That's a wrap on season 1 of Cerebral Palsy Grows Up: The Podcast! This is a little peek behind the curtain into the CPGU crew. Who we are, what we've learned, and what we're looking forward to. Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Instagram: @yourcpf [https://www.instagram.com/yourcpf/?hl=en] CPGU on Instagram: @cerebralpalsygrowsup [https://www.instagram.com/cerebralpalsygrowsup/] Follow Emily on Instagram: @emilyladau [https://www.instagram.com/emilyladau/] Follow Lawrence on Instagram: @lcarterlong [https://www.instagram.com/lcarterlong/] Credits Host: Alexa Orban Executive Producers: Ashley Harris Whaley, Rachel Byrne Producers: Katy Gaastra, Kyle Khachadurian Graphics: Briana Raucci

Activists Lawrence Carter-Long and Emily Ladau sit down with the CPGU crew and talk advocacy, ableism, and internalized ableism. Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Instagram: @yourcpf [https://www.instagram.com/yourcpf/?hl=en] CPGU on Instagram: @cerebralpalsygrowsup [https://www.instagram.com/cerebralpalsygrowsup/] Follow Emily on Instagram: @emilyladau [https://www.instagram.com/emilyladau/] Follow Lawrence on Instagram: @lcarterlong [https://www.instagram.com/lcarterlong/] Credits Host: Alexa Orban Executive Producers: Ashley Harris Whaley, Rachel Byrne Producers: Katy Gaastra, Kyle Khachadurian Graphics: Briana Raucci

Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Instagram: @yourcpf [https://www.instagram.com/yourcpf/?hl=en] CPGU on Instagram: @cerebralpalsygrowsup [https://www.instagram.com/cerebralpalsygrowsup/] Credits Host: Alexa Orban Executive Producers: Ashley Harris Whaley, Rachel Byrne Producers: Katy Gaastra, Kyle Khachadurian Graphics: Briana Raucci

Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Instagram: @yourcpf [https://www.instagram.com/yourcpf/?hl=en] CPGU on Instagram: @cerebralpalsygrowsup [https://www.instagram.com/cerebralpalsygrowsup/] Follow Ashley: @disabilityreframed [https://www.instagram.com/disabilityreframed/?hl=en] Follow Dom: @the_tattooedjew [https://www.instagram.com/the_tattooedjew/] Credits Host: Alexa Orban Executive Producers: Ashley Harris Whaley, Rachel Byrne Producers: Katy Gaastra, Kyle Khachadurian Graphics: Briana Raucci

Éabha Wall is an engineer and ExoSym user from Ireland who we sat down with to talk about the differences between the Irish and US healthcare system, being a disabled woman in STEM, and more. Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Instagram: @yourcpf [https://www.instagram.com/yourcpf/?hl=en] CPGU on Instagram: @cerebralpalsygrowsup [https://www.instagram.com/cerebralpalsygrowsup/] Follow Éabha: @eabhas_exosyms [https://www.instagram.com/eabhas_exosyms/] Credits Host: Alexa Orban Executive Producers: Ashley Harris Whaley, Rachel Byrne Producers: Katy Gaastra, Kyle Khachadurian Graphics: Briana Raucci

Chelsea Bear is a social media influencer who shares Cerebral Palsy through her lens. Chelsea was born and raised in South Florida. When she was eight months old, her mom began to realize she wasn't sitting up like the other babies in her mommy and me class, which led to years of doctor visits, MRI's, cat scans, X-Rays and more. At the age of three, Chelsea was officially diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. After graduating high school in 2011, Chelsea attended Florida Gulf Coast University where she earned a bachelor's degree in communication and public relations. She led a thriving career in public relations for 7+ years, and in late 2021 she took the leap to pursue content creation and disability advocacy full-time. Today, Chelsea uses social media to share her first-hand story of living with Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Instagram: @yourcpf [https://www.instagram.com/yourcpf/?hl=en] CPGU on Instagram: @cerebralpalsygrowsup [https://www.instagram.com/cerebralpalsygrowsup/] Follow Chelsea: @realchelseabear [https://www.instagram.com/realchelseabear/?hl=en] Credits Host: Alexa Orban Producers: Katy Gaastra, Kyle Khachadurian Executive Producers: Ashley Harris Whaley, Rachel Byrne Graphics: Briana Raucci

Jae Kim is a social worker from Washington State. She has cerebral palsy, and believes deeply in disability justice and disability rights. She also uses an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device in order to answer questions. Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Instagram: @yourcpf [https://www.instagram.com/yourcpf/?hl=en] CPGU on Instagram: @cerebralpalsygrowsup [https://www.instagram.com/cerebralpalsygrowsup/] Credits Host: Alexa Orban Producers: Katy Gaastra, Kyle Khachadurian Executive Producers: Ashley Harris Whaley, Rachel Byrne Graphics: Briana Raucci

Charlie is a masters student in the Motor Learning and Motor Control program at Teachers College, Columbia University. He received a B.S. in Exercise Science from Colby-Sawyer College. During his undergraduate experience, Charlie was a member of the Men's Tennis team and the Exercise Science research team. This research consisted of comparing muscular activation patterns with various strength training modalities. Before joining the lab at TC, Charlie worked as a personal trainer for clients with neurological conditions in Brunswick, Maine. After being born with Cerebral Palsy himself, Charlie has used an evidence based approach to manage and improve his own symptoms. His current research interests include improving movement function and decreasing spasticity for patients with Cerebral Palsy.  In his spare time, he enjoys reading, hiking, and playing sports. Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Instagram: @yourcpf [https://www.instagram.com/yourcpf/?hl=en] CPGU on Instagram: @cerebralpalsygrowsup [https://www.instagram.com/cerebralpalsygrowsup/] Follow Charlie: @charlie.graffius [https://www.instagram.com/charlie.graffius/] Charlie's podcast: The Movement Fluidity Podcast [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/movementfluidity] Credits Host: Alexa Orban Producers: Katy Gaastra, Kyle Khachadurian Executive Producers: Ashley Harris Whaley, Rachel Byrne Graphics: Briana Raucci

Follow Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Instagram: @yourcpf [https://www.instagram.com/yourcpf/?hl=en] CPGU on Instagram: @cerebralpalsygrowsup [https://www.instagram.com/cerebralpalsygrowsup/] Email Dr. Peterson: mdpeterz@med.umich.edu Email Dr. Ryan: jenniferryan@rcsi.ie Credits Host: Alexa Orban Producers: Katy Gaastra, Kyle Khachadurian Executive Producer: Ashley Harris Whaley, Rachel Byrne Graphics: Briana Raucci

Zach Anner is an award-winning comedian, author, and disability advocate known for his infectious humor, quick wit, and positive outlook on life. His unique blend of comedy and candid discussions about disability has earned him a dedicated following and helped challenge societal perceptions of disability. Zach gained national recognition in 2010 when he appeared on the reality show Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star. With his hilarious audition video that quickly went viral, he captivated audiences and eventually won a show on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) called Rollin' with Zach, where he traveled across the United States, showcasing his adventures from a wheelchair user's perspective. In addition to his work on television, Zach is a prolific content creator. He has a popular YouTube channel where he shares comedy sketches, travelogues, and inspirational videos, many of which humorously and honestly explore his experiences as a person with a disability. His comedic web series, Have a Little Faith, featured interviews with people from different religious and spiritual backgrounds. Zach's talents extend beyond the screen. In 2016, he published his memoir If at Birth You Don't Succeed: My Adventures with Disaster and Destiny, a critically acclaimed and hilarious account of his life, filled with humorous anecdotes and reflections on overcoming challenges. An outspoken advocate for disability rights, Zach uses his platform to promote accessibility, inclusion, and the importance of humor in addressing life's obstacles. His work has earned him a devoted fan base and numerous accolades, including a Daytime Emmy Award for his contributions to online media. Today, Zach Anner continues to inspire and entertain audiences with his sharp comedic style and advocacy, demonstrating that a sense of humor can break barriers and foster greater understanding and acceptance for people with disabilities. Follow Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Instagram: @yourcpf [https://www.instagram.com/yourcpf/?hl=en] CPGU on Instagram: @cerebralpalsygrowsup [https://www.instagram.com/cerebralpalsygrowsup/] Alexa Orban on Instagram @lexi_orban [https://www.instagram.com/lexi_orban/] Zach Anner on Instagram @zach.anner [https://www.instagram.com/zach.anner/?hl=en] Credits Host: Alexa Orban Producers: Katy Gaastra, Kyle Khachadurian Executive Producer: Ashley Harris Whaley, Rachel Byrne Graphics: Briana Raucci

Rachel Byrne is an internationally recognized nonprofit executive, therapist and published researcher. She has been instrumental in changing the future of cerebral palsy research and implementation science leading to improved outcomes across the lifespan. Rachel has a background in physical therapy, with a particular interest in neuroplasticity and motor learning leading to her early career as a clinician delivering physical therapy services in schools, hospitals and private practice. She has been the executive director of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation for over 5 years. Follow Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Instagram: @yourcpf [https://www.instagram.com/yourcpf/?hl=en] CPGU on Instagram: @cerebralpalsygrowsup [https://www.instagram.com/cerebralpalsygrowsup/] Alexa Orban on Instagram @lexi_orban [https://www.instagram.com/lexi_orban/] Credits Host: Alexa Orban Producers: Katy Gaastra, Kyle Khachadurian Executive Producer: Ashley Harris Whaley, Rachel Byrne Graphics: Briana Raucci

In the episode of our show, we hear from Dr. Ted Conway — well-respected biomedical engineer and professor with cerebral palsy. As an accomplished academic researcher, he received advanced graduate degrees in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics in the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During his Ph.D, he became a Summer Federal Employee for the Department of the Navy at the Naval Underwater Systems Center in Newport, RI and the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC. In this episode of Cerebral Palsy Grows Up: The Podcast he joins our host, Alexa Orban, to talk about aging with cerebral palsy, life before the Americans with Disabilities Act, and his incredible contributions to the field of biomechanics. For anyone with CP looking for wisdom from our elders, this is one episode you won't want to miss! Follow Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Instagram: @yourcpf [https://www.instagram.com/yourcpf/?hl=en] CPGU on Instagram: @cerebralpalsygrowsup [https://www.instagram.com/cerebralpalsygrowsup/] Alexa Orban on Instagram @lexi_orban [https://www.instagram.com/lexi_orban/] Credits Host: Alexa Orban Producers: Katy Gaastra, Kyle Khachadurian Executive Producer: Ashley Harris Whaley, Rachel Byrne Graphics: Briana Raucci

In our first episode, we sit down with Robyn Lambird, Australian Paralympian and trailblazing advocate for disability rights and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Robyn made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics as the first non-binary athlete to win a medal, securing bronze in the 100m T34 race. But their journey goes far beyond the track. The Paralympics highlight not only the incredible achievements of elite athletes but also the importance of physical activity for everyone, including those with cerebral palsy or other disabilities. Robyn shares how elite sports and everyday recreation are interconnected, emphasizing that engaging in physical activity, at any level, fosters confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of one's body. Whether competing on the world stage or simply finding joy in movement, athletes with disabilities, like Robyn, inspire us to explore our limits and prioritize health and wellness. In this debut episode, Robyn discusses the valuable lessons learned through sport about fitness, mental wellness, and mobility that apply to both elite athletes and those engaging in recreational activities. Tune in to discover how sports and recreation build resilience, improve quality of life, and foster inclusivity in all aspects of society. Follow  Robyn on Instagram: @robynlambird [https://www.instagram.com/robynlambird/?hl=en] Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Instagram: @yourcpf [https://www.instagram.com/yourcpf/?hl=en] CPGU on Instagram: @cerebralpalsygrowsup [https://www.instagram.com/cerebralpalsygrowsup/] Alexa Orban on Instagram @lexi_orban [https://www.instagram.com/lexi_orban/] Credits Host: Alexa Orban Producers: Katy Gaastra, Kyle Khachadurian Executive Producer: Ashley Harris Whaley, Rachel Byrne Graphics: Briana Raucci