CP Australia is a national not for profit association which represents the interests of people with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities.
Since 1954, CP Australia (formerly the Australian Cerebral Palsy Association, ACPA) has provided a national focus for disability awareness, fundraising and service development for children and adults with cerebral palsy. A major initiative was the very successful fundraising and awareness program, the Miss Australia Awards, which raised over $100 million for people with disabilities from 1955-1999.
Membership of CP Australia, comprises a range of organisations and individuals, in addition to state and territory Spastic Centres and Cerebral Palsy Associations.
The combined operational budget of CP Australia organisations is over $200 million. CP Australia organisations provide services to more than 12,000 children and adults with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities, including those in over 2,000 schools. More than 6,000 people (full time equivalent) are employed to provide services in areas such as accommodation, respite, day options, employment, therapy, equipment prescription and manufacture, community access and community development. Many also undertake specific projects, carry out research and conduct training. Some foster the development of services for people with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities in countries such as East Timor, Fiji, India, Thailand, Cambodia and the Marshall Islands.
Membership of CP Australia enables organisations and individuals to formally participate, directly or indirectly, in a national body working to enhance people’s lives. Members benefit from being linked to a network committed to mutual support and information sharing through regular updates, meetings and conferences. A quarterly magazine, Inside CP Australia, keeps members informed about initiatives, issues and activities across Australia.