United Cerebral Palsy
Website
Organization Location
8401 Old Courthouse Rd Vienna, VA 22182
Description
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) may be one of the largest health nonprofits in the U.S. today, but that was not the case in 1949. In the 1940s, there were not many options for families of and people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
Faced with fear and a lack of understanding by both the medical community and the general public, individuals with a disability were relegated to second-class status. Medical professionals frequently urged parents to warehouse their children in institutions where they lived out their lives, segregated from the rest of society. Parents who chose to raise their children at home learned that few services and supports were available to help their children lead full, productive lives in the community. With little contact between families of children with cerebral palsy, many parents felt isolated, helpless and alone.
In 1948, Leonard H. Goldenson, then-President of United Paramount Theaters and ABC Television, and his wife, Isabelle, joined forces with prominent New York businessman Jack Hausman, and his wife, Ethel, to improve the quality of life for their children with cerebral palsy and for others like them.
The two families placed an advertisement in the New York Herald Tribune to recruit families interested in improving available services to children with disabilities so that families could stay together, and people with disabilities could be part of the community.
1949
Hundreds of parents of children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities responded to the advertisement and joined the Goldenson’s and Hausman’s in their crusade to create an organization to improve service for people with disabilities. It was from this humble, grassroots beginning that UCP was born as a national organization in 1949.
Several UCP affiliates opened across the country, quickly establishing the organization. Right at its inception, UCP brought issues about cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities to the forefront of the national media.
TODAY
UCP would not be where it is today — assisting thousands of people with disabilities and their families — if it had not been for a group of parents who were committed to pioneering an effort to change the world for their children.
Today, UCP continues to work closely with its affiliates on issues that open doors for people with disabilities. From home ownership to health care reform, inclusive education to competitive employment, UCP has established itself as a leader in the disability community and as a strong voice for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Mission Statement
To promote the independence and inclusion of people with cerebral palsy, intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities through our network of affiliates and partnerships.
Vision Statement
A life of dignity, independence, and opportunity for people with disabilities.
It’s a commitment to a life without limits for people with disabilities
We’re committed to change and progress for adults and children with disabilities, whether it is a disability evidenced from birth, the result of an accident, or as a consequence of aging.
UCP local service providers, known as affiliates, provide services and support on a community-by-community basis, serving the unique needs of people with disabilities in their region.
There is a significant percentage of people served by UCP affiliates that have disabilities other than cerebral palsy, including Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Physical Disabilities and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
It’s about today and tomorrow
By harnessing innovation—from adaptive technologies to the ingenuity and pioneering spirit of our affiliates—we are advancing independence and productivity for people with disabilities.
We strive to build a better world for tomorrow, today
The backbone of UCP is the services provided by our affiliates, including housing, therapy, assistive technology training, early intervention programs, individual and family support, social and recreation programs, community living, state and local referrals, employment assistance and advocacy.
Contact
Contact email - [email protected]
Phone - +1 800-872-5827
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/unitedcerebralpalsy
Upcoming events
- through (CDT)
- 2025 Annual Conference
Past events
- through (CDT)
- UCP 2024 Conference on Latinos with Disabilities
- through (EDT)
- 2024 Annual Conference