Lifelong Learning at HMS: Celebrating Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month
March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, a time to recognize and uplift the voices, achievements, and potential of individuals with cerebral palsy. At HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, learning that lasts a lifetime isn’t just a concept, it’s at the core of everything we do!
This year, in honor of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, we’re setting a goal to raise $16,000 to support the essential programs and services that empower our students every day. For over 140 years, HMS has been dedicated to empowering children with different abilities. Since the 1960s, we’ve focused on supporting children and young adults with cerebral palsy and complex neurological conditions, fostering an environment that enables them reach new heights through individualized education, therapy, and life skills development. Our collaborative approach ensures that no student is left behind as each receives a customized learning plan, built around their unique strengths, challenges, and goals.
Every Milestone Matters!
At HMS, progress is measured in moments not by traditional academic success but through the small, meaningful victories that shape independence in each of our students.
Whether it’s a student learning to use a communication device, taking their first steps with adaptive equipment, or exploring their interests through arts and technology, every milestone is a testament to persistence, innovation, and community support.
During Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, we shine a light on these achievements because representation matters. When the world sees what’s possible, perceptions shift, opportunities grow, and true inclusion becomes reality.
Community Impact:
Lifelong learning happens through collaboration and the support of others.
Our Philadelphia community and beyond play an essential role in making sure students at HMS have access to the tools, technology, and mentorship needed to reach their full potential. Your involvement matters! Whether through advocacy, volunteering, or donations your contributions make a direct impact every day.
When you give to HMS, you’re not just supporting a school, you’re investing in a future where children and young adults with cerebral palsy can thrive in a world that recognizes their abilities. Helping us to continue to introduce them to new and innovative programs and strategies to meet our students where they are by providing them with the best care.
Meet Mary Grace:
Communication is more than words. It’s about connection, expression, and independence.
For Mary Grace, this journey enhanced the way she interacts with others day to day. With the support of her family, Speech Therapist Samantha, teacher Caroline and the Delaware County Intermediate Unit integrating iPad apps like GoTalk NOW, Pictello, and GoVisual into her routine, Mary Grace has made significant strides in communication to express herself with confidence.
Her progress is proof that when students are given the right tools, their voices can be heard in ways that empower them for life.
Nehemiah’s Story:
For Nehemiah, lifelong learning took on a whole new meaning when he earned his CPR assistance certification last year. An accomplishment that reflects both his personal growth and his commitment to helping others.
Using his communication device, and with guidance from HMS School Registered Nurse and CPR Advocate, Melissa Owens. Nehemiah mastered the CPR protocol written test and skills test, equipping himself with the skills to assist someone in an emergency.
This achievement is groundbreaking not just for him, but for the larger conversation around accessibility and inclusion. It highlights that when given the proper tools, individuals with various medical diagnoses have the ability to step into leadership roles, meaningfully contribute to their communities, and challenge outdated perceptions of ability.
His story reminds us that learning isn’t just about what’s taught in a classroom, it’s about building confidence, independence, and the power to make a difference.
Join Us in Celebrating Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month
What makes HMS School unique is the ability to meet our students where they are and tailor our approach to meet their varying needs. As we honor Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, we hope you keep in mind the power you hold with helping us to continue providing lifelong learning initiatives, innovations and programs that keep our students extraordinary.
Here’s how you can get involved:
1. Follow along as we share more impact stories throughout the month we are @HMSSchoolcp on all social media platforms. LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube
2. Support our students by donating to provide vital resources to continue providing innovative programs and support needed to continue servicing our students.
3. Read our latest Annual Impact Report to learn about the impact donors like you have made at HMS over the last year
