At Cadense, we're committed to partnering with organizations that make a meaningful impact in the disability community, and one of our key partners is Cerebral Palsy Strong. We recently had the pleasure of featuring Katy Gaastra, founder and executive director of Cerebral Palsy Strong, as the first guest on our Partnership Spotlight VLOG Series.
In this episode, Katy shared her inspiring journey living with cerebral palsy, her motivation behind starting Cerebral Palsy Strong, and how adaptive technology like Cadense Adaptive Shoes plays a role in improving mobility and independence for individuals with CP.
Watch our Partnership Spotlight Interview with Founder and Executive Director of Cerebral Palsy Strong Katy Gaastra and CEO of Cadense Johannes Sauer
Cerebral Palsy Strong is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to build a supportive community for individuals with cerebral palsy. It began as a blog called TeenCP, where young people with CP could share their experiences and connect with one another. Over time, it evolved into a more expansive community, catering to adults with CP and focusing on advocacy, storytelling, and creating spaces for meaningful connections both online and in-person.
The organization uses the hashtag #CPstrong to foster a shared sense of identity and emphasize that people with CP can live full, vibrant lives beyond overcoming disability stereotypes. By providing platforms for community-led events and real-life storytelling, Cerebral Palsy Strong brings together individuals with CP to share experiences, celebrate achievements, and find a sense of belonging.
During our conversation with Katy, we touched on some of the key challenges faced by the CP community—such as the lack of resources for adults with CP. As Katy explained, while there is support and guidance available during childhood, these resources often disappear as individuals transition into adulthood. This leaves many adults with CP without adequate healthcare guidance or community support. Cerebral Palsy Strong is stepping in to fill this gap by creating programs and events like theCP Social, where people can connect, share their stories, and support each other through shared experiences.
We were introduced to Cerebral Palsy Strong early on in our journey at Cadense, and Katy was one of the first community leaders to try out our Cadense Original adaptive shoes. Her feedback and insights have been invaluable in shaping how we design our footwear for people with CP and other mobility challenges.
Katy has shared that our shoes have helped her feel more stable and supported, thanks to the unique variable friction technology built into our design. By offering a stylish and functional alternative to traditional footwear options, we’re working to ensure that people with CP don’t have to choose between style and support.
This partnership is just getting started! Cerebral Palsy Strong has ambitious plans to expand its reach and impact, and we at Cadense are thrilled to support them in creating more spaces for belonging. As we continue to grow together, we’re excited to explore new opportunities to advocate for better resources and develop adaptive products that meet the unique needs of the CP community.
To learn more about Cerebral Palsy Strong and their mission, check out their website and follow them on social media.
![[color: white] Original Women's Adaptive Shoe](http://cadense.com/cdn/shop/files/CadenseOriginalWomensWhite-001.jpg?crop=center&height=300&v=1694622872&width=300)
![[color: black] Original Men's Adaptive Shoe](http://cadense.com/cdn/shop/files/CadenseOriginalMensBlack-001.jpg?crop=center&height=300&v=1694621753&width=300)
