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UCP ANNOUNCES UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA AS WINNER OF WORLD CP DAY INVENTION CONTEST 

Team designs solar-powered wheelchair, awarded 1st prize of $20,000

Donates chair to man who submitted idea, funds to help advance World CP Day

Washington, D.C. (May 10, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) and its international partners have announced the winner of the first annual World CP Day invention contest: a team from the University of Virginia, who created a solar-powered wheelchair.

World CP Day was established in 2012 as a way to raise awareness and support for people living with cerebral palsy around the world. Through the “Change My World In One Minute” contest, people can submit ideas for something that would make a real difference in the lives of people with cerebral palsy—and an incredible 473 ideas were submitted. From these, three final ideas were selected: a fold-up motorized wheelchair, a documentary on cerebral palsy in the 21st century and a solar-powered wheelchair. The public was then invited to submit proposals for a chance to win $25,000 and to bring their ideas to life.

The team from the University of Virginia, led by Dr. Mool Gupta, included six students: Dennis Waldron, Duncan McGillivray, Craig Ungaro, Ankit Shah, Maria Michael and Kyung Kim, and was primarily constructed at the National Institute of Aerospace’s Research and Innovation Laboratories Facility. The concept for the wheelchair was inspired by the design of retractable roofs on convertible cars and utilizes lightweight yet robust materials with high efficiency solar cells. This innovative combination enables the wheelchair to increase its range by more than 40 percent over battery usage, and to run a one mile per hour indefinitely without consuming any battery charge. Operated by a single switch, the wheelchair includes standard components as well as USB power outlets. 

Awarded $20,000 for their first prize invention, Dr. Gupta and his students decided to use the prize money to refine and ship the wheelchair to the man who posted the suggestion online, Alper Sirvan, who has cerebral palsy, and donate the remaining proceeds back to UCP to help advance World CP Day in the years to come. 

“UCP is thrilled to present this award to the University of Virginia for their creation of a solar powered wheelchair as part of the first World Cerebral Palsy Day’s Change My Life in One Minute invention contest, which focused on concrete, attainable ideas that could change people’s lives. We are very proud to say that, together with the incredible efforts of the University of Virginia, Dr. Gupta, and all of the students and partners involved, one of these ideas has been brought to life,” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “And it is truly inspiring to hear of the University of Virginia’s decision to use the prize money to send the wheelchair to the man who inspired the idea and return the remaining funds. I applaud these extraordinary individuals for their work, and appreciate their efforts in helping to ensure that people living with cerebral palsy can live their lives to the fullest.”

“This team of graduate and undergraduate students have created a device that will truly benefit those with disabilities,” Engineering School Dean James H. Aylor said. “The students on the team are excellent examples of the type of engineer we strive to produce in the U.Va. Engineering School – innovative leaders who are agents of change in society. I am thankful for the World CP Day organization for giving them this opportunity and for the National Institute of Aerospace for providing laboratory space.”

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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.

About the World CP Day Campaign:
World Cerebral Palsy Day is an innovative way for 17 million people with CP to tell the world what they need to make their lives better and it's a way to turn some of those ideas into reality. World CP Day was piloted in 2012. From 1 August, people with cerebral palsy, their families and friends posted ideas online for something that could be created, developed or modified that would change the world for someone with cerebral palsy. Ideas were posted as text or video. Each idea needed to take only 1 minute to read or watch. From World CP Day, September 4, people were encouraged to go online, review the ideas and vote for the concepts that could have the greatest impact on people’s lives. At the end of September, the World Cerebral Palsy Day Panel reviewed the ideas and public votes. Three ideas were shortlisted for development. Social activists, researchers, inventors, and innovators were then invited to turn the shortlisted ideas into reality. They competed for a total prize pool of $25,000. The winner was announced on April 27, 013.

World CP Day partners include organizations from America, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Finland, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, St Lucia, Sweden, Turkey and the UK.

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UCP PRESENTS 2013 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 

Awards recognize exceptional achievements, activities and dedication to UCP’s mission

Washington, DC (May 2, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) has announced the honorees for the 2013 Awards for Excellence, which recognize UCP affiliates, individuals and companies whose exceptional activities, achievements and dedication exemplify the UCP mission to educate, advocate and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities.

The 2013 Awards for Excellence were presented at UCP’s 2013 International Conference, “Redefining Family: Supporting the New Caregiver Community,” which explored how families have evolved and expanded above and beyond the traditional definition and the ways in which UCP and its affiliate network can best continue to provide and adapt to the needed supports and resources people with disabilities and their families need.

More than 150 affiliates, partners and allies participated in this year’s conference, which featured UCP’s Celebrity Ambassadors, Emmy-nominated actress Cheryl Hines and actor RJ Mitte, known for his role as Walter White Jr. in the Emmy-nominated AMC drama Breaking Bad. Actress Meredith Eaton, known for her breakout role in the ABC hit series Boston Legal, and granddaughter of one of UCP's founders, Nina Eaton, also helped to present the awards.

“UCP is thrilled to recognize so many extraordinary leaders who are striving each and every day to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities,” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “The Awards for Excellence honor our affiliates and partners who are committed to advancing the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with a spectrum of disabilities—and we are proud to stand with our honorees today.”

The eight 2013 UCP Awards for Excellence were presented to the following recipients at the Opening Reception and the Awards for Excellence dinner and presentation during UCP’s International Conference, held last week in San Diego, CA.

The Kathleen O. Maul Leadership Award is presented to an exceptional executive director in memory of Kathy Maul, a remarkable executive director at UCP of Suffolk who died young and left a legacy of leadership ability and strong commitment to UCP.

Edward R. Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of UCP of New York City, was recognized with the 2013 honor for his dedication and long history working to improve the services and supports provided to people with disabilities, including: part of the Medicaid Redesign Team, responsible for overhauling New York State’s massive Medicaid system; serving on the Steering Committee to implement the People First Waiver, a partnership between New York State and the federal government to reconstruct the Medicaid funding system for New York’s citizens with developmental disabilities, to provide them greater choice and access and reduce costs; leading the InterAgency Council (IAC) in New York City, a coordinating body and trade association consisting of over 150 agencies providing services for people with developmental disabilities; and serving as CEO of UCP of NYC since 1989, during which the affiliate has grown to a budget size of more than 107 million and provides services to more than 14,000 children, adults and their families throughout New York City.

The Employer of the Year Award recognizes a business or agency that has made an outstanding contribution to employing people with physical disabilities or has supported the training and hiring of people with disabilities, and created an improved work environment. Employees with disabilities must be fully integrated into all aspects of the workplace.

Nominated by UCP of Central Florida in recognition of their long relationship with the company, Publix Supermarkets in Lakeland, Florida has demonstrated a commitment to diversity and helping people reach their full potential through meaningful employment. Publix sets a precedent for all workers to respect diversity and to be mindful of disabilities, including requiring all managers to attend diversity workshops entitled “Developing Cultural Competence.” In addition, diversity training and disability awareness are incorporated into new associate trainings, creating an inclusive and understanding community where everyone is valued. Publix offers an inclusive work environment that only sees abilities, not differences.

The Ritter Legacy Award recognizes an affiliate that has produced exemplary communications through a variety of media that increases public awareness about people with disabilities, the programs of the affiliate and the national UCP brand. The award also recognizes the affiliate’s appropriate use of the official UCP logo, colors and messaging.  The 2013 Ritter Legacy awardee is UCP of the North Bay for its 2012 Annual Report, “Season of Gratitude Holiday” Ask Program, which reached out to donors in a way that emphasizes personal impacts that each individual can make in supporting UCP programs, and the Who We Are & Where We are Going PowerPoint Presentation, which is a quick and effective way to share information about all of the affiliate’s programs. UCP of the North Bay consistently develops communications that convey their mission, vision, and many facets of their services, and is honored for their innovative communications and powerful promotion of their programs. 

The Outstanding Youth Award is designed to honor a young person who has significantly enhanced the lives of people with disabilities through caregiving, volunteerism, advocacy, innovation or fundraising. This year’s awardee is Katy Fetters, nominated by UCP of Orange County. Fetters is an ambitious and motivated young woman. Her blog, Teen Cerebral Palsy, connects young people living with CP. She creates a safe space for people to share their experiences and get support from one another. Her honesty and positivity make her a wonderful role model for young people who are learning to be self-advocates. Fetters is also an active volunteer and ambassador for UCP of Orange County, and inspires teens to embrace their disabilities and challenge themselves to live a life without limits. 

The Nina Eaton Program of the Year award recognizes a program of a UCP affiliate that has made an extraordinary contribution to the quality of life of people with disabilities, enabling them to become more independent, productive, or integrated into the family or community through a particular program.  The 2013 award is presented to Ability Connection Oklahoma for their New Voices program. 

New Voices is an assistive technology program that pairs non-verbal children (and some adults) with an Apple iPad with comprehensive language software that fosters communication efforts. One of the unique aspects of the program is that the iPad is theirs to keep, which facilitates more growth and progress in their ability to communicate. 

New Voices is making it possible for children and adults to gain more independence and confidence. Some children are learning to speak for the first time or communicate with teachers, family and friends. Enabling communication through technology allows children to participate in school and other activities with greater ease, and promotes inclusion. Thanks to the digital technology, voices that were once silent are now heard, with one recipient of an iPad writing “you have made the possibilities limitless for me.”

The Ethel Hausman Volunteer of the Year award recognizes an exceptional individual who, through volunteering, has made an outstanding contribution to UCP. This year’s award is presented to Jay Kapp, nominated by UCP of Georgia. His dedication to advancing UCP’s mission extends the legacy of his father, the late Charles Kapp. Charlie was a senior sales executive with Miller Brewing Company, and his daughter Dana had cerebral palsy. Charlie was a long-time supporter of UCP and fostered Jay’s involvement with UCP. Jay wishes to instill these same values in his two children. Kapp is an exemplary leader that has proved an excellent ambassador for UCP of Georgia, and has served on the Board of Directors for his affiliate since 2001. As the owner of the company Kapp Koncepts, Kapp utilizes his marketing, design, and management expertise to increase the visibility of UCP of Georgia on the local and state levels. Additionally, he attends the Miller Coors-Charlie Kapp Golf Challenge held each year by UCP of Southeast Wisconsin; the event is now in its 17th year.

Kapp’s personal commitment to UCP is evident in the hundreds of hours he volunteers annually and his work to help UCP of Georgia expand its services, and he truly embodies UCP’s mission through his service. 

The Universal Accessibility Design Award recognizes an individual, business, government or governmental agency that has provided leadership developing a universally accessible environment by creating new tools modifying the environment, enhancing independent living or achieving a barrier-free environment.

Gina Hilberry, from Cohen Hilberry Architects in St. Louis, Missouri, represents UCP as its delegate to the ICC ANSI 117.1 Standards Development Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Wheeled Mobility Task Force. The ICC, or International Code Council, was created in 1994 to develop a single set of comprehensive and coordinated national model construction codes and standards. Section 117.1 addresses access for people with disabilities. The specifications in this standard make sites, facilities, buildings and elements accessible to and usable by people with such physical disabilities as the inability to walk, blindness and visual impairment, deafness and hearing impairment, reaching and manipulation disabilities and reacting to sensory information. The intent of the 117.1 Standard is to allow a person with physical disability to independently get to, enter, and use a site, facility, building, or element. This section deals with the details of design and construction that can have a profound impact on the ability of people with disabilities to live and work in the community.

In 2012, the ICC began a multi-year process to update 117.1. Hilberry, as UCP’s delegate, has shepherded the Wheeled Mobility Task Group in the critical job of applying recent research on the expanding size and variety of wheelchairs and scooters to the basic building blocks of accessibility that have been the U.S. standards for over 30 years. Thousands of buildings across the country will not require individual advocacy because the state requirements for access will already be in place, thanks largely to Hilberry’s work. And, if history is any guide, the ADA’s federal accessibility standards will, over time, incorporate equivalent expanded requirements. Hilberry has spent her architectural career dedicated to improving the standards and policies that enable people with disabilities to move freely and independently in their homes and community. It is the job of architects to make the built environment work for all of us, and Hilberry has truly brought honor to her profession, using the tools of architecture to persuade the powers that be to do what is right.

The Life Without Limits Award honors an individual with disabilities who has demonstrated leadership and achievement of such caliber as to be a significant role model to people with and without disabilities. This year, UCP honors Geri Jewell, nominated by UCP of Tampa Bay.

Throughout her life, Jewell has consistently broken barriers for people with disabilities.  While best known as “Cousin Geri” on the NBC sitcom “The Facts of Life,” Jewell’s life is symbolic of breaking many barriers for people with disabilities. She was the first person with a disability to have a regular role on a prime time series, and her portrayal was not one to be pitied but one that placed people with disabilities on par with other “typical” characters.

She was among the first comics with a disability to have her own regular stand-up routine, paving the way for Josh Blue and the many others that have come after her. She went on to appear in Emmy Award-winning movies, on Sesame Street and most recently on the HBO hit series, “Deadwood.” In 2011, Jewell released her autobiography, I’m Walking As Straight As I Can: Transcending Disability in Hollywood and Beyond. This candid memoir details her experiences from her traumatic birth in Buffalo, New York, to her rise to stardom as a stand-up comic to becoming a television star and documents the harsh realities of show business by recounting the relentless discrimination and abuse she suffered at the hands of people she trusted, and how she rose above it all.  It has recently been recorded as an audio book, making her story even more accessible to others.

Beyond her roles on TV and screen, she is a tireless advocate for people with disabilities, speaking to corporations, government agencies and the media about the importance of treating people with disabilities the same way we all want to be treated. Jewell is famous for her uncanny ability to captivate the hearts of her audiences by using humor to facilitate attitudinal change. She brings to her presentations her personal experiences in life, which in turn allow people to gain insight into the prospect of seeing disability in a totally different light, creating hope where there is none, and joy where there is pain. We are honored to present Geri Jewell with the 2013 Life Without Limits Award for the many ways she has served as a pioneer for the civil rights movement for people with disabilities.

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 About United Cerebral Palsy

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.

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Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175,

UCP RELEASES NEW REPORT ON STATES SERVING AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

New format highlights states’ successes with managed care and employment initiatives

Washington, DC (May 2, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) released the 2013 Case for Inclusion today, an annual report that tracks the progress of community living standards for Americans living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD).

The 2013 report, in addition to data from all previous reports since 2006, is available on UCP’s website using a robust new web module and design at http://www.ucp.org/the-case-for-inclusion/2013/.

Each state and the District of Columbia (DC) is analyzed and ranked based on five key outcome areas: promoting independence, tracking quality and safety, keeping families together, promoting productivity, and reaching those in need. Since 2006, these rankings enable families, advocates, the media and policymakers to fully understand each state’s progress or lack of improvement, and help to protect programs and services against unwise funding cuts, as well as guide future reforms to promote inclusion and enhance the quality of life for these, and ultimately all, Americans.

This year’s report highlights the progress that has been made, including:

·      38 states now meet the 80/80 Community standard, a dramatic increase from just 14 states in the 2007 report.

·      As of 2011, 13 states have no state institutions to seclude those with ID/DD. 10 states have only one institution each.

·      Since 1960, 209 of 354 state institutions have been closed, leaving just 149 remaining.

·      21 states now meet the 80% Home-like Setting standard (80% in settings with 1-3 residents).  This is up from just 17 states in the 2007 report.

·      34 states participate in the National Core Indicators, an increase from 24 in the 2007 report. 

·      15 states were supporting a large share of families through family support, up from just 10 states in the 2007 report.

The report also identifies problems, such as:

·      All states still have room for improvement, but some states have consistently remained at the bottom since 2007, Arkansas (#50), Illinois (#48), Mississippi (#51) and Texas (#49).

·      Just ten states have at least one-third (33%) of individuals in competitive employment. This is a downturn from 2007, when 17 states met this standard.

·      Waiting lists for residential and community services are high and have grown from 138,000 people in 2007 to 268,000. At this level, a growth of 44 percent would be needed to meet the need for services. 

New in the 2013 Case for Inclusion is highlights of three case studies—two that examine trends in managed care for those with ID/DD with reforms in Kansas and Massachusetts, and one outlining the success of Washington State in promoting competitive employment through its Employment First policy and practices.

Kansas:

·      KanCare represents one of the most aggressive and comprehensive Medicaid reforms affecting those with ID/DD, directly integrating work, health and community; broadening the scope of benefits; and prioritizing competitive employment and improving health outcomes.

·      As of January 1, 2014, individuals with ID/DD will be able to chose from the three private plans currently offered to Medicaid enrollees, all of which fully integrate medical and behavioral health benefits and home and community-based services.

·      KanCare will focus on specific outcomes to determine success, including: increased competitive employment; improved life expectancy; integration of physical health, behavioral health and home and community based services; and improved health.

Massachusetts:

·      The first state to implement a statewide pilot program (called a demonstration) for all dually eligible individuals, including those with ID/DD, Massachusetts aims to improve coordination of care, actual health outcomes, and overall quality of life for Americans with developmental disabilities.

·      Individuals with ID/DD will have new benefits available through the ICO plans, including restorative dental services, expanded personal care assistance, and greater access to durable medical equipment, and the program defines its success on actual outcomes.

·      Although the actual outcomes tracked have yet to be determined, some of the possible measures to be included include access, person-centered care, integration of services and enrollee outcomes.

Washington:

·      Washington State’s Employment First policy supports employment and day program funds targeted for working-age adults and ensures that after nine months of employment services the individual may choose community access programs.

·      By focusing its efforts on this narrow window of time, Washington’s leaders and advocates addressed the difficult goal of finding a job directly through leadership, training and innovation, and clearly defined goals.

·      The impact of this was profound: in seven years, the number of individuals competitively employed rose from 4,440 in 2004 (before the policy) to 5,562 by 2011.

“The Case for Inclusion is a valuable tool for United Cerebral Palsy and advocates across the country to use as we work to advance the civil rights protections and public policies that help support individuals living with disabilities, ensuring fair and full citizenship for all Americans. This year’s report shows in great detail the states are able to provide services and supports that result in better outcomes for people with disabilities, as well as three case studies that can serve as road maps to success,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “It is our hope that the Case for Inclusion can be used to strengthen the efforts of states and advocates to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities.”

Using the interactive website, users can:

·      Compare state & national data. 

·      View state scorecards. 

·      Interact with the ranking map. 

·      See highlights of the 2013 report, the top and bottom 10 states, most improved states and those with biggest drops, and facts about the best performing states. 

·      Learn how to use the report to advocate for areas needing improvement in states, and promote achievements that maintain high quality outcomes, like eliminating waiting lists and closing large institutions. 

·      View in-depth information about each of the states feature in the case studies: Massachusetts, Kansas and Washington State. 

·      Users can pull individual state outcomes and measures, track each state’s performance over time, and compare states among one another and to the U.S. average. The Case for Inclusion data, tables and graphs are exportable and printable as needed for personal and professional use.

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About United Cerebral Palsy

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org. 

Three ideas chosen to help “Change my world in 1 minute” for people living with disabilities

Washington, DC (December 10, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) has announced the winning ideas for the World Cerebral Palsy Day “Change my world in 1 minute” contest, which challenged people to submit ideas that would help improve mobility, independence, accessibility, communication or social connections for people living with cerebral palsy.

Nearly 500 ideas were submitted to the “Change my world in 1 minute” contest, and more than 5,800 people voted for the ideas they thought would make a difference in lives of people with disabilities. The World Cerebral Palsy Day Panel carefully reviewed each proposal and has selected three innovative and dynamic ideas. The next phase of the contest will enable anyone to build the three final ideas and compete for a share of the $25,000 prize money and the opportunity to see their ideas brought to life.

The winning ideas from the contest are: 

Solar-powered wheelchair:

Submitted by an individual with cerebral palsy, this idea would enable individuals who rely on motorized wheelchairs to charge their chairs on the go with solar energy and eliminate current battery life limitations.

Fold-up motorized wheelchair:

This idea proposes developing a motorized wheelchair that could be easily disassembled to fit into a regular car or SUV, instead of a specially modified vehicle. An individual who relies on a motorized wheelchair but does not have an adaptive van submitted the idea, stating that getting to work each day is a challenge, and a fold-up wheelchair would “make life with CP so much easier.”

Documentary: Cerebral Palsy in the 21st Century:

This idea proposes a documentary focused on the successes of people with cerebral palsy and would work to develop role models for the millions of people living with disabilities around the world.

With the final selections made, the World Cerebral Palsy Day Panel now invites researchers, innovators and inventors to create these three products. The resulting inventions will be judged on April 19, 2013, and the winners will be eligible for a share of the $25,000 prize.

“We are thrilled that so many creative and diverse ideas were submitted to the World CP Day “Change my world in 1 minute” contest. The panel reviewed each entry carefully and the final three exemplify the innovative and groundbreaking designs we think will make a real difference in the lives of people living with cerebral palsy,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of UCP. “UCP wishes every inventor the best of luck in their work, and we are looking forward to next step in this process and bringing these ideas to life.”

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About United Cerebral Palsy

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.

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UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY URGES PRESIDENT OBAMA TO MAKE DISABILITY ISSUES A PRIORITY

Washington, DC (November 7, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama winning the presidential election.

“We are pleased to have reached the end of this campaign, and congratulate President Obama. While there are many topics to be addressed in the next four years, we urge President Obama to work towards achieving real progress on issues that have an impact on Americans with disabilities. Particularly in critical areas such as accessibility, civil rights, education, Medicaid, employment and health care, there are serious concerns to be addressed— and we urge President Obama to make them a priority,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “There are more than 57 million people in this country living with a disability today. We are a strong, diverse community and we look forward to working with President Obama as we continue our efforts to ensure that people with disabilities can live their lives to the fullest.”

# # #

About United Cerebral Palsy

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org. 

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CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175,

UCP RESPONDS TO NEW REPORT ON RIGHTS OF PARENTS WITH DISABILITIES

National Council on Disability’s report highlights vulnerabilities, flaws in current system

Washington, DC (October 5, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) issued the following statement today in response to the National Council on Disability (NCD)’s new report, “Rocking the Cradle: Ensuring the Rights of Parents with Disabilities and Their Children.”

NCD’s report examines the challenges faced by the more than 4 million parents living with disabilities in raising their families. The report identifies parents with disabilities as the “only distinct community of Americans who must struggle to retain custody of their children,” and that removal rates run as high as 80 percent among parents with a psychiatric or intellectual disability. The report details the hardships faced by parents struggling to keep their children, adopt children, or even accessing reproductive assistance and makes recommendations for how to both states and the federal government can address each.

Specifically, the NCD report recommends Congress pass legislation similar to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) of 1978, which was enacted to help keep American Indian children with their families, and would help to protect the rights of parents with disabilities and their families. Alternatively, the NCD suggests an amendment to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws relating to child welfare, custody, adopted and reproductive technologies.  

“This report highlights an awful truth: parents with disabilities are facing tremendous challenges and discrimination as they try to raise their families. The situation is appalling, and action needs to be taken,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of UCP. “We commend the National Council on Disability for this report and for their efforts to bring this unfair and unjust treatment to an end. UCP looks forward to working together with NCD and other organizations to transform our laws and ensure that the rights of all American families are protected.”

# # #

About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.

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CONTACT:
Alicia Kubert Smith: 202.973.7168,   

UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY JOINS BROAD EFFORT TO OBSERVE NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH 

Nationwide campaign will take place in October 

Washington, DC (October 1, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy today announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.

The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with a spectrum of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month. 

"Employers who ensure that inclusive workplace policies and practices are woven into the fabric and culture of the organization create an environment that encourages all workers — including those of us with disabilities — to work to their full capacity and contribute fully to the organization's success," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy when announcing this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme, which is "A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?" The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) leads National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“United Cerebral Palsy is proud to support National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It is important to break the preconceived notions that often hinder creating an inclusive workforce. Individuals with disabilities bring many contributions to the workplace and together we can help break down barriers to employment. A diverse workforce is advantageous to both the employees and the employer,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of UCP.

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages — during October and throughout the year — by visiting the ODEP website at www.dol.gov/odep/. Additional employment resources can be found on the UCP website, and throughout the month special events and webinars will be promoted on the UCP’s Twitter and Facebook page.

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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175,

UCP APPLAUDS NATIONAL FORUM ON DISABILITY ISSUES

Obama and Romney campaigns send representatives to speak to Americans living with disabilities

Washington, DC (September 28, 2012) – More than 500 people attended the only national event for the presidential campaigns on disability issues with more than 1,000 people watching online, reported United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), one of the more than 80 sponsors of the National Forum on Disability Issues, hosted in Columbus, OH today.

The non-partisan forum featured President Barack Obama’s campaign surrogate Edward M. Kennedy, Jr., a disability rights advocate and son of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, and former Governor Mitt Romney’s campaign surrogate U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). Also participating in the forum on behalf of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) was Ohio State Representative Nancy Garland (D-New Albany), and Senator Brown’s opponent, Ohio State Treasurer Josh Mandel.

Each participant presented the policy positions of the respective campaigns and responded to questions posed by the moderator, Frank Sesno, director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University. Many of the questions were submitted by the disability community, and focused on employment, health care, long-term care, education, and housing issues.  

“United Cerebral Palsy is very excited to be a part of the National Forum on Disability Issues, which has helped engage the presidential campaigns on issues that are critical to the disability community. With more than 57 million Americans living with disabilities today, people with disabilities are not a ‘minority’ constituency but a real and powerful voice in the electoral process,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of UCP. “While we are disappointed that President Obama and Governor Romney were not able to participate, we applaud all of those who contributed to today’s success and look forward to continuing to work together in advocating for the public policies that ensure fair and full citizenship for people with disabilities.” 

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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.

New NGA Chair announced year-long initiative at annual meeting

Washington, DC (July 16, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) issued the following response to the National Governors Association’s announcement of new Chair Delaware Governor Jack Markell’s initiative “A Better Bottom Line: Employing People with Disabilities.”

According to the NGA’s announcement, the initiative will aim to increase employment among individuals with disabilities and focus specifically on the intersection of government, businesses and individuals seeking gainful employment. The initiative will work to develop a “blueprint” for states and businesses to help both raise awareness and outline the best policies to increase employment of people living with disabilities. Business and Congressional leaders will collaborate on this initiative and help to determine best practices and policies.

United Cerebral Palsy provides comprehensive employment-related resources and information through its nearly 100 affiliates across the country, which support employment programs, assistance to job seekers with disabilities, and work with employers to improve the recruitment and retention of persons with disabilities in the workforce.

“United Cerebral Palsy is thrilled that the National Governors Association has chosen to highlight an issue that is so critical to Americans living with disabilities. Employment is a way for these individuals to be integrated in their communities and live their lives to the fullest while providing the business community with a workforce that is eager to participate, and yet only has a 20 percent employment rate,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “By bringing together business and government, Governor Markell will be able to develop a blueprint for employment that both serves and benefits all involved. We look forward to this initiative’s work and its tremendous potential for positive change.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:
Lauren Cozzi: 202-973-7114, Alicia Kubert Smith, 202-973-7168,

UCP WHEELS FOR HUMANITY ANNOUNCES MAJOR EXPANSION WITH FIRST AFFILIATE, $1.7 MILLION USAID GRANT

Washington, DC (February 27, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), an international service provider and advocate for children and adults with a spectrum of disabilities, is proud to announce the expansion of The UCP Wheels for Humanity Program with a new affiliation with United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida. UCP is also pleased to announce the UCP Wheels for Humanity has been granted $1.7 million by USAID to expand services and programs in Indonesia; providing more wheelchairs for those in need, “side cars” for motorcycles and long-distance travel for wheelchair users, enrich sports programs for the disabled population, increase advocacy efforts, and partner with the University of Gadjah Mada on a two-year study on the effects of providing wheelchairs and services in Indonesia.

Press releases that follow:

1. UCP Wheels For Humanity Expands With New South Florida Operation 
   
   
2. UCP Wheels For Humanity (UCP WFH) Receives $1.7 Million From The United States Agency For International Development (USAID) To Expand Its Operations In Indonesia

About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.

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UCP WHEELS FOR HUMANITY EXPANDS WITH NEW SOUTH FLORIDA OPERATION

Affiliate in Sunshine State to replicate successful LA model

Miami, Fla. (February 1, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida (UCP), a service provider and advocate for children and adults with a spectrum of disabilities, is proud to announce the expansion of The UCP Wheels for Humanity Program with a new affiliation, United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida Wheels for Humanity. Established in 1947, United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida has maintained an active and respected presence in the South Florida community. It started when a group of parents came together to seek help for their children with cerebral palsy. The only available option was to send their children to an institution, which the families did not want to do. The parents founded their own organization and raised funds to provide therapeutic and vocational services for children with special needs.

Today, United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida offers comprehensive services every day throughout the year. Services offered consist of early intervention, integrated preschool, after school care, speech, physical and occupational therapy, adult vocational workshop, supported employment program and residential facilities for children and adults with special needs and other disabilities. From infants to senior citizens, children and adults participate in programs that will help them lead independent and meaningful lives.

Dr. Joseph Aniello, President & Chief Executive Officer of UCP of South Florida, said he is proud to start the international organization UCP South Florida Wheels for Humanity as part of the broader services he and his team provide.

“Too many people with disabilities in the world go without the most basic of resources to lead independent lives,” said Dr. Aniello. “We believe this partnership with UCP Wheels will allow us to expand our efforts to those who need us most, and we’re excited to do all we can to help those in developing nations get the wheelchairs they need.”

UCP Wheels for Humanity (UCP Wheels), which has a distribution center in North Hollywood, California, refurbishes donated wheelchairs and hand fits them for children and adults with disabilities in developing nations. UCP Wheels then partners with international health-care organizations to identify those in greatest need. With a team of volunteer health care professionals, each recipient is individually fitted to the wheelchair that best fits their needs. Since 1996, UCP Wheels has helped more than 50,000 people with disabilities in more than 68 developing nations to gain increased mobility and dignity.

United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida is hoping to replicate this model and to increase this international endeavor.

“We are excited to expand the reach of the UCP Wheels model by partnering with Dr. Aniello and his staff in South Florida,” said Dr. Ronald S. Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of UCP Wheels for Humanity and President and Chief Executive Officer of United Cerebral Palsy of Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties (UCP). “UCP of South Florida has a strong record of serving people with disabilities in the Sunshine State. We are excited to see that same level of care expanding to equip even more people in developing nations with wheelchairs, enabling increased independence and mobility.”

Stephen Bennett, President & Chief Executive Officer of UCP, said the expansion of UCP Wheels with the creation of UCP South Florida Wheels for Humanity speaks to the broader mission of UCP. “This is about so much more than wheelchairs; it’s about creating greater independence and a life without limits for people with disabilities. That has been at the heart of UCP since our founding more than 65 years ago. On behalf of the entire affiliate network, we want to congratulate Dr. Cohen and Dr. Aniello for this dynamic partnership and hope that this is just the first of many new UCP Wheels affiliates in our network.”

About United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida
United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida serves over 1,300 children, adults, and families in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach & Mid-Coast Counties. From Early Intervention programs to employment skills training, supported employment, education and after school programs, UCP serves individuals with intellectual disabilities on a daily basis. Those served have been diagnosed with Down syndrome, mental retardation, spina bifida, autism prematurity, hearing and speech delay, and other diagnosis. For more information, please visit www.ucpwfhsfl.org.

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UCP WHEELS FOR HUMANITY (UCP WFH) RECEIVES $1.7 MILLION FROM THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID) TO EXPAND ITS OPERATIONS IN INDONESIA

Los Angeles, Calif. (February 21, 2012) – UCP WFH started UCP Wheels for Humanity Indonesia in 2009 with a grant from USAID of $1.6 million. The Indonesian UCP WFH manufacturers children’s wheelchairs and distributes and custom-fits them to poor disabled children in Indonesia.

UCP Wheels for Humanity will receive an additional $1.7 million from USAID to expand its services and programs in Indonesia and provide more wheelchairs for those in need.

 “Before we established UCP Wheels for Humanity Indonesia, the children with severe disabilities could not go to school or play with friends,” says Ronald Cohen, CEO of UCP WFH. “They spent their day laying on a floor. Mobility meant being carried on their mothers’ shoulders. Today, because of the USAID assistance, children now attend school, see eye-to-eye with their siblings, play and just act like a child.”

In addition to manufacturing wheelchairs, the UCP Wheels for Humanity Indonesia team will design and produce a side car for motor-cycles that can transport a wheelchair. As a result of the new funding, the organization will be able to enrich the disabled sports program, the advocacy efforts, and will partner with the University of Gadjah Mada to conduct a two-year study on the effects of providing wheelchairs and services in Indonesia.

“We are very proud of our partnership with UCP Wheels for Humanity”, said Robert Horvath, USAID’s Manager of Special Programs Addressing the Needs of Survivors. “Two years ago their project was the first-of-its-kind in Indonesia. Today, the work being done establishes a model for wheelchair provision and service in developing countries.”

For additional information about UCP Wheels for Humanity receiving $1.7 million grant from USAID to expand operations in Indonesia, please contact Brian Miller at 818.255.0100 ext. 224.

ABOUT UCP Wheels for Humanity (UCP WFH)
UCP WFH provides mobility across the developing world. The organization refurbishes donated wheelchairs and rehabilitation equipment to industry standards in the Los Angeles location, and works with world-class service providers to custom-fit wheelchairs to children and adults with disabilities in developing nations. In the Indonesian location, UCP WFH manufactures pediatric positioning wheelchairs and provides them to the children of Indonesia. Both locations together distribute approximately 7,000 chairs per year. UCP WFH is funded solely through contributions and grants and is a subsidiary of United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

ABOUT United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties UCP is one of the largest service providers in California, operating over 41 program sites throughout five counties in Southern California. These programs include adult day programs, individual support services, group homes, independent living apartments, and therapeutic programs for children with autism. UCP provides services to nearly 1,100 children and adults with developmental disabilities daily.

ABOUT the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

USAID is an independent federal government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. Their work supports long-term and equitable economic growth and advances U.S. foreign policy objectives by supporting economic growth, agriculture and trade, global health, conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance and democracy.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY REPORT FINDS PROGRESS IN MEDICAID SERVICES BUT NEARLY 33,000 AMERICANS WITH ID/DD STILL LIVE IN 162 LARGE, STATE-RUN INSTITUTIONS

UCP’s 6th Annual The Case for Inclusion Ranks 50 States & DC on
Medicaid Services for Individuals with Disabilities

Washington, DC (April 28, 2011) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), a leading service provider and advocate for children and adults with a spectrum of disabilities, today released The Case for Inclusion, an annual ranking of all 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC) for Medicaid services provided to intellectual and developmental disability (ID/DD) populations.

• website: http://medicaid.ucp.org
• report: http://medicaid.ucp.org/pdf/Case_For_Inclusion_Report_2011.pdf

The sixth annual rankings reveal:

1. All states have room to improve outcomes and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and must be particularly vigilant in the current economic climate (p. 5);
2. Too many Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities still do not live in the community (57,982 people with ID/DD live in facilities with 16 or more beds), although real and notable progress have been made over the last year (p. 5);
3. Certain states are making substantial progress toward inclusion (p. 6);
4. Too much money is still spent isolating people in large institutions (nearly 33,000 people at an average cost of $539 per person per day), with nominal change from last year (p. 6); and
5. Waiting lists have increased dramatically overall (up 56% from 2005 to 2009), but performance is quite mixed by state. Most states are not serving all those in need (p. 6).

“It is very encouraging that The 2011 Case for Inclusion reveals notable progress since the 2010 report. However each of the states and DC have room for improvement, because too many Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities still do not live in the community. UCP commends those making substantial progress toward inclusion and will continue using this report as a resource in the civil rights movement for people with disabilities, a movement that is far from over. Advocates, including leaders in each state, can use the 2011 report to advocate for all people with disabilities,” said Stephen Bennett, United Cerebral Palsy President & Chief Executive Officer.

Top 10 states in terms of quality of Medicaid service provided:

1. Vermont
2. Arizona
3. Michigan
4. New Hampshire
5. California
6. Washington
7. Delaware
8. Nevada
9. Massachusetts
10. Connecticut

Bottom 10 states in terms of quality of Medicaid service provided:

1. Indiana
2. North Carolina
3. Utah
4. Oklahoma
5. Nebraska
6. District of Columbia
7. Illinois
8. Texas
9. Arkansas
10. Mississippi

Thirteen states shifted by at least eight places in the rankings from 2007 to 2011.

Highlights:

• An impressive 21 states – down one since last year, but up two from 2009 and an increase from 16 states in 2007 – have more than 80 percent of those served living in home-like settings (p. 5).
• From 2005 to 2009, an impressive 18 states – up six from last year – reduced the number of Americans living in large institutions by 20 percent or more (p. 6).
• Nationally, the 14.4 percent (down from 19 percent in four years) of those living in institutions consume 33.7 percent (down from 41.4 percent in four years) of all Medicaid funding on those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (p. 6).
• Although nearly 60 points separate the top performing state from the poorest performing state, eight points separate the top 10 states, 15 points separate the top 25 states and only 15 points separate the middle 25 states. Therefore, minor changes in state policy or outcomes could significantly affect how a state ranks on future or past The Case for Inclusion reports (p. 7).

About United Cerebral Palsy

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. 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 served as chair of the board of directors of Spurwink Services, one of the largest social service providers in Maine.

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CONTACTS:

Lauren Cozzi: 202-973-7114 (direct),

Alicia Kubert Smith: 202-973-7168, 

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.