U of C hosts a cerebral palsy focused panel to inform the community about ongoing research
By Hannah Caparino, November 16 2025—
At the Clara Christie Theatre, the University of Calgary held a panel with researchers and professionals who are currently studying the effects of Cerebral Palsy (CP). Muhammad Saim spoke with the Gauntlet about the panel and how they can engage with the University of Calgary community about informing those regarding the movement disorder.
“One of the biggest things I wanted to do is involve individuals living with cerebral palsy [and] people with lived experiences,” said Saim. “I found that there was a lack of cerebral palsy awareness in the University of Calgary community and we also wanted to engage the larger community and spread awareness about the condition.”
Saim also discusses the future events that will take place to continue raising awareness are future panels that will showcase what resources are available for those living with CP. Ways that the club has continued to support the community is through fundraising and volunteering at events to continue exploring how students can become involved. Saim discussed how they’ve worked with those in Cerebral Palsy Kids and Families, Cerebral Palsy Alberta and the Cerebral Palsy Sports Association.
Saim discussed the lineup of panelists and their work with the condition. Dr. Scott McLeod is working with early detection of CP, Dr. Adam Kirton is a neurologist who informs families about stimulation and motor systems and Dr. Elizabeth Condliffe is currently researching motor impairments and neuroplasticity.
“All of the speakers themselves are clinicians, as well as researchers. So they see both sides of the field, directly through care, but also through what we can do to improve care. I think attendees and participants will really enjoy learning about the different research because the research itself is very different — it focuses on different parts of life,” said Saim.
Saim also discussed how families and parents can learn more about how to respond and trust the researchers who are conducting the studies to better understand CP. The panel also plans to look at how the researchers can directly work with the families and communities to observe how their research is affecting their lives, their access to resources and opportunities.
“Building this connection between researchers and families might be a good way to further research in other ways. For the families themselves, it’s like a great way for them to learn about it. A lot of families might not know about the opportunities that are out there,” said Saim.
Aside from building awareness of cerebral palsy, the CP club at the university will continue to make presentations in high schools across Calgary, highlight ongoing research and break down barriers for those affected with CP.
“If we get more funding, maybe some sort of scholarship to support individuals with CP pursuing any sort of post-secondary education, [or] maybe a certification.” said Saim, “So that way, a lot of people with CP who face barriers, especially adults with CP. This would be a great way for them to follow what their interests are with financial support.”
With the ongoing research at U of C, Saim hopes that events like the panel will redirect the conversation regarding the condition and that people can approach CP in a positive manner.
“I hope for the future of CP, it’s moving in that direction where we’re not focused on fixing the disease itself, but focus on supporting the individuals living with the disease,” said Saim.
For more information about the cerebral palsy club at the university, check their Instagram page.