LIVING Life with Cerebral Palsy
We are proud to introduce our series of people LIVING their lives with cerebral palsy. We hope to highlight the diversity and complexity of “lives lived” and show that having cerebral palsy does not mean that you or your child cannot live a happy and successful life; no matter how mild or severe the disability.
We are honored to showcase Brian Kajiyama, M.Ed., in our first profile. Brian is an instructor at the University of Hawai’i at Mano’a in the Special Education Department. He is also a familiar face at our Duckie Races along with his students lending a hand. The “Heart of a Warrior” Scholarship was established in his name from the June Jones Foundation and provides aid to Hawai’i high school seniors who have triumphed over personal challenges. Brian is also on our research team as we learn more about the needs of people as they age with cerebral palsy. Sadly, his service dog and dear friend Zeus left our world in 2021.
NEW BLOG POST: In honor of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, we’re elevating voices in the CP Community!
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy in childhood, Dr. Stephen Dantzig has dedicated his career to working with individuals with disabilities, beginning as a volunteer with children with severe autism. A school psychologist for nearly four decades in New York, New Jersey, California and Hawai’i, today he works as the education and outreach program manager at United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawai’i and serves on its board of directors.
UCP National sat down with Dr. Dantzig to learn more about his journey and what he hopes to accomplish in his role at UCP Association of Hawai’i. He opens up about his life with cerebral palsy, sharing what independence, accessibility and inclusion mean to him. From navigating daily challenges to finding professional fulfillment and community support, his story highlights both the progress made and the barriers that still exist for people with disabilities.
“Sixty years ago, I was a patient at a UCP clinic,” he said. “Now, I’m working to expand the organization’s reach in Hawai’i and maybe even across the entire UCP network.”
Read the story at https://ucp.org/get-up-your-bus-is-here-dr-stephen-dantzig-on-life-with-cerebral-palsy/.