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HR 752

CEREBRAL PALSY AWARENESS DAY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Mike Coffey and 15 co-sponsors

Illinois designates March 2026 as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and March 25 as National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day to promote inclusion and education.

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl
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Bill Summary · HR 752

Summary of HR 752 (104th General Assembly, Illinois) – CEREBRAL PALSY AWARENESS DAY

Purpose and Intent

  • The measure designates a specific awareness effort within Illinois to recognize cerebral palsy (CP).
  • Specifically, it declares March 2026 as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month in Illinois, and establishes National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day (March 25) as part of that observance.
  • The resolution aims to promote disability inclusion, education, and public awareness about cerebral palsy, its impact, and the contributions of individuals with CP.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Declares March 2026 as “Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month” in the State of Illinois.
  • Recognizes March as a time to bring awareness to individuals living with cerebral palsy and to prioritize disability inclusion and education.
  • Declares March 25th as “National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day” within the state observance.
  • Acknowledges the broader goals of CP advocacy, including inclusion, education, and support for research and policy improvements.
  • Commends and supports the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) as symbols of esteem and respect, and for their roles in awareness and advocacy.
  • Encourages public appreciation of the contributions of individuals with CP to families, workplaces, and communities.
  • References the “Just Say Hi!” disability inclusion curriculum by the Cerebral Palsy Foundation as an example of inclusive education practices.

Who/What Is Affected

  • State of Illinois residents, particularly:

    • Individuals living with cerebral palsy and their families
    • Schools and educational institutions (through awareness and inclusion messaging)
    • Public and private organizations within Illinois engaged in disability advocacy and inclusion efforts
    • The Cerebral Palsy Foundation and United Cerebral Palsy (as acknowledged advocacy organizations)

  • The resolution does not impose new mandates, funding, or regulatory requirements; rather, it designates a time period for awareness and honors organizations and educational resources related to CP.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Filed and assigned to committees in spring 2026:
    • Referred to Rules Committee (March 24, 2026)
    • Assigned to the Human Services Committee (April 27, 2026)
  • The measure was reported as “Recommends Be Adopted” by the Human Services Committee (May 6, 2026) and placed on the calendar for consideration.
  • Numerous co-sponsors joined in May 2026, signaling broad bipartisan interest in recognizing CP awareness.
  • If adopted, the proclamation would apply to March 2026 observances and be a formal statement of state recognition.

Additional Context

  • The bill highlights cerebral palsy as the most common lifelong physical disability worldwide, affecting millions globally and over a million in the United States.
  • It emphasizes that CP is non-genetic and not contagious; symptoms vary and can include ongoing motor and developmental challenges.
  • It cites National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month (established in 2006 by Reaching for the Stars) and National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day (March 25) as the basis for the proposed Illinois observance.
  • The resolution frames CP awareness as a vehicle to promote inclusion, educate the public, and encourage long-term advocacy and policy engagement.

Bottom Line

HR 752 is a non-binding House resolution that proclaims March 2026 as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month in Illinois and March 25 as National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day within the state. It honors awareness organizations, promotes disability inclusion and education, and references resources like the Just Say Hi! inclusion curriculum as exemplars of inclusive practice. The measure advances visibility and advocacy without creating new duties or funding obligations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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