Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common physical disabilities in the United States, defined by its various types, treatment, and legal rights for those who suffer from it. The term cerebral palsy ( seh-ree-brel pawl-zee) is used to express any of three or sometimes four types of disorder. However, the term itself can be confusing. Cerebral means “brain” while paralysis is “paralysis.” As serious as it may seem, it is not a disease. The term refers to brain damage that causes weakness or paralysis of body parts such as legs or arms. Cerebral palsy is a non-contagious, non-progressive neuromuscular disease that impairs standard muscle control. There were many researchers who defined the condition as early as the 1860s. Over time, it has been recognized that it has many causes, 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 in many cases the exact cause is not known. Factors include lack of oxygen at birth, Rh incompatibility - where the mother's antibodies attack the fetus's blood cells, jaundice - where yellow-coloured bile would normally flow into the bloodstream in small sizes, accumulating, leading blood cells die and if left untreated, brain damage may occur. There are two ways CP can occur: congenital and acquired. Congenital cerebral palsy occurs in premature babies born too early – less than nine months or 37 weeks or under 5.5 pounds (low birth weight), and in multiple births such as twins. Cerebral palsy acquired after birth occurs when serious illnesses and/or accidents can damage the developing brain in the first few weeks, months, or years of a child's life. In al...... half of the document ......and the obstacles to acceptance, to health, to determination, and the historic passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Even if it is not easy to cope With such a disability, many people with CP eventually learn to overcome it again and again in life. Even though cerebral palsy can make life difficult at times physically, psychologically, socially, it does not define who has it. Those who have it are people. There are legal rights for protection against discrimination and treatments to improve physical strength and self-esteem. Many people, even children, can draw inspiration from actors like Geri Jewell who bravely faced everyday challenges. And ultimately, with the support of family and friends and determination, cerebral palsy, although chronic, can be overcome. It's like a journey, a search for the best with guides along the way but double the obstacles.