Cerebral Palsy @ University of Calgary is a student-led advocacy and community engagement group dedicated to advancing awareness, research literacy, and inclusive dialogue around cerebral palsy. In this interview, Vice President of Advocacy Rozwel Quimio shares how the organization is working to bridge the gap between academic research and the families and individuals it impacts by hosting public panels and fostering meaningful patient engagement.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Cerebral Palsy @ University of Calgary is a student-led advocacy and community engagement group focused on advancing awareness, research literacy, and inclusive dialogue around cerebral palsy. We organize free public panels, connect families with researchers and clinicians, and create spaces where lived experience and science can inform each other. Our mission is to bridge the gap between research and community.
What problem does it aim to solve?
There is often a disconnect between academic research and the individuals and families directly affected by cerebral palsy. Many families want access to understandable, up-to-date information and opportunities to engage with researchers, but those spaces aren’t always accessible. We aim to improve knowledge-sharing, promote meaningful patient engagement, and foster partnerships that improve care and quality of life.
When did you start/join it?
Our group was formed by University of Calgary students passionate about disability advocacy and neuroscience research. I joined as Vice President of Advocacy to help strengthen our community outreach and public engagement efforts.
What made you want to get involved?
I wanted to help create a space where lived experience is valued alongside clinical expertise. Too often, conversations about disability happen without including the voices of those directly impacted. Being part of this group allows me to help build more inclusive and collaborative discussions in Calgary.
What was the situation like when you started?
There were limited opportunities for families, students, and community members to directly engage with leading researchers in an accessible, informal setting. Conversations about cerebral palsy research were often confined to academic conferences or clinical spaces.
How has it changed since?
We’ve successfully hosted public community panels that bring together researchers, clinicians, individuals living with cerebral palsy, caregivers, and students. We’ve raised over $2K for community programs that focus on cerebral palsy and received $5K in funding to develop cerebral palsy awareness and outreach projects.
What more needs to be done?
We need continued investment in accessibility, inclusive research design, and long-term community partnerships. Patient engagement must move beyond consultation and toward co-creation. There is also a need for broader public awareness about cerebral palsy across Calgary.
How can our readers help?
Readers can attend our free events, share our initiatives with families and community members, volunteer with our group, or support disability-focused research and advocacy initiatives. Simply showing up and participating in these conversations makes a difference. We post our events and volunteer opportunities on our Instagram or ucalgarycpnetwork@gmail.com
Do you have any events coming up?
Yes!
Patient Engagement in Cerebral Palsy Research
📅 Wednesday, February 25, 2026
🕔 5:00 – 6:30 PM MST
📍 Libin Theatre, Health Sciences Building
University of Calgary Foothills Campus – 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1
The event is free and offered in a hybrid format. Registration here.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
We deeply admire the work of Cerebral Palsy Kids and Families and other Calgary-based disability advocacy organizations that support families through programming, peer support, and community-building initiatives.
