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Press Releases: 1993 Releases

Breaking New Ground: The Aging Process and Cerebral Palsy

T.D. is a 61 year old woman, with cerebral palsy who has been a professional physical therapist for 35 years. Recently, she has noticed gradual changes in her body such as arthritis, difficulty in balance and flexibility, and progressive obstructions in her lungs. A few years ago she had to have a hip replacement operation. She is worried about better treatment and interventions as she ages.

Washington, DC, March 23, 1993—T.D.'s story is echoed across America as scientific advancements, technology and public advocacy enhance the quality of life for the almost one million persons with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. But what happens to these people and their quality of life as they age? Can new health care strategies prevent premature aging, reduce health care treatment costs and prevent secondary conditions that compound the problems of aging?

Little is known about the relationship between aging and cerebral palsy. To address these issues, United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc., is co sponsoring the first Invitational Colloquium on Aging and Cerebral Palsy, April 28 and 29, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel at Mark Center, Alexandria, Virginia.

The Colloquium, which will run concurrently with UCPA's 1993 Annual Conference and Meeting, will synthesize existing knowledge and make recommendations for research, clinical and public policy initiatives to address these aspects of cerebral palsy and aging.

More than 60 national experts will address the following topics:

  • Oral motor functioning, nutrition, swallowing, gastro intestinal functioning and communication
  • Motor functioning and other physical aspects (ie: genito urinary and reproductive issues)
  • Personal, social, independent living, sexuality and women's issues
The results will be presented in a UCPA annual conference session on Friday, April 30th which the media is encouraged to attend. Time will be allotted for questions regarding aging and cerebral palsy. Experts will be available to talk to the press on request.

The Colloquium is sponsored by the New York State Developmental Disability Planning Council. Co sponsors include the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, and the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research, and:

Center for Therapeutic Applications of Technology, SUNY Buffalo
New York Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities
New York Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy
Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities (Training Program on Aging and Developmental Disabilities),University of Rochester
SUNY Health Science Center, Syracuse
UCP of Queens
UCP of New York State
United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc.
Waisman Center UAP, University of Madison Wisconsin

Press registration is complimentary. Working press should contact Sheri L. Singer, UCPA, 1522 K St. NW, Suite 1121, Washington, DC 20005; Phone: 202/842 1266 for a Colloquium schedule. Other interested parties should contact Jim Hollahan, Director of Program Services, UCPA.

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