The Cerebral Palsy Research Network (CPRN) has selected Dr. Kristen Allison’s study entitled “Speech and Language Predictors of Participation for Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP)” for funding for its Research CP Request for Applications.  Kristen Allison, PhD, CCC-SLP, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northeastern University, was one of five applicants accepted for consideration for the Research CP Award to be funded by CP NOW.  CPRN is excited to work with Dr. Allison on the integration of her study into CPRN’s community registry hosted on MyCP, CPRN’s web portal for community engagement in research. Parents of children with CP interested in participating in this study should register for MyCP for future notification of the opportunity to participate in Dr. Allison’s study.  The area of study directly addresses one of key findings from Research CP – the importance of participation for people with CP.

CPRN’s Scientific Review Subcommittee (SRS), a multi-disciplinary group of clinical researchers, reviewed and ranked the applications on scientific merit and fit with the Research CP priorities.   Dr. Allison’s study concept and design was the top-ranked application from this set of diverse and important applications.  This review was the first performed by our SRS and a milestone in the advancement of CPRN’s infrastructure to conduct high quality research.  The SRS includes representatives with extensive experience in conducting reviews for the National Institutes of Health and brought this expertise and rigor to CPRN’s review process.  The SRS provided detailed feedback to each applicant thereby helping them to improve his or her research designs and future applications. CPRN appreciates the commitment of the applicants to advance research for people with CP, and the volunteer efforts of the SRS in reviewing these applications. 

Congratulations to Dr. Allison on her excellent research proposal and thanks to all who contributed to these applications and review process.  And thank you to our partner CP NOW for its tireless commitment to supporting both CPRN, the community and the funding of innovative research.