UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY, AACPDM WELCOME GLOBAL EXPERTS TO DISCUSS 
CHANGING LANDSCAPE FOR CEREBRAL PALSY, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Organizations Use Far-Reaching Discussion to Inaugurate New Partnership 
During AACPDM 64th Annual Meeting in Washington, DC

Washington, DC – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), a leading service provider and advocate for children and adults with an array of disabilities, and the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) have invited leading experts from around the world to discuss the future of cerebral palsy (CP) and other developmental disabilities at Shared Learning, Global Transformation: The Changing Landscape for Cerebral Palsy & Other Developmental Disabilities, on Wednesday, September 22, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. ET at the Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC.

The event inaugurates a partnership between the organizations at AACPDM’s 64th Annual Meeting, featuring a Panel Discussion/Presentation made possible through the generosity of the Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation (CPIRF). During this presentation, which will also stream LIVE on UCP’s website, leading researchers, medical experts, technologists and futurists will explore advances in the field that are changing the way that people with disabilities live their lives. 

This new partnership links one of the country’s largest health care nonprofits – UCP – with the leading coalition of physicians and researchers in the field of CP and developmental medicine – AACPDM. While there have been major advances in understanding CP and other development disabilities over the last 150 years, an explosion in research, patient to patient networks and advances in technology, has radically altered the landscape, resulting in a paradigm shift creating a life without limits for people with disabilities. 

“We are excited to mark a new partnership with AACPDM to encourage investments in research and treatment in such a public and special way,” said Stephen Bennett, United Cerebral Palsy President and Chief Executive Officer. “At the heart of both of our organizations is the desire to create a life without limits for people with disabilities. This panel -- exploring advances in medicine, research, treatment and the creation of dynamic new networks -- gives us a chance to demonstrate the power of this partnership for people with disabilities. We are honored to be able to help AACPDM kick off its 64th Annual Meeting in such a significant way.” 

The panel presentation will be followed by a Governance Reception with leaders from both groups.

 UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY MOURNS PASSING OF JOHN W. KLUGE
Philanthropist’s generosity toward disabilities research helped transform lives

Washington, DC (September 9, 2010) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), a leading service provider and advocate for children and adults with disabilities, mourns the loss of philanthropist John W. Kluge, 95, who passed away on Tuesday, September 9 at his home near Charlottesville, Va. His generosity extended to UCP and its research efforts toward developmental disabilities. 

“Mr. Kluge played a significant role in advancing research of cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities,” said Stephen Bennett, UCP’s President & Chief Executive Officer. “While his recent philanthropy was focused on education and the arts, he remains one of UCP’s heroes for his deep concern and generosity for advances in health care for people with disabilities.” 

Mr. Kluge played a pivotal leadership role in the United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation, now the Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation (CPIRF). Beginning in 1972, he served as vice president and later president and chair of the UCP Research and Education Foundation. His gift of $2.5 million to the foundation was a pivotal moment in its history, and he quietly made other significant gifts since leaving his leadership post with the research foundation. 

James C. Stearns, President of CPIRF’s Board of Directors, noted that Mr. Kluge was among an increasingly rare group of philanthropists who understood that medical advances often only come after significant study and years of work. “John Kluge understood that serving others wasn’t always a ‘quick fix.’ His generosity and deep understanding that medical research would one day transform the lives of people with disabilities continues to serve as an example for our work today.” 

About United Cerebral Palsy
Founded more than 60 years ago by parents of children with cerebral palsy, today United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is a leading service provider and advocate for children and adults with disabilities. The UCP mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network. This includes approximately 100 local service providers reaching more than 176,000 individuals daily in the U.S., Canada, Scotland and Australia. The national office in Washington DC supports the affiliate network; advocates on behalf of individuals with disabilities; advances federal disability public policy (Disability Policy Collaboration); provides information and referral; and develops forward-thinking initiatives and programs like Life Without Limits and My Child Without Limits. 

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Lauren Cozzi
(202) 973-7114 (direct)

PLEASE JOIN THE MADISON HOTEL IN SUPPORT OF UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY THE EVENING OF THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH DURING LATEST EPISODE OF THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF DC

WHO: Friends and supporters of United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), and fans of Bravo TV’s newest hit, The Real Housewives of DC

WHAT: Join the Palette Restaurant and Lounge at The Madison, A Loews Hotel to Support UCP while watching the latest episode of Bravo TV’s newest hit, The Real Housewives of DC, featuring The Madison 

WHERE: Palette Restaurant and Lounge at The Madison, A Loews Hotel
1177 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 862-1600

COST: 10% of Palette’s Proceeds from 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. will be donated to UCP

INVITE/RSVP: Open to the general public; no RSVP necessary

MEDIA: Should media like to cover, please contact 

About United Cerebral Palsy:
Founded more than 60 years ago by parents of children with cerebral palsy, today United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is a leading service provider and advocate for children and adults with disabilities. The UCP mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network. This includes approximately 100 local service providers reaching more than 176,000 individuals daily in the U.S., Canada, Scotland and Australia. The national office in Washington DC supports the affiliate network; advocates on behalf of individuals with disabilities; advances federal disability public policy (Disability Policy Collaboration); provides information and referral; and develops forward-thinking initiatives and programs like Life Without Limits and My Child Without Limits.

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UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY & CAPABILITY SCOTLAND CELEBRATE EFFORTS TO ADVANCE THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

British Ambassador & Lady Sheinwald Graciously Host Event at Embassy Residence 

Actor & United Cerebral Palsy Board Trustee Cheryl Hines Helped Commemorate Anniversaries of Americans with Disabilities Act & Disability Discrimination Act

Washington, DC (June 18, 2010) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), a leading service provider and advocate for children and adults with disabilities, along with UCP affiliate Capability Scotland, and by kind permission of the British Ambassador and Lady Sheinwald, commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 15th anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in the United Kingdom. The event honored the efforts of those who created these landmark laws and continue to work to achieve a Life Without Limits for people with disabilities yesterday evening at the at the Embassy Residence of the British Ambassador in Washington, DC.

“The excitement generated at last night’s event hosted by the British Ambassador and Lady Sheinwald is a critical step in our global movement to achieve a Life Without Limits for people with disabilities,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO, United Cerebral Palsy. “Celebrating historic pieces of civil rights legislation that radically changed the lives of all people with disabilities – the Americans with Disabilities Act and the UK’s Disability Discrimination Act – compound how far we have come in the last 60 years since United Cerebral Palsy was founded. We should use the 20th and 15th anniversaries of this legislation as benchmarks for the key landmarks that will come next for people with disabilities. We must sustain a movement with a single goal: ensuring a life without limits for people with disabilities.”

In addition to the hosts, British Ambassador & Lady Sheinwald, attendees included Actor and UCP Board Trustee Cheryl Hines; Alan Dickson, Chief Executive, Capability Scotland; Stephen Bennett, President & CEO, United Cerebral Palsy; Bruce Merlin Fried, Chair, Board of Trustees, United Cerebral Palsy; Joe Stettinius, President, Cassidy Turley, the event’s Transatlantic Underwriter; Linda, Jack and David Maguire; current and former legislators; government officials; corporate leaders; advocates; members of the United Cerebral Palsy Board of Trustees, the majority of whom are people, or part of family, impacted by disabilities; and embassy staff.

Also in attendance were the United Cerebral Palsy Young Benefactors, a new group of young men and women who support, communicate and extend the vision of Life Without Limits for people with disabilities and transform the cause to bring this vision closer to reality.

Photos
Please contact Lauren Cozzi for event photos or a high resolution headshot of Cheryl Hines.

British Ambassador’s blog
An overview of last night’s event, written by the British Ambassador, is available on his blog.

About United Cerebral Palsy
Founded more than 60 years ago by parents of children with cerebral palsy, today United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is a leading service provider and advocate for children and adults with disabilities. The UCP mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network. This includes approximately 100 local service providers reaching more than 176,000 individuals daily in the U.S., Canada, Scotland and Australia. The national office in Washington DC advocates on behalf of individuals with disabilities; advances federal disability public policy (Disability Policy Collaboration); and develops forward-thinking programs like Life Without Limits and My Child Without Limits. For more information, please visit www.UCP.org.

About Capability Scotland
Like United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), Capability Scotland was founded over 60 years ago by parents of children with cerebral palsy. Today, the organisation campaigns with, and provides education, employment and support services to, disabled children and adults across Scotland in order that they achieve equality and have choice and control in their lives. For more information, please visit the Capability Scotland website:www.capability-scotland.org.uk.

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UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY PRESENTS “AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE” & ELECTS NEW MEMBERS TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES AT 2010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Washington, DC (June 16, 2010) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), a leading service provider and advocate for children and adults with disabilities, presented its annual Awards for Excellence and elected new members of the Board of Trustees during its 2010 Annual Conference last month in Chicago, Ill. Designed to help improve operational and organizational efficiency, the UCP 2010 Annual Conference theme – Mission Driven Business; Better Together Beyond All Limits – focused on developing business methods and strategies for affiliates to utilize to improve performance and enhance productivity.

Each year, the UCP Awards for Excellence are presented to affiliates, individuals and companies whose exceptional activities, achievements and dedication exemplify the UCP mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through its affiliate network. This year, these awards were presented to 10 recipients at a dinner and presentation during the Annual Conference.

“The 2010 United Cerebral Palsy Awards for Excellence recipients are leaders in creating a life without limits for people with disabilities,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO, United Cerebral Palsy. “We are pleased to recognize affiliates, individuals and companies whose successful performance make our mission a reality by advancing independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities.”

The 2010 Awards for Excellence include:

• 2010 Kathleen O. Maul Leadership Award was presented to Ron Cohen, CEO of UCP of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties, for his leadership and strong commitment to UCP. He has led UCP of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties to be one of the largest developers of affordable housing for adults with disabilities in California. More recently, he acquired UCP Wheels for Humanity (WFH) and had the WFH logo placed on Glee, one of the hottest TV shows airing today.
• 2010 Chair Award was presented to Tom O’Donnell, for his continued assistance to the Chair and Board throughout the year. Though Tom is currently Chair of the Nominating Committee, he has also served on the board of trustees for UCP of Greater Kansas, and as Chair of the UCP Board of Trustees. He has been an advocate for people with disabilities for four decades, serving as a staff attorney for the National Center of Law and the Handicapped, and advocating the Education for All Handicapped Children Act.
• 2010 Ritter Legacy Award, was presented to UCP of Central Florida for their Miracles in Action E-Newsletters and their Broadcast Media Video. Their Miracles in Actions E-newsletters are targeted to meet the needs of specific groups including parents, volunteers, supporters and donors. Each letter included timely information tied to a call-to-action that prompted individuals to become additionally involved. Both media sources use the UCP logo and branding standards in exemplary ways to further their advocacy and fundraising goals.
• 2010 Nina Eaton Program of the Year Award was presented to UCP Land of Lincoln, for their Employment Services program. Their Employment Services include a variety of programs from transition and job-training, supported employment and two independent business operations. The transition program is a year-round comprehensive program designed to foster employment and post secondary education opportunities for youth with disabilities. The supported employment program assists individuals with disabilities in finding jobs and maintaining successful employment in the community.
• 2010 Outstanding Youth Award was presented to Katie Lightfoot (nominated by UCP of the North Bay) to recognize her as a youth who has significantly enhanced the lives of people with disabilities through caregiving, volunteerism, advocacy, innovation or fundraising. Katie has volunteered at Boost Camp, a UCP of the North Bay summer program for children with physical disabilities, for seven years. She provides hands on support to children in the program, and has also helped create a positive environment with her cheerful and enthusiastic attitude.
• 2010 Universal Accessibility Design Award was presented to Morgan’s Wonderland, located in San Antonio, Texas to recognize it as the World’s First Ultra Accessible Family Fun Park designed specifically for children and adults with special needs, their family members, caregivers, friends and the entire community. It is a unique oasis that through the spirit of inclusion, allows people of all abilities to play, learn and share life changing experiences together, in a fun and safe environment. Gordon Hartman, president and CEO of The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, expressed his appreciation, saying that, “We’re very grateful to UCP for recognizing our team effort in making Morgan’s Wonderland an ultra-accessible park so our guests with special needs can truly have fun with family members, friends and caregivers in a safe, colorful environment.”
• 2010 Employer of the Year Award was presented to PRIDE Industries (nominated by UCP of Greater Sacramento) for it’s continued service in preparing people with disabilities for employment by providing person-centered training and program supports.
• 2010 the Public Policy and Advocacy Award was presented to CP of Mobile, for its local advocacy efforts particular to disaster planning and preparation. In light of the way people with disabilities were treated during Hurricane Katrina UCP of Mobile called together representatives from other disability organizations, emergency Management, Public Health, government, Red Cross, local hospitals, and individuals with disabilities to create the Special Needs Shelter Task force to address the lack of safe and accessible emergency shelter choices.
• 2010 the Ethel Hausman Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to two recipients this year, Jack and Linda Cox Maguire, who both, through volunteering, have made outstanding contributions to UCP. Jack and Linda have been involved with UCP for approximately 20 years through their local affiliate, UCP of MetroBoston, and at the national level. The couple exemplifies the spirit of UCP through their endless philanthropy, relentless advocacy, and time given to support the UCP mission.
• 2010 Life Without Limits Award was presented to Craig Reinhardt of UCP Arkansas, to recognize an individual with disabilities who has demonstrated leadership and achievement of such a caliber as to be a significant role model to people with and without disabilities. Craig embodies what UCP represents- he has overcome significant physical and speech limitations to become a critical contributor to the work at UCP of Arkansas in his role as Technology Administrator. The things that Craig has done to help UCP of Arkansas meet its mission of advancing the independence, productivity and full citizenship for people with disabilities are way too numerous to list in their entirety, but his ability to be a role model to others with disabilities is immeasurable.

During the awards presentation, individuals who volunteered significant time with UCP affiliates were also recognized as Victory 100 winners. In 2009, these included 335 volunteers from 23 UCP affiliates. Each volunteer dedicated at least 100 hours of service by participating on a board, assisting in fundraising activities, and performing other needed volunteer work. This year the Victory 100 winners volunteered a total of 43,612 hours.

Board of Trustees
UCP also elected new members to its Board of Trustees during the Annual Conference. This included the following additions:

• Woody Connette, from Charlotte, North Carolina, is an attorney with a strong interest in public policy and litigation related to disabilities, health care and mental health. He serves as Board Chair for Easter Seals/UCP North Carolina and Virginia and has been active with that affiliate approximately nine years. He has also served on the Executive Board and as President of the National Patient Advocate Foundation and has testified in Washington on proposed changes to ERISA regulations governing employee health and disability plans.
• Dr. Joseph Lee, from Standish, Maine, is the President of Saint Joseph’s College. His background in higher education leadership includes fundraising, strategic planning, financial management, enrollment, marketing, student life and intercollegiate athletics. An active participant in service organizations, President Lee has served on the Board of Trustees for the National Conference for Community and Justice and on the Board of Directors for the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Recently he was named to the Board of Trustees of the World Affairs Council of Maine.
• Mark Lezotte is a shareholder practicing with the law firm of Hall Render in Troy, Michigan. He has served on the Council of the State Bar of Michigan Business Law Section, is a past co-chair of the State Bar Nonprofit Corporations Committee, and is active in numerous professional and nonprofit organizations. He received the United Cerebral Palsy Association National Chairperson's Award in 2004.
• Emilio Pardo, from Washington, DC, is a senior executive with over 18 years of development and management experience with non-profit, corporate and governmental organizations. As EVP & Chief Brand Officer for AARP, he is currently responsible for all creating, coordinating and integrating brand–related plans from across the enterprise.

View the full listing of UCP's Board of Trustees.

About United Cerebral Palsy
Founded more than 60 years ago by parents of children with cerebral palsy, today United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is a leading service provider and advocate for children and adults with disabilities. The UCP mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network. This includes approximately 100 local service providers reaching more than 176,000 individuals daily in the U.S., Canada, Scotland and Australia. The national office in Washington DC advocates on behalf of individuals with disabilities; advances federal disability public policy (Disability Policy Collaboration); and develops forward-thinking programs like Life Without Limits and My Child Without Limits. For more information, please visit www.UCP.org.

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United Cerebral Palsy Releases 2010 Case For Inclusion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

5th Annual Report Ranks 50 States & DC on 
Medicaid Services for Individuals with Disabilities

Washington, DC (April 13, 2010) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) today released the 2010 Case for Inclusionreport (http://medicaid.ucp.org/), ranking all 50 states and the District of Columbia for Medicaid services provided to intellectual and developmental disability (ID/DD) populations. The fifth annual rankings reveal:

1. Despite significant progress, all states have room to improve outcomes and services for individuals with ID/DD, particularly in the current economic climate.
2. Too many Americans with ID/DD still do not live in the community, although real and notable progress have been made since last year.
3. Certain states are making substantial progress toward inclusion.
4. Too much money is still spent isolating people in large institutions, with nominal change since 2009.
5. Waiting lists have increased dramatically, but performance is quite mixed by state; most are not serving everyone in need.

“The 2010 Case for Inclusion finds some progress in Medicaid services for individuals with disabilities, and offers states and advocates a tremendous resource for further inclusion of all people with disabilities,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO, United Cerebral Palsy.

Top/bottom ten states in terms of quality of Medicaid service provided: 1) Arizona; 2) Vermont; 3) New Hampshire; 4) Washington; 5) California; 6) Massachusetts; 7) Michigan; 8) Connecticut; 9) Colorado; 10) Hawaii; 42) Virginia; 43) Ohio; 44) Indiana; 45) Tennessee; 46) Utah; 47) DC; 48) Illinois; 49) Texas; 50) Arkansas; 51) Mississippi

Seventeen states shifted by at least five places in the rankings from 2009 to 2010, and 21 states shifted at least six places in the rankings from 2007 to 2010.

Highlights:

• An impressive 22 states – up three from 2009 and an increase from 16 states in 2007 – have more than 80% of those served living in home-like settings.
• From 2005 to 2008, an impressive 13 states reduced the number of Americans living in large institutions by 20% or more.
• Overall the number of Americans with ID/DD on waiting lists for residential services has increased 56% from 2005 to 2008.
• This report focuses on what is being achieved; not how much or how little money is being spent. While current Federal Stimulus funds have alleviated Medicaid spending pressures at the state level to a large extent, Medicaid shortfalls are projected to come roaring back in 2011, if the temporary increase in Medicaid funds run out.

About United Cerebral Palsy
Founded over 60 years ago by parents of children with cerebral palsy, today UCP is a leading service provider and advocate for children and adults with disabilities. The UCP mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network of approximately 100 local service providers reaching over 176,000 individuals daily in the U.S. and internationally. The national office in Washington, DC advocates on behalf of individuals with disabilities; advances federal disability public policy (Disability Policy Collaboration); and develops forward-thinking programs like Life Without Limits and My Child Without Limits. For more information, please visit www.UCP.org.

About Author
Tarren Bragdon has been involved in healthcare policy research and analysis for over a decade. His work has been featured in newspapers and media outlets nationwide including The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, New York Sun and PBS. He served two terms in the Maine House of Representatives on the Health and Human Services Committee and currently serves as chair of the board of directors of Spurwink Services, one of the largest social service providers in Maine.

United Cerebral Palsy Celebrates Enactment of Comprehensive Health Care Reform

Washington, D.C. (April 2, 2010) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) applauds President Obama's March 30 signing of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872) into law, which contains "fixes" to the health care reform bill (H.R. 3590). This historic legislation is certain to rank among the top domestic legislative achievements of this generation. It will bring about comprehensive health care reform that will benefit nearly all Americans while reducing the federal deficit. 

The Disability Policy Collaboration, and UCP's grasstops and grassroots work were instrumental in securing enactment of this landmark legislation.

"We are extremely pleased that the new law marks the attainment of several of United Cerebral Palsy’s priority public policy goals, because people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will benefit greatly from a number of important provisions of the law," said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO, United Cerebral Palsy. "However we know that no bill is perfect, and we have a significant amount of work ahead to ensure the law is implemented properly. This includes the impact some of the provisions have on the budgets of the developmental disability provider network without the critical funding supports from the federal and state governments."

"This law, coupled with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act  (H.R. 3590), which President Obama signed last week, will dramatically improve disability related health care and long term services and supports," explained Liz Savage, Director of Health Policy for the Disability Policy Collaboration, who attended the historic ceremony. "These laws represent a sea change in access to quality, affordable health care for people with disabilities."

Law provisions include the following:

Coverage

• Prohibiting private health insurance exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
• Eliminating annual and lifetime caps in private insurance policies.
• Restricting the consideration of health status in setting premiums.
• Expanding Medicaid to cover individuals with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty line (approximately $29,000 per year for a family of four).

Benefits

• Ensuring that minimum covered benefits include products and services that enable people with disabilities to maintain and improve function, such as rehabilitation and habilitation services and devices.

Access to Quality Care

• Improving training of physicians, dentists, and allied health professionals on how to treat persons with disabilities.
• Requiring the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to collect data on beneficiaries with disabilities access to primary care services and the level to which primary care service providers have been trained on disability issues. Ensuring prevention programs include a focus on individuals with disabilities.

Long Term Services and Supports
Strengthening long-term services and supports through a two pronged approach:

1. Taking pressure off of the Medicaid program
   • The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act would create a national long term services insurance program which assists eligible individuals and their families to meet long term needs with a cash benefit and without forcing them into poverty to receive Medicaid benefits.
2. Improving the Medicaid program
   • The Community First Choice Option would help to eliminate the institutional bias by encouraging states to cover personal attendant services under the state's optional service plan instead of through the waiver system by offering a 6% increase in the federal share of Medicaid for these services.
   • Increasing the federal share of Medicaid, known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (or FMAP), for home and community based services (HCBS) and during periods of economic downturn.
   • Allowing states to offer additional services under the 1915(i) Medicaid HCBS Waivers State Plan Option.
   • Providing spousal impoverishment protections for HCBS Beneficiaries.

This bill signing came after a week filled with events, including:

• On March 21, the U.S. House of Representatives (House) voted 219 to 212 to pass the Senate health care reform bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act (H.R. 3590). Thirty four Democrats and all Republicans opposed the bill. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that the legislation would cost $940 billion over ten years and reduce the federal deficit by $130 billion over the first ten years and $1.2 trillion in the second ten years. The House then took up a budget reconciliation bill [the Reconciliation Act of 2010 H.R. (4872)] to make amendments to the health care reform bill to address issues which were problematic to many Members of Congress. The reconciliation bill was passed by a vote of 220 to 211.
• On March 23, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R.3590)into law, which includes the CLASS Act and the Community First Choice (CFC) Option.
• On March 25, the U.S. Senate voted to pass the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872) which contains "fixes" to the health care reform bill (HR 3590) by a vote of 56 to 43. The House then passed the reconciliation bill for a second time, because the Senate had made some technical changes to it by a vote of 220 to 207.

About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) was founded over 60 years ago by parents of children with cerebral palsy, and today UCP is a leading service provider and advocate for adults and children with disabilities. The UCP mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network. This includes approximately 100 local service providers reaching over 176,000 adults and children daily in the U.S., Canada, Scotland and Australia. The UCP national office in Washington DC supports affiliates through programmatic assistance; an annual conference; events to raise awareness and support; marketing and communication services; advocacy; advancement of federal disability public policy through the Disability Policy Collaboration (DPC); and development of forward-thinking programs like Life Without Limits, a national movement to empower people with disabilities to envision and build a better future, and MyChildWithoutLimits, an online resource and community for parents, families and caregivers of children ages zero to five, newly diagnosed with a disability or developmental delay. For more information, please visit www.UCP.org.