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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 10, 2024 |
World Cerebral Palsy Day to be Acknowledged at Los Angeles Unified
Los Angeles (Sept 10, 2024) - Los Angeles Unified School Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson, has sponsored a resolution that recognizes World Cerebral Palsy Day throughout LAUSD with co-sponsorship from Board President Jackie Goldberg, Board Members Dr. Rocio Rivas, Dr. George McKenna III, and Kelly Gonez, and Student Board Member Anely Cortez Lopez.
The resolution recommends that the superintendent and his staff enhance training for staff and awareness campaigns so disability visibility can be enhanced and met with understanding from LAUSD students.
With adoption, the language also asks administrators from across the district to develop plans by March 2025 on how their schools can enhance activities for disabled students during breaks, lunch, and recess.
“Inclusivity means including all students, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or disability,” said Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson. “I am proud to author this resolution to bring awareness to cerebral palsy and help the district update our inclusive policies. With our ongoing modernization projects, we want to be clear that accessibility is a top priority for our students, staff, and families.”
“Los Angeles Unified is a District that upholds the needs and rights of all students, not just some of them,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “Observing World Cerebral Palsy Day not only raises critical awareness about cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities, but also the importance of fostering school communities that support students across the learning continuum.”
"I'm honored to co-sponsor Board member Schmerelson's Resolution to observe October 6 as World Cerebral Palsy Day,” said Board President Jackie Goldberg. “It is important for all of our students to feel seen and celebrated. Acknowledging and educating our families on Cerebral Palsy is one small way to make our students with Cerebral Palsy feel supported."
“Recognizing World Cerebral Palsy Day is a powerful step towards fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students,” said Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas. “By prioritizing accessibility improvements, early intervention, and family support, LAUSD is demonstrating its commitment to empowering students with cerebral palsy to reach their full potential. It's crucial that we continue to raise awareness and break down barriers so that every child feels valued and respected.”
Raising awareness about cerebral palsy is one of the best ways to foster understanding, support, and inclusion,” said Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III. “This Board is committed to ensuring children with cerebral palsy have the same rights, access, and opportunities as all students.”
"I’m proud to support this resolution to commemorate World Cerebral Palsy Day and reaffirm our commitment to making LAUSD a welcoming and inclusive environment for all,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “Cerebral palsy is one of the most common physical disabilities in children, and we must ensure that families have access to resources to navigate support services, as well as providing our broader community with the education needed to foster kindness, respect, and inclusivity for anyone living with cerebral palsy."
“By recognizing October 6 as World Cerebral Palsy Day, we are not only raising awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with cerebral palsy but also reinforcing our commitment to fostering learning environments where every student, across all abilities, can thrive,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “I support this resolution as a step toward creating a more supportive, respectful, and inclusive environment for all our LA Unified students.”
“Inclusivity begins with understanding and respect amongst one another,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz-Franklin. “I’m proud to support a resolution recognizing World Cerebral Palsy Day on October 6th, to provide meaningful opportunities for our students to learn the importance of embracing and celebrating everyone’s unique strengths and for teachers and staff to have training opportunities to best support our students with disabilities.”
"Every member of the LAUSD family enriches our District with their unique diversity,” said Student Board Member Anely Cortez Lopez. “This resolution reaffirms the vital contributions of individuals with cerebral palsy and commits to fostering inclusive environments where everyone is respected and valued."
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