United Cerebral Palsy Association

Fact Checked

Cerebral Palsy Guidance is not affiliated with the United Cerebral Palsy Association in any way. No reference to UCP is implied by factual statements contained in our website. UCP may be located here.

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of services to children and adults with cerebral palsy. It is an advocacy organization for those with cerebral palsy and their families.

UCP History

UCP was founded in 1949 by Leonard Goldenson and his wife, who sought to create a way to provide resources and services for people living with cerebral palsy and their families.[1]

During the 1940s, resources were limited for people with disabilities. Still, Goldenson wanted to give people from low-income families, people afraid of their child’s disabilities, or people who needed help understanding cerebral palsy a place to go to find help.

Golden, who was once president of United Paramount Theaters and ABC Television, went into a business venture with other professionals, all of whom had children with cerebral palsy, to improve their lives as well as all other children with the disorder.

Over the subsequent years, thousands of families and numerous advocates joined UCP, contributing to the organization’s success today.

What Does UCP Do?

Through more than 80 affiliates nationwide and in Canada and Australia, UCP provides several services to children and adults with cerebral palsy, including:

• Health and wellness awareness
• Support groups and training for parents
• Summer activities and other recreational activities
• Housing
• Transportation
• Assistance with traveling
• Public advocacy and education regarding cerebral palsy
• Financial resources
• Assistive Technology

The UCP Elsie S. Bellows Fund

UCP offers the UCP Elsie S. Bellows Fund, a national program that provides grants to help individuals purchase assistive technology equipment.[2]

Assistive technology (AT) includes equipment and products that help disabled children improve their functional capabilities and independence. AT can range from communication devices and van lifts to small products, such as Velcro-attached grips, which enable children to hold eating utensils, pens, and pencils more easily.

There is an array of AT that can benefit children with cerebral palsy. Examples of AT products and equipment allowed under the grant program include (but are not limited to):

• Van lifts
• Hearing aids
• Electric wheelchairs
• Manual wheelchairs
• Computer equipment

World Cerebral Palsy Day

UCP is also part of World Cerebral Palsy Day, which occurs in October each year. World CP Day is a global project in which education and awareness regarding cerebral palsy are spread worldwide.[3]

In addition to UCP, World CP Day is led by nonprofit charities in over 30 countries.

My Child Has Severe Cerebral Palsy. Can UCP Still Help?

UCP provides help and resources for children with all types of cerebral palsy, ranging from mild to severe.

How Can I Join UCP and Get Help for My Child?

The best way to get help for your child is to join a UCP affiliate in your area. Each UCP affiliate offers a range of services, including charitable initiatives and community events. Use the official UCP resource page to find an affiliate in your area.

UCP and Respite Care

UCP has joined with affiliates to support caregivers with various respite care services and other support organizations. Respite care is short-term care for a disabled or ill individual that allows the primary caregiver to take a break. With cerebral palsy, respite usually allows the parents time off.

According to the official UCP website, the following organizations can provide families with more information on caregiving support services.

Caregiver Action Network
Caregiver Action Network is an organization that advocates and provides education for people who care for someone with disabilities, old age, or a chronic illness.

National Alliance for Caregiving
The National Alliance for Caregiving is a nonprofit informational agency for caregivers, providing an extensive database of searchable articles and free access to research studies.