In the 1940's children and adults with cerebral palsy and other conditions that affected mobility were not afforded the same rights to educational and medical services as their non-handicapped peers. Parents and concerned citizens recognized this inequity and, in 1947, small groups began to form around the country to address the situation. The Cerebral Palsy League began as one such group. During the 1940’s and 1950’s the small group expanded and the Myrle Garbe Treatment Center and a day program for children with cerebral palsy was formed.
The Treatment Center provided much needed medical care and was committed to helping children learn to walk and talk, with the hope that they would eventually attend their neighborhood schools.
Physicians and other interested parties worked diligently to provide specialized care for this special population of children. Through the dedicated work of volunteers and progressive medical professionals, many children, formerly denied access to the public schools, were now better able to be in the mainstream of the educational system.
Through the years, The Cerebral Palsy League expanded programs and services that addressed the needs of many more individuals. Services for adults and preschool age children with developmental disabilities were now available. While the programs evolved to meet the changing needs of the community, the Mission remained the same: To assist individuals with developmental disabilities reach their optimal potential.
What was once a small group serving children with cerebral palsy in Union County, grew into a League of support services to educate and empower all age groups from Union, Essex and Middlesex Counties. A new generation of caring, concerned professionals now continue the work of the original pioneers.
The Cerebral Palsy League is now serves more than 300 families each year. Their two facilities in Union and Cranford, New Jersey home to Early Intervention Services, Pediatric Medical Day Care, 2 Private School Campuses and CPL Adult Services.
On September 10, 2009, the Cerebral Palsy League entered a new phase of our history when we opened a newly renovated school facility on its Cranford campus that provides students with a continuum of educational services in an enhanced learning environment, including state-of-the-art technology and mobility training programs, modernized classrooms and an expanded therapy suite. The new facility allowed for the combination of the operations of its Cranford and Union campuses into one location. Through improved economies of scale and utilization of resources, the new building will help reduce tuition costs by up to 10 percent for the 27 school districts in four counties that send students to CPL.
Today, as in the beginning, The Cerebral Palsy League, Inc. is committed to the philosophy of helping people with developmental disabilities to obtain their optimal level of functional independence, while maintaining their highest possible quality of life.