History

Since 1949, Cerebral Palsy of Westchester has been the leading non-profit organization in Westchester County, providing essential educational services, direct services, vocational training, recreation, rehabilitation and advocacy to children and adults with all developmental disabilities including autism, neurological impairments, intellectual disabilities, epilepsy and cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy of Westchester was founded by a dedicated network of volunteers, helping disabled children access medical treatments and services that were just becoming available in area hospitals. One volunteer, Martie Osterer, recognized the need for a strong organization with structure and financial stability, which would support the efforts of its volunteers. She enlisted her husband David, a Westchester businessman, and together David and Martie Osterer formed more than an organization. They developed a partnership of caring community volunteers and professionals committed to making the necessary services and programs available to everyone in need.

While the original focus was on individuals with cerebral palsy, the mandate has continually expanded to reach children and adults with a variety of disabilities.

Today the David G. Osterer Center in Rye Brook serves as the nucleus of a network of more than a dozen locations throughout Westchester County. Those satellite programs and residential sites have been developed to provide for the ever-expanding and changing needs of disabled individuals throughout the community.

Mission

To advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities.

Vision

We believe and advocate that all children and adults with disabilities have a fundamental right to public education that prepares them to function as independently as possible.

Each child with a disability is entitled to the opportunity to live and grow within their family, and that advocacy and service must be truly family-centered, rather than focused exclusively on the individual.

People with disabilities have the right, desire and ability to shape their own destinies and should, therefore, be active participants in the decisions that directly affect their lives.

People with disabilities deserve the right to choose and to participate in lifestyles that enable them to live and contribute to their own communities to the fullest extent possible.