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“After a diagnosis when I was an adult, I reached out to the Cerebral Palsy Society and have nothing but admiration for what they have done for me.” • RESPONDING TO FUNDING CHANGES: Acted swiftly to the announcement of funding changes by Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People by developing a structured advocacy response. This included collecting and analysing member stories, producing media commentary, and engaging directly with Ministry officials to ensure the voices of our community were heard. • POLICY DEVELOPMENT PARTICIPATION: Contributed to major national initiatives, including the Disability Strategy Refresh and the development of the Carer Strategy through the Carers Alliance, advocating for meaningful inclusion and recognition of caregivers and disabled people. • TRANS-TASMAN STRATEGY CONTRIBUTION: Played an active role in shaping the Australia and New Zealand Cerebral Palsy Strategy by identifying Aotearoa-specific advocacy priorities and strengthening trans- Tasman communication on Cerebral Palsy- related research, services, and equity. • INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION: Engaged in high-level international advocacy, contributing to a global statement on Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi led by the World Health Organization and drafting a formal submission to the United Nations on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in New Zealand. OUTREACH Above: The Cerebral Palsy Society is part of advocacy work in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. Key advocacy highlights: 2024-2025 • IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY: Continued to advance both digital and physical accessibility through policy submissions, working groups, and advisory forums, ensuring universal design principles and lived experience remain central to access reform. • CHAMPIONING EQUITABLE ENTITLEMENTS: Advocated for clearer, fairer access to government supports for disabled tamariki and their whānau, including direct meetings with Ministers and public commentary on reworking resources and information on these topics. Throughout the 2024–2025 year, the Cerebral Palsy Society has continued to champion the rights of disabled people and their whānau, ensuring their experiences shape public policy, service delivery, and future planning. Examples of our advocacy mahi include: 2024-2025 ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT | 15