Cerebral Palsy Research

Application for Funding /Grants

The Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy has funded medical research in prevention of Cerebral Palsy since the first grant funding was made available in the early 1970s, as well during that time, research into the improvements to the quality of life for persons with Cerebral Palsy was also being funded.

Preventing CP

Some measures of prevention are possible today. Pregnant women are tested for the RH factor and, if Rh negative, they can be immunized within 72 hours of giving birth. This prevents any adverse consequences of blood incompatibility in a subsequent pregnancy. Newborns with jaundice can be treated effectively with phototherapy. Other preventive programs are directed towards preventing premature delivery, reducing exposure to infections, X-rays, drugs and medications. Diabetes and anemia can be kept under control during pregnancy. Education programs stress the importance of optimal well being prior to conception and adequate prenatal care. Safety campaigns give advice on protecting children from accidents and injury. These measures have undoubtedly prevented many children from developing CP. However, other developments - such as neonatal intensive care - have enabled very low birth weight babies to survive. These babies are at high risk of developing CP.

Research

Research programs across North America are looking for ways to prevent CP, to reduce its effects, and to improve the quality of life for people with CP. Research questions being addressed include:

Recent recipients of research funding from the OFCP are:

The Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy, each year at August 31st establishes a budget for the coming year. Included in the budget is an amount of money designated for Research, Equipment & Related Programs. These funds are available to researchers who, having submitted a research proposal to the, Research Committee, Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy; 1630 Lawrence Ave. West; Suite 104; Toronto, ON; M6L 1C5 and have subsequently been approved by said committee, for funding.

Research funding proposals must be received at the OFCP offices no later than September 15th, of each year.

The Research Committee is responsible for reviewing all grant applications involving research seeking to find ways to prevent, develop treatments and ultimately cure cerebral palsy. The Committee meets and reviews each application.

In addition the Research Committee reviews grant applications related to broader health issues that impact people living with CP. By researching psychosocial and behavioral aspects of the condition. Overall determinants of health and economics are also studied. The Committee carefully reviews each application. Their recommendations go to the Board of Directors for final approval.