Cerebral Palsy Alliance joins Australian delegation at world’s biggest childhood disability event

Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) is joining the Australian team heading to the biggest global event about childhood disability – the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability (IAACD and European Academy of Childhood-onset Disability (EACD) 2025 World Congress, happening in Heidelberg, Germany, from 1–5 July 2025.

With over 1,800 people from 76 countries, this congress brings together researchers, health professionals, people with disability, and advocates to share new ideas, research, and solutions to improve the lives of children and adults who live with disability. 

CPA will be front and centre, demonstrating important work in areas like early diagnosis and early intervention, regenerative medicine, and accessible technology.  

Professor Nadia Badawi AM, one of the world’s top experts in cerebral palsy, will also be speaking at the event. 

The Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute team will be sharing important research in: 

  • Early diagnosis and early intervention  
  • New therapies i.e. regenerative medicine, cord blood treatments 
  • Assistive technology – helping people live more independently 
  • Data and trends in childhood disability 
  • Projects led by people with disability and their families 

Almost 100 people with disability or lived experience from around the world will attend to share their stories and ideas, including Australians supported by CPA as part of the International Voices Project. The gathering is more than just a science conference — it’s about real lives and real impact.  

A significant global statement will also be released during the event, on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, developed in partnership with UNICEF, WHO, and international academic and advocacy leaders. This statement calls for better rights, care, and access to support for children living with a disability – especially in low- and middle-income countries where services are limited. 

Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood, affecting about 50 million people worldwide. CPA’s work is focused on helping families get the support they need as early as possible and creating fair access to healthcare and technology that can assist with their daily lives.

Conference registration: https://eacd-iaacd2025.org/ (virtual participation possible) 

Watch this space for highlights of our world leading researchers at the conference!