painted Turtle supports children’s medical needs, inspires them to reach beyond their illnesses, and provides care, education, and respite for their families. All campers and families attend completely free of charge.
     
  • Best Day Foundation - Best Day Foundation enables children and young adults with special needs to build confidence and self-esteem through adventure activities which stretch their limits, expand their true potential, reinforce their achievement, & connect them with diverse populations in their community.

Early Start


Advocacy

  • Children's Rights Clinic Southwestern Law School represents youth in school discipline proceedings, youth with special needs in the IEP process where discipline or behavior is an issue, and work with community groups to advocate for better and more equitable educational opportunities for youth. The potential client must reside in Los Angeles County to be eligible and would not otherwise be able to obtain legal representation and an age range between 3 and 22. 
  • Disability Rights California (DRC) is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities .We work in litigation, legal representation, advocacy services, investigations, public policy, and provide information, advice, referral, and community outreach. For more than 40 years, DRC has worked to advance the rights of Californians with disabilities in education, employment, independence, health, and safety, and has grown into the largest disability rights organization in the nation. 
  • Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC) is the oldest program that provides disability rights advocacy by providing free legal assistance to people with disabilities experiencing discrimination in violation of their civil rights. The program brings high impact, high visibility cases in state and federal courts to protect and to expand the rights of this community. These cutting-edge cases raise public awareness and ensure people with disabilities are able to participate fully in society throughout their life span. DRLC’s Advocacy program also works to remove barriers to full participation by people with disabilities in schools, healthcare facilities, custodial settings and public spaces. 

Equipment/Clothing/Adaptive Resources

  • ABLDenim - jeans for children and adults with physical disabilities, also offers tailoring services to adapt clothing to individual physical needs
  • Adaptive Mall  - a catalogue of adaptive cycles and other equipment for people with disabilities
  • Hatchbacks - specialized sneakers and shoes for children that are easier to put on and take off, with or without AFOs
  • Keeping Pace/Advanced Orthotic Design - shoes for children and adults with AFOs or adaptive footwear
  • All Access Life: Accessibility - Empowering people with disabilities through adaptive resources. This site connects you to adaptive products, assistive technologies, adaptive apps/software, videos and more! The team at All Access Life does the research for you and neatly categorizes these adaptive resources throughout 7 categories. They also have video reviews to showcase what trending adaptive products are on the market for people with disabilities.

Financial Planning

  • SNT- Special Needs Trust
    A Special Needs Trust (SNT) allows for a disabled person to maintain his or her eligibility for public assistance benefits, despite having assets that would otherwise make the person ineligible for those benefits. There are two types of SNTs: First Party and Third Party funded. See link for more information. 
  • CalABLE:
    Eligible individuals may now open a CalABLE account and manage their money on this website that provides you a tax-advantaged account, easy access to your money using the CalABLE Visa® Prepaid Card,* and confidence your savings, up to $100,000, won’t affect your eligibility for programs like SSI and Medi-Cal.Sign up today for your tax-free treatment on earnings and withdrawals to pay for disability-related expenses, and let us help you dream, plan and succeed in your most ambitious goals.

Patient Stories & Community Impact

  • EVERYONE RUNS - The Story of Adaptive Athlete Shaun Wahl - YouTube - Born to Adapt: is an adaptive athlete event created by Zach Friedley. The first ever Born to Adapt race was held in Los Olivos, CA on April 16, 2022 as a part of the Born to Run Ultramarathon. Shaun Wahl was one of the athletes that took part in this inaugural event. This is Shaun's story on his journey to Born to Adapt.

Physical and Occupational Therapy

  • UCLA Health Outpatient Rehabilitation - At UCLA, our physical therapists develop individualized therapeutic treatment programs to maximize the level of functioning through the use of a variety of therapeutic techniques.  Specialty programs include orthopaedic protocols, neurology, pediatrics, and vestibular rehabilitation. Our Occupational Therapists facilitate function and adaptation environments, using tools and methods to increase independence in self-care and activities of daily living.  
  • Luskin Orthopaedic Institute Rehabilitation Center - At LuskinOIC, we specialize in physical therapy for babies, children, teens and hemophilia patients at every stage of growth. We focus on patients that have a range of conditions and orthopaedic injuries. Your child will receive orthopedic rehabilitation from dedicated specialists in pediatric orthopedic physical and occupational therapy. 
  • Medical Therapy Program- CCS - The Medical Therapy Program (MTP) is a special program within California Children's Services that provides physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT) and medical therapy conference (MTC) services for children who have disabling conditions, generally due to neurological or musculoskeletal disorders. Talk to your CCS Nurse Case Manager and Medical Team regarding the referral process. See link for more information, CCS to determine eligibility. 

Special Needs Dental Care

  • Special Patient Care Clinic - The Special Patient Care Clinic, formerly known as the Hospital Dentistry Clinic, provides advanced comprehensive general dentistry for patients with severe medical, physical, and mental problems (pre and post organ transplant patients, cancer patients, immunocompromised patients, special needs patients). This clinic also provides dental services under IV sedation in an operating room setting, for patients unable to receive treatment in a routine dental setting. Dental services are also provided on an emergency basis after hours for both in-patients and out-patients.
  • Pediatric Dentistry Clinic - This clinic has providers that serve the oral health interests of infants and children through 12 years old. The establishment of a dental home provides an opportunity to implement individualized preventive oral health practices and reduces the child’s risk of preventable dental/oral disease, and should start no later than 12 months of age. Care is provided by residents or international trainees and the cost of care is lower than the private sector.

Information for Your Upcoming Surgery

Thumbnail of Scarlett holding the number 2 up in the air

 

  • UCLA Health Superstar Scarlett Shares Her Surgery Experience - Scarlett is an animal-enthusiast, actress, and has had over three surgeries at UCLA Health. Listen to her talk about her experiences in the operating room and how Dr. Rachel Thompson and her UCLA Health care team make surgery less scary. *Spoiler alert: There's singing too! 
  • Parent Education Handouts

Bony Hip Reconstruction.pdf

Distal Femoral Extension Osteotomy.pdf

Femoral Derotational Osteotomy.pdf

Foot Reconstruction.pdf

Gastrocnemius Recession.pdf

Hamstring Lengthening.pdf

Soft Tissue Hip Surgery.pdf

Tendo-Achilles Lengthen and Tibialis Anterior Shortening.pdf

Tendo-Achilles Lengthen.pdf

Tibial Derotational Osteotomy.pdf