Moving to Adulthood: Finding and Navigating Support Pathways

In collaboration with the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability (IAACD), the Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center's  hosted a panel discussion on Moving to Adulthood – A Psychosocial Perspective on November 7th, 2025.

Our session opened with Minnelly Vasquez, LCSW who introduced Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. Minnelly moderated the discussion with adults with CP who reflected on personal struggles, and shared sources of support. Panelists were open and candid, sharing stories on navigating friendships and relationships, including moments where disability was unfairly used against them. A key takeaway was that having CP is only one part of who they are, and friendships don’t have to be based solely on shared disability. Still, attendees expressed how valuable CP specific spaces can be, and many exchanged contact information to stay connected after the session.

IAACD Listening and Sharing Sessions

This annual event is organized by the Global Professional Education Committee of the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability, to bring you discussions about different topics that are arriving from new ideas and are crucial for wellbeing of children and youth living with developmental conditions. This year's theme is Moving to Adulthood: Finding and Navigating Support Pathways.

Hosts from different countries and timezones led sessions throughout a 24-hour period. Over 30 organizations around the world participated in this year's event.