Cerebral Palsy Grows Up: The Podcast

Rachel Byrne is an internationally recognized nonprofit executive, therapist and published researcher. She has been instrumental in changing the future of cerebral palsy research and implementation science leading to improved outcomes across the lifespan. Rachel has a background in physical therapy, with a particular interest in neuroplasticity and motor learning leading to her early career as a clinician delivering physical therapy services in schools, hospitals and private practice. She has been the executive director of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation for over 5 years.

Follow

Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Instagram: @yourcpf
CPGU on Instagram: @cerebralpalsygrowsup
Alexa Orban on Instagram @lexi_orban

Credits

Host: Alexa Orban
Producers: Katy Gaastra, Kyle Khachadurian
Executive Producer: Ashley Harris Whaley, Rachel Byrne
Graphics: Briana Raucci

In the episode of our show, we hear from Dr. Ted Conway — well-respected biomedical engineer and professor with cerebral palsy. As an accomplished academic researcher, he received advanced graduate degrees in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics in the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During his Ph.D, he became a Summer Federal Employee for the Department of the Navy at the Naval Underwater Systems Center in Newport, RI and the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC.

In this episode of Cerebral Palsy Grows Up: The Podcast he joins our host, Alexa Orban, to talk about aging with cerebral palsy, life before the Americans with Disabilities Act, and his incredible contributions to the field of biomechanics. For anyone with CP looking for wisdom from our elders, this is one episode you won’t want to miss!

Follow

Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Instagram: @yourcpf
CPGU on Instagram: @cerebralpalsygrowsup
Alexa Orban on Instagram @lexi_orban

Credits

Host: Alexa Orban
Producers: Katy Gaastra, Kyle Khachadurian
Executive Producer: Ashley Harris Whaley, Rachel Byrne
Graphics: Briana Raucci

In our first episode, we sit down with Robyn Lambird, Australian Paralympian and trailblazing advocate for disability rights and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Robyn made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics as the first non-binary athlete to win a medal, securing bronze in the 100m T34 race. But their journey goes far beyond the track.

The Paralympics highlight not only the incredible achievements of elite athletes but also the importance of physical activity for everyone, including those with cerebral palsy or other disabilities. Robyn shares how elite sports and everyday recreation are interconnected, emphasizing that engaging in physical activity, at any level, fosters confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of one’s body. Whether competing on the world stage or simply finding joy in movement, athletes with disabilities, like Robyn, inspire us to explore our limits and prioritize health and wellness.

In this debut episode, Robyn discusses the valuable lessons learned through sport about fitness, mental wellness, and mobility that apply to both elite athletes and those engaging in recreational activities. Tune in to discover how sports and recreation build resilience, improve quality of life, and foster inclusivity in all aspects of society.

Follow 

Robyn on Instagram: @robynlambird

Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Instagram: @yourcpf

CPGU on Instagram: @cerebralpalsygrowsup

Alexa Orban on Instagram @lexi_orban

Credits

Host: Alexa Orban

Producers: Katy Gaastra, Kyle Khachadurian

Executive Producer: Ashley Harris Whaley, Rachel Byrne

Graphics: Briana Raucci