Cerebral palsy (cp) is one of the most common physical disabilities in the United States, defined by its various types, treatments, and legal rights for those affected. The term cerebral palsy (seh-ree-brel Pawl-zee) is used to express one of three or sometimes four types of disorder. Yet the term itself can be confusing. Cerebral means “brain,” while paralysis means “paralysis.” As serious as it may seem, it is not a disease. The term refers to brain damage causing weakness or paralysis in body parts such as the legs or arms. Cerebral palsy is a non-contagious, non-progressive neuromuscular disorder that impairs standard muscle control. Many researchers took steps to define this disease as early as the 1860s. Over time, many causes have been recognized, but in most cases they are unknown. Cerebral palsy has no known official cause; several factors identified in the 1980s suggest that CP can occur before, during or after birth. But the exact cause is unknown in many cases. Factors include lack of oxygen at birth, Rh incompatibility - where the mother's own antibodies attack the fetus's blood cells, jaundice - where yellow-colored bile would normally flow into the bloodstream in small sizes, would accumulate, causing blood cells to die and left untreated, brain damage could occur. CP can occur in two ways: congenital and acquired. Congenital cerebral palsy affects premature babies born too early – less than nine months or 37 weeks or less than 5.5 pounds (low birth weight) and multiple births such as twins. Postnatally acquired cerebral palsy occurs when serious illnesses and/or accidents can damage the developing brain during the first weeks, months, or years of a child's life. Right in the middle of the paper......e the barriers to acceptance, health, determination and the historic passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Even though it is not While it's easy to cope with such a disability, many people with CP end up learning to overcome it again and again throughout life. Even though cerebral palsy can make life difficult sometimes physically, psychologically, socially, it does not define those who suffer from it. Those who have it are people. There are legal rights to protect against discrimination and treatments to improve physical strength and self-esteem. Many people, even children, can take inspiration from actors like Geri Jewell, who boldly took on everyday challenges. And ultimately, with support from family and friends and determination, cerebral palsy, although chronic, can be overcome. It's like a journey, a quest for the best with guides along the way but twice as many obstacles.