Michael S. Porter
Eric C. Nordby
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation operates the National Paralysis Resource Center, providing free comprehensive support to families affected by paralysis from any cause. While best known for spinal cord injury advocacy, the Foundation explicitly serves children with cerebral palsy, including cases caused by birth injuries such as oxygen deprivation, brain damage during delivery, or other birth complications. Since 2002, they’ve assisted over 125,000 families nationwide through phone consultations, peer mentoring, and grants to nonprofit organizations.
All services are completely free and available in 170+ languages. Information Specialists are available extended hours (7 AM to midnight EST, Monday through Friday) to answer questions about cerebral palsy treatments, therapies, equipment, and community resources. The Foundation also connects families with certified peer mentors who understand the realities of caring for a child with paralysis.
Best For: Families anywhere in the U.S. whose child has paralysis from cerebral palsy or other birth injuries, especially those seeking immediate information, emotional support from other parents, or connections to nationwide resources. This is an excellent first call for newly diagnosed families who need guidance navigating their child’s condition.
Strengths & Limitations
| Strengths | Limitations |
| Free nationwide services – All support provided at no cost to families, with Information Specialists available 7 AM to midnight EST in 170+ languages | Not birth injury-specific – While they serve families with cerebral palsy from birth injuries, the organization isn’t focused exclusively on perinatal conditions or birth trauma |
| Immediate access – Call or live chat for same-day responses from knowledgeable specialists who can answer questions about cerebral palsy causes, treatments, and daily living | No direct medical care – Provides information, referrals, and support rather than hands-on therapy, clinical treatment, or medical services |
| Peer support network – Certified mentors in 40+ states who’ve helped 22,000+ people, offering real-world perspective from parents who understand your challenges | Grants only to nonprofits – Quality of Life grants fund organizations, not individual families directly (though you benefit from programs they support) |
| Substantial grant program – Has awarded $36+ million to 3,500+ nonprofit organizations funding adaptive equipment, therapy programs, and family support services | Remote services only – No physical locations to visit; all support happens by phone, chat, or video, which may be challenging if you have limited technology access |
| BBB accredited charity – Meets all 20 standards for charity accountability, ensuring transparency and responsible use of donor funds |
Services & Support
Information & Guidance
- One-on-one consultations with Information Specialists about cerebral palsy, treatments, therapies, and equipment
- Comprehensive Paralysis Resource Guide covering all aspects of living with paralysis
- Educational resources on congenital cerebral palsy, including birth injury causes like oxygen deprivation and brain damage during delivery
- Referrals to medical specialists, therapy providers, and community resources
Peer & Family Support
- Certified peer mentor matching with parents who have experience caring for children with paralysis
- Virtual support groups for parents and caregivers via video platform
- Connection to community of 22,000+ families who’ve received peer support
Financial Resources
- Quality of Life grants ($5,000 to $100,000+) awarded to nonprofit organizations that serve families with paralysis
- Referrals to financial assistance programs for equipment and home modifications
- Information about funding sources for adaptive equipment and therapies
Practical Support
- Equipment loan program referrals
- Wheelchair comparison resources
- Lending library of educational materials
- College transition counseling (free partnership with Accessible College)
- Pre-employment benefits analysis for families planning their child’s future
Educational Programs
- Webcasts and webinars on topics relevant to families with paralysis
- Fact sheets on cerebral palsy types, causes, and treatments
- Annual Reeve Summit bringing together the paralysis community
Advocacy
- Public policy advocacy on disability rights with 10,000+ advocates nationwide
- Multicultural outreach program serving underserved communities
- Parental Rights for People with Paralysis toolkit
Locations & Contact
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is a national organization serving all 50 states and U.S. territories. Services are provided remotely by phone, live chat, and video. There are no walk-in locations.
National Headquarters
636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A
Short Hills, NJ 07078
Information Specialists
Phone: 1-800-539-7309 (toll-free)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM Midnight EST
Live chat available same hours at christopherreeve.org
General Inquiries
Phone: 1-800-225-0292 (toll-free)
International: +1 973-379-2690
Email Contacts
Quality of Life Grants: QOL@ChristopherReeve.org
Partnerships: Partnerships@ChristopherReeve.org
Donations: Donations@ChristopherReeve.org
Website: christopherreeve.org
Who Can Access Services
Geographic Area: Nationwide – all 50 states and U.S. territories
Age Range: All ages, from infants through adults
Qualifying Conditions: Any form of paralysis, including cerebral palsy from birth injuries, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions
Cost: Completely free – no fees for any individual or family services
Residency Requirements: Must be located in the United States or U.S. territories
Documentation Needed: None required for information services, peer mentoring, or support groups
Languages: English, Spanish, and 170+ additional languages through free interpretation services
Accessibility: Services designed for remote access via phone and internet. Accessibility accommodations available upon request for virtual programs.
How to Get Started
- Call the Information Specialists at 1-800-539-7309 (Monday through Friday, 7 AM to midnight EST) or use the live chat on christopherreeve.org to speak with someone immediately about your child’s needs.
- Request a peer mentor by visiting christopherreeve.org/get-support/get-a-peer-mentor to be matched with a parent who has experience with cerebral palsy or paralysis (matching typically takes a few days to two weeks).
- Join virtual support groups by registering through the National Paralysis Resource Center website for free group sessions with other parents and caregivers.
- Access educational resources on the website, including the comprehensive cerebral palsy page with information on birth injury causes, treatment options, and management strategies.
- Ask about specific needs such as equipment referrals, therapy navigation, college transition support, or connections to other organizations during your consultation with an Information Specialist.
No appointments, referrals, or paperwork required to start. You can call or chat immediately for same-day assistance.
Bottom Line
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is best suited for families anywhere in the United States whose child has paralysis from cerebral palsy or other birth injuries, particularly those who need immediate, knowledgeable guidance and emotional support from people who truly understand their situation. With 125,000+ families served since 2002, all services completely free, and Information Specialists available extended hours in any language you speak, this organization offers unmatched accessibility for families seeking information and community.
The peer mentoring program is especially valuable for newly diagnosed families who need to talk with other parents who’ve walked this path. While the Foundation doesn’t provide direct medical treatment, legal guidance, or grants to individual families, it excels at connecting you with the right resources, answering your questions, and helping you feel less alone during a difficult time. This should be one of your first calls after a birth injury diagnosis involving paralysis.