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Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175,

UCP OF GREATER CHICAGO, SEGUIN SERVICES TO MERGE 

Local adults and children with disabilities will have more access to services and supports

Washington, D.C. (June 4, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is pleased to announce that one of its affiliates, UCP of Greater Chicago, and Seguin Services are merging to create one non-profit organization dedicated to serving people with disabilities: UCP-Seguin of Greater Chicago.

For the past three years, UCP of Greater Chicago and Seguin Services have worked together in a collaborative relationship to provide the best supports and services to people with disabilities in the Chicago area. The merger, effective as of July 1, 2013, will make a wider range of services and programs available, particularly in the areas of technology and family support.

John Voit, President and CEO of Seguin, will become president of UCP-Seguin of Greater Chicago. Paul Dulle, PhD, President and CEO of UCP of Greater Chicago, will continue to be involved, providing ongoing consultation and becoming chairman of a new foundation under consideration by both organizations. UCP of Greater Chicago and Seguin plan to maintain their current staff and facilities.

“The entire UCP family is excited about this merger and how it will benefit the Chicago community. Both UCP of Greater Chicago and Seguin have provided excellent services and supports for years, and together they will be able to do even more to ensure a life without limits for people with disabilities,” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of UCP. “This merger is a smart, forward-thinking move that will expand and enhance the good work already being done, and we look forward to all of its positive impacts.”

“From our first collaboration, we recognized a natural synergy between our organizations and saw many potential advantages to joining forces,” said Dulle. “This merger is a win‐win for both teams and especially for the population we serve with advanced technologies, family support, as well as programs and services.”

“This merger will position the combined organizations for considerable growth, enabling us to offer a broader scope of services and enhanced programs to children and adults with disabilities,” said John Voit, President and CEO of Seguin. “Because we serve similar populations, we anticipate achieving this growth while reducing overall costs.”

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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 UCP of Greater Chicago

United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Chicago (UCP) is a nonprofit human services agency. UCP Chicago’s mission is to advance the independence of people with disabilities, enrich their lives, provide support to their families, and advocate for their inclusion in every facet of community life. For more information visit www.ucpnet.org.

About Seguin Services

Seguin Services is a charitable not‐for‐profit agency serving metropolitan Chicago, always striving to integrate, enrich, and empower people with disabilities. Seguin creates job opportunities and housing options that lead to greater independence, so that men and women with developmental disabilities can live, work, and socialize as their neighbors do. In addition, Seguin provides safe and loving homes for children who have disabilities and serious medical or emotional conditions. For more information visit www.seguin.org. 

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CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175, 

UCP ELECTS SEVEN TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Individuals bring diversity of experience and knowledge to continuing efforts to ensure a life without limits for people with disabilities 

Washington, D.C. (May 20, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) elected seven members to its Board of Trustees during its 2013 International Conference in San Diego, CA last month.

“We are extremely grateful to all members of our Board of Trustees for their passion for UCP’s mission and their commitment to the people we serve,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of UCP, in announcing the selection of Trustees.      

The newly elected members of UCP’s Board of Trustees are listed below. To view the complete list, please visit ucp.org/about/board.

Actress, Producer and Director Cheryl Hines is a two‐time Emmy nominee for her role as Cheryl David on HBO's Golden Globe Award‐winning series Curb Your Enthusiasm, the brainchild of Seinfeld co‐creator Larry David. Hines can currently be seen starring in the hit ABC comedy series Suburgatory opposite Jeremy Sisto and Jane Levy.

Last year, Hines filmed a co‐starring role in the feature film PASADENA, produced by Midway Films. Hines co‐stars opposite Peter Bogdanovich and Alicia Witt. Hines’s feature film directorial debut, Serious Moonlight was released through Magnolia Films two years ago. The film premiered with critical acclaim at the Tribeca Film Festival. The late Adrienne Shelly, who directed Hines in the critically acclaimed Waitress, wrote the screenplay.

Hines’s additional television projects included a co‐starring role in the live action/CG adaptation of the Nickelodeon hit animated series The Fairly Odd Parents and television movie A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up, Timmy Turner! opposite Jason Alexander. She had major story arc on the ABC drama series Brothers and Sisters and a starring role opposite Megan Mullally in the ABC Television Network series In the Motherhood, a single camera comedy series chronicling the hilarious ups and downs of motherhood.

Hines has also produced and directed several television projects including Executive Producer and creator of the NBC television series School Pride, a proactive, alternative series that told the stories of communities coming together to renovate their aging and broken public schools. She also produced the award‐winning comedy series Campus Ladies for the Oxygen Channel and the Starz Networks original comedy series Hollywood Residential.

Hines is one of Hollywood's busiest film actresses with starring roles in a number of critically acclaimed feature films and box office hits including The Ugly Truth, RV, Waitress, The Grand and Bart Got A Room.

Hines previously served on the Board of Trustees of UCP from 2006 – 2012, and has been tireless in her support for the individuals whom UCP’s affiliates serve.

Pamela Talkin was sworn in on July 16, 2001 as the tenth Marshal of the Supreme Court of the United States and is the first woman to hold the position.

Talkin came to the Court after six years as the first Deputy Executive Director of the Office of Compliance, the independent regulatory agency created by the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, which applied eleven of the nation’s labor and employment laws to Congress. There, she promulgated procedures and regulations for the application of the laws, managed all operations of the Office, and acted as liaison between the Office and Congressional members, committees, and legislative branch agencies including the Architect of the Capitol, the Capitol Police, and the Congressional Budget Office. Talkin also served as President of the international Association of Labor Relations Agencies.

From 1989 to 1995, Talkin was a Presidentially‐appointed, Senate‐confirmed member of the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Previously, Talkin was the Chief of Staff at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Assistant Regional Director of the National Labor Relations Board’s San Francisco Region (Northern California and Hawaii). Talkin was also the National President of the NLRB Union, which represented over 2,000 professional and clerical employees.

Talkin began her career as a Spanish teacher and guidance counselor in New York City high schools. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Spanish from the City University of New York at Brooklyn College. She has done postgraduate work at the City University of New York and at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She has been re-elected to a new three-year term.

Gloria Johnson‐Cusack is the Executive Director of Leadership 18, an alliance of Chief Executive Officers responsible for leading some of the country’s largest and most well respected charities, non‐profits, and faith‐based organizations.

Johnson‐Cusack brings more than 20 years of management, political and strategic communications expertise informed by leadership positions in the private sector, U.S. Congress, national presidential campaigns, municipal and federal government, and the White House.

Johnson‐Cusack previously served as Senior Vice President at GMMB, a D.C.‐based strategic communications and advertising firm focused on cause marketing. In this role, she advanced issues on behalf of key nonprofit organizations and foundations.

In the public affairs arena, Johnson‐Cusack served as Director of the Office of Congressional Relations at the Peace Corps, Special Assistant to the President in the White House Office of National Service, and Director of Constituent Relations at the Corporation for National Service. She was Chief of Staff for the D.C. Office of the Inspector General and was policy advisor to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Senator Albert Gore, Jr.

Johnson‐Cusack holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College, Columbia University and a master’s degree in public administration from the Key Executive Management Program at American University. She is a founder of the Eli J. Segal Citizen Leadership program at Brandeis University, media trainer, church lay leader and breast cancer survivor and advocate. She is married with one adult daughter. She has been re-elected to a new three-year term.

Christobel Selecky is a chief executive and entrepreneur with nearly 30 years experience in the health care industry. She currently provides strategic consulting and advice to management teams, companies, and investors currently in or seeking to enter the healthcare field focusing on strategy and business plan development, disease and care management program development and assessment, sales and market positioning, product planning, public policy analysis and strategy, and CEO/Senior Management advising. She also serves on the Board of Directors of National Healthcare Services, the venture capital arm of Memorial Healthcare Services, a preeminent, non-profit healthcare system located in Southern California.

Selecky most recently served as President, CEO, Chairman, and member of the Board of Directors of LifeMasters Supported SelfCare, which she led from 1996 until 2009. Under her leadership, LifeMasters raised more than $60 million in venture capital, grew to $130 million in annual revenues, employed more than 1,200 people in seven locations, provided care and disease management and health improvement services to more than 1 million program participants nationwide, won numerous industry awards, and counted some of the largest and most well‐respected health plans, employers, provider groups, labor unions, and government entities as its clients.

A veteran in the field of managed health care, her career began at FHP International Corporation, an entrepreneurial, privately held staff‐model HMO. While at FHP, Selecky saw the company through its conversion, public offering and rapid expansion. She has also served on the boards of both the California and New Mexico HMO Associations and The Medical Quality Commission.

Selecky received a master’s degree in public communication from the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University and a B.A. with high honors in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Delaware. She has been re-elected to a new three-year term.

Eric Hespenheide is a senior partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP with over 25 years of distinguished leadership and client service experience. He serves as the Global Leader of the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (DTT) member firms' Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Services Group and managing partner of the global Internal Audit Practice.

Hespenheide is leading efforts in marketplace research, coordinating an integrated service offering and helping clients solve complex challenges with sustainability programs. His leadership has led to significant growth, resulting in the practice being widely recognized as a leading provider of internal audit services among Fortune 1000 companies. In addition, he currently serves as the Lead Partner or Advisory Partner on a number of global engagements in a variety of industries.

Hespenheide joined the Detroit practice of Deloitte & Touche LLP in 1977 and was named global managing partner of Internal Audit Services in 2001. Prior to 2001, he served as the Assurance and Advisory managing partner for the Great Lakes Region and as an audit partner for large global manufacturing companies.

He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants. Hespenheide has twice served on the Board of the United Cerebral Palsy, chairing the finance, audit and nominating committees. Hespenheide was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation. Hespenheide also serves on the Dean's Advisory Council at Louisiana State University, and has been actively involved in working with the Institute of Internal Auditors since 2001, serving as a board trustee for the IIA’s Research Foundation. He is a frequent speaker on the topic of internal auditing at various forums around the world.

Ian C. Ridlon is General Counsel and Director of Legal Services at the Rhode Island Interlocal Risk Management Trust. Prior to joining The Trust, Ridlon was in private practice with a large national law firm where he engaged in insurance defense work, commercial and environmental litigation, and labor and employment work. He also successfully appealed the termination of benefits to children with developmental disabilities in a precedent setting matter before the Vermont Supreme Court.

Ridlon has been involved with United Cerebral Palsy on the state and national level for more than 15 years. On the state level, he has been the Board Chair for several terms and has also chaired two other non‐profit organizations created by the affiliate that provide independent living facilities for low income individuals with developmental disabilities.

On the national level, he has previously served on the Board of Trustees and is a recipient of the 2004 Chairperson’s Award. He has also served on numerous committees and was previously the chair of the nominating committee and the by‐laws committee.

Ridlon is a graduate of Bowdoin College and Vermont Law School. He currently resides in Rhode Island with his wife, Patty, and his three boys, Conor, Brendan, and Aiden. He has been re-elected to a new three-year term.

Dr. James T. Bennett graduated from Tulane School of Engineering and Tulane Medical School. A New Orleans native, he maintains his relationship with Tulane Engineering as a member of the Advisory Board for BME curriculum. His orthopaedic residency was at the University of North Carolina, AI DuPont Institute and a Fellowship at Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta.

Bennett’s interest in computer assisted navigation stems from former Chairman of Tulane Orthopaedics Dr. Tom Whitecloud’s work in developing Stealth navigation. Bennett’s practice is primarily scoliosis although he maintains his interest in Pediatric Orthopedics in general. Bennett has been re-elected to a new three-year term.

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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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CONTACT:

Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175,

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 2013 WORLD CP CHALLENGE 

4-week health and wellness activity raises support for people with disabilities

Washington, D.C. (May 16, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is pleased to announce that the registration for the 2013 World Cerebral Palsy Challenge is now open.  Register today to join an international competition for good!

UCP launched the World CP Challenge in September 2012 in an effort to provide an accessible health and wellness activity that is proven to promote healthy living and change participants’ health and fitness habits, all while raising awareness and crucial funds for direct services and research for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Cerebral palsy is a permanent disability resulting from damage to the developing brain, usually before birth. CP is the largest cause of physical disability in children; each year, approximately 10,000 infants in the United States will develop cerebral palsy.

World CP Challenge participants form teams of four and challenge themselves to take 10,000 steps a day, everyday, from September 4 through October 2. Throughout the Challenge, participants log their daily steps online, climbing virtual mountains around the world with each step and receiving weekly fitness tips and healthy recipes. And the ‘steps’ can be any activity—the World CP Challenge is unique in that it enables everyone to be active in their own way with the option to convert more than 40 activities, such as yoga or swimming, into steps. The option to convert almost any activity into steps makes the World CP Challenge available to people of all abilities. Throughout the Challenge, participants can fundraise, with all proceeds supporting services to people with disabilities and cerebral palsy research.

This year, the World CP Challenge will held in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. In these countries, the event is known as “Steptember.”

The World CP Challenge is not only a great opportunity for individuals, but for corporations and organizations as well. The Challenge serves as an employee engagement activity, increases productivity and reduces sick days among company employees. Participating companies can have employees compete amongst themselves, as well against other organizations to see who can reach the top of each mountain first.

“UCP and our international partners are thrilled to announce that registration for the 2013 World CP Challenge is now open—and we encourage everyone to check out our website, learn more about the Challenge and sign up! The World CP Challenge is a fun and exciting way to get active, compete against other teams and help to raise support for people with disabilities around the world,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “It truly is an international effort to bring people together in support of a great cause. We hope you will join us, and see you on the mountain!”

To learn more about the Challenge, please visit our website, www.worldcpchallenge.org, or contact Sarah Abram at .

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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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CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175, 

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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CONTACT:

Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175,

UCP HONORS EDWARD R. MATTHEWS WITH LEADERSHIP AWARD 

Maul Award Recognizes Exceptional CEOs at United Cerebral Palsy

Washington, DC (May 2, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is pleased to announce that the 2013 Kathleen O. Maul Leadership Award has been awarded to Edward R. Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of UCP of New York City.

The Kathleen O. Maul Leadership Award is presented to an exceptional chief executive of a UCP affiliate 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. It was presented as part of UCP’s Awards for Excellence, which are given annually to 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.

Matthews recognized 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 over 107 million and provides services to more than 14,000 children, adults and their families throughout New York City.

“I am so pleased to honor Ed Matthews with the 2013 Kathleen O. Maul Leadership Award for his extraordinary efforts to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities,” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of UCP. “For more than 20 years, Ed has served as the CEO of UCP of New York City, leading and growing that affiliate into one of the strongest in the country—and a shining example of UCP’s mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with a spectrum of disabilities. Congratulations Ed, and we look forward to your continued successes.”

“The Kathy Maul Award is very meaningfully personally and professionally. To me, it represents the values that Kathy & UCP have always stood for,” said Ed Matthews, CEO of UCP of New York City. “I am honored to join my distinguished friends and colleagues who have been recipients.”

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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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CONTACT:

Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175,

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

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. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: 
Michael Hill: 202-973-7144, mhill@ucp.org

METLIFE CENTER FOR SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING TO RECEIVE 2013 UCP CHAIR AWARD

MetLife hailed for its commitment to people with disabilities, families at UCP International Conference in San Diego                                                                                      

Washington, DC (April 17, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is proud to announce that MetLife and the MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning will receive the 2013 Chair Award as part of the Awards for Excellence celebration at UCP’s 2013 International Conference, to be held in San Diego, California from April 25-27,2013.

The Chair Award is given to an individual, organization or company whose impact and support for UCP and its mission is deemed exemplary by the Chair of UCP’s National Board of Trustees.

“MetLife has been a strong partner in educating our families about the need to plan for the future,” said Woody Connette, Chair of UCP’s National Board of Trustees in announcing the award. “As a partner in UCP’s public education programs, through presentations to our affiliates at national and regional meetings and in your ongoing stewardship of so many of our families, MetLife and the MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning exemplifies the best of our mission to help people with disabilities lead a life without limits.”

MetLife, though the work of its Center for Special Needs Planning, has been a pillar of UCP’s corporate partnership program since the inception of UCP’s public education and outreach programs. By linking its expertise with the needs of the families that UCP serves, the company has been an instrumental advocate for UCP.

"I am honored and humbled to accept the 2013 Chair Award on behalf of the MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning," said Kelly Piacenti, Assistant Vice President of the MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning. "MetLife is proud to stand with United Cerebral Palsy in our continuing efforts to support the special needs community. It is our privilege and passion to assist families with special needs--helping families build financial freedom and also providing greater peace of mind to caregivers in planning appropriately for the future of their special needs dependents. We look forward to continuing to partner with United Cerebral Palsy in the years to come."     

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About the MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning and Special Needs Planners
Special Needs Planners are knowledgeable about many facets of special needs financial planning, and are enabled to work with local non-profit organizations and service providers to give support and to secure the highest level of independence for the special needs individual. National non-profit partners include The Arc, Autism Society, Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA), National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), TASH, Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance (TS Alliance), and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP).

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife) is a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs, serving 90 million customers. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.  For more information, visit www.metlife.com.  MetLife is not affiliated with United Cerebral Palsy.

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 ANNOUNCES $25,000 INNOVATION CONTEST 

Challenges inventors to bring three ideas to life and help better the lives of people with disabilities

Washington, DC (January 9, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) has announced $25,000 in prize money to anyone who can create one of the three winning ideas submitted to the World Cerebral Palsy Day’s “Change my World in 1 Minute” contest.

Estblished in 2012 as an international day of awareness about cerebral palsy, World CP Day is focused on change and innovation that can make a real difference for people living with disabilities. To jumpstart this change, World CP Day’s “Change my World in 1 Minute” contest challenged people to submit ideas that would help improve mobility, independence, accessibility, communication or social connections for people living with cerebral palsy, offering $25,000 in prize money to who ever can bring these three ideas to life.

 Solar-powered wheelchair:

A solar-powered wheelchair 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.

Documentary: Cerebral Palsy in the 21st Century:

A documentary focusing on the successes of people with cerebral palsy and work to develop role models for the millions of people living with disabilities around the world.

The “Change my world in 1 minute” contest identified these three ideas as the best of nearly 500 global submissions. Inventors from around the world are invited to join the contest and compete for a share of the $25,000 in prize money. Submissions are due on March 31, 2013, and the winners will be announced on the next World Cerebral Palsy Day: September 2, 2013. Find out more about the contest and get involved today!

“We're challenging the world to bring these three innovative ideas to life—and to help people living with disabilities become more independent, increase accessibility, and raise awareness,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “We invite everyone, including universities, engineers, companies, inventors, hackers and makers to bring their best thinking to the contest. This is a chance to use the best of humanity's gifts to change the lives of others. Let’s get started!”

# # #

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.”

# # #

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 CALLS FOR COULTER APOLOGY

Responds to pundit’s insulting and inexcusable comments on Twitter

Washington, DC (October 23, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) released the following statement today from President & CEO Stephen Bennett in response to pundit Ann Coulter’s offensive comments on Twitter over the last 24 hours:

"Ann Coulter's use of an outdated and insulting term for people with disabilities is outrageous and inexcusable,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of UCP. “She should apologize publicly, and she should be ashamed of herself."

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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, Alicia Kubert Smith: 202-973-7168,   

UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY CELEBRATES FIRST WORLD CP DAY, LAUNCHES GLOBAL FITNESS CHALLENGE

World CP Challenge to raise awareness, support for people living with CP

Washington, DC (September 4, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) celebrates the first annual World Cerebral Palsy Day today with the launch of the World Cerebral Palsy Challenge, an international awareness and fundraising campaign designed to provide critical funds in support of people living with cerebral palsy.

World CP Day marks the beginning of a month dedicated to making the world better for individuals with cerebral palsy. Through the “Change my World in 1 Minute” campaign, individuals are encouraged to submit videos, texts or audio files of approximately one minute with ideas about how to change the lives of people with cerebral palsy through improved mobility, independence, accessibility, communication or social connection. For the entire month of September, any one can log on and vote at: worldcpday.org for the ideas they think would make a real difference in people’s lives. An international World Cerebral Palsy Day panel will review the most popular submissions and award grants to researchers, innovators and inventors to turn selected ideas into reality.

“We are very excited to be celebrating the first World Cerebral Palsy Day, a day which will help raise awareness and support for people living with CP, as well as make a real difference in their lives. Through the “Change My World in 1 Minute” campaign, innovative ideas and products will be realized and used to improve the lives of millions of people around the world,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of UCP.

Close to 50 nations across the globe are planning awareness activities for the day, a remarkable number for this inaugural years. For a complete list of international organizations participating in the day, go to worldcpday.com.

World CP Day also marks the launch of the World CP Challenge, a month-long campaign that encourages people to get active and support individuals living with cerebral palsy. Throughout September, more than 1,000 teams comprising close to 5,000 participants and organizations around the world will compete as teams to exercise and fundraise. Each team and participant will track their daily steps with a pedometer; however, they are not limited to just walking to participate. The Challenge website offer participants a list of 40 activities —including activities for people living with disabilities— that also can count toward their daily step total. As the team’s steps are entered, their progress will be tracked as they climb their own virtual mountain representing the seven tallest peaks on the globe. The funds raised will support vital services and groundbreaking research to help people with CP.

“The World CP Challenge is a great way for people around the world to step-up, get involved, and support the approximately 57 million Americans living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, as well as the estimated 650 million individuals worldwide. By committing to just one month of activities, anyone can help to make a lasting difference for those living with and impacted by disabilities,” Bennett said. “I challenge everyone to take part and walk, step, roll or run their way to supporting people with cerebral palsy around the world.”

Cerebral palsy is a physical disability caused by an injury to the developing brain, which usually occurs before birth. It affects movement and is a lifelong condition, but its impact varies from person to person. United Cerebral Palsy works with its nearly 100 affiliates throughout the country to educate, advocate and provide services for people living with a spectrum of disabilities, such as housing, physical therapy, assistive technology training, early intervention services, individual and family support, social and recreational programs, community living, and employment assistance.   

# # # 

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

CONTACTS:
Michael Hill, Senior Vice President of External Affairs
United Cerebral Palsy
202-973-7144, 202-431-3513 (cell),

Patty Dunn, Public Relations Manager
Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
651-229-1753, 651-245-8489 (cell), 

LEADING CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL JOINS UCP AS FIRST AFFILIATE OF ITS KIND IN THE NATION

Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare expands network in Minnesota, beyond

Washington, DC -  (August 29, 2012) – Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare (Gillette) joins United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) as its newest affiliate and the first children’s hospital to join the UCP network in the organization’s 64-year history, the organizations announced today. UCP’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to welcome Gillette as UCP of Minnesota during a special meeting on Tuesday, August 14, 2012. This makes UCP and its affiliate network nearly a $1 billion enterprise devoted to educating, advocating for and providing support services to people who have a spectrum of disabilities.

Gillette is internationally recognized for its work in treating children who have disabilities and complex medical conditions. Its Center for Cerebral Palsy is world renowned for its medical treatment and rehabilitation services dedicated to reducing the effects of cerebral palsy through an interdisciplinary team. The hospital was cited by the 2012 US News & World Report as one of the country’s best children’s hospitals in the areas of orthopedics and neurology/neurosurgery. Gillette serves approximately 4,000 children each year with CP at its main campus in St. Paul, Minnesota and at clinics throughout the state. Click here to download a fact sheet with additional information about Gillette.

“We are thrilled to welcome Gillette to the UCP family,” said Stephen Bennett, president & chief executive officer of UCP. “The partnership with Gillette marks a new approach by UCP to expand our network in new and exciting ways. Gillette’s mission mirrors that of UCP, with a broad commitment to people with a spectrum of disabilities. Their reach, reputation and dedicated and accomplished team adds vast new resources to the UCP network, and we are excited for a strong partnership in the years to come.”

”As a national leader in specialty health care, Gillette is always looking to build partnerships with organizations who provide support to children who have disabilities and their families,” said Margaret Perryman, president and CEO of Gillette. “By becoming an affiliate of UCP, we will now be able to provide our patients with even more valuable resources.”

UCP is comprised of close to 90 affiliates throughout the globe that provide services such as housing, physical therapy, assistive technology training, early intervention services, individual and family support, social and recreational programs, community living, state and local referrals, employment, employment assistance and advocacy.  Gillette joins UCP as the first hospital center and points to UCP’s efforts to expand its reach through creative partnerships with organizations that provide excellence in service to people with disabilities.

“This is an important day for UCP,” Bennett said. “Just as parents in the 1940s founded UCP as a response to wanting better for their children, UCP is excited to announce a partnership that expands its reach to help even more people under the UCP banner.”

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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.

About Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
Gillette is an independent, not-for-profit hospital and clinics, that is internationally recognized for its work in the diagnosis and treatment of children and young adults who have disabilities or complex medical needs. As, the nation’s first hospital devoted to the treatment of children with disabilities, Gillette’s mission is to help children, adults and their families improve their health, achieve greater well-being, and enjoy life. In a nationwide survey by U.S. News Media Group this year, Gillette ranked 12th in pediatric orthopedics and 39th in pediatric neurology/neurosurgery, an increase over our 2011 national rankings.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: 
Kaelan Richards, UCP: 202-973-7175,
Lara Schwartz, AAPD: 202-521-4309,

LEADING DISABILITY GROUPS USE NEW MEDICAID REPORT FINDINGS & RESOURCES AS GUIDE IN ADVOCACY FOR PROGRESS, AGAINST FAILURES IN STATES SERVING AMERICANS WITH ID/DD

The Case for Inclusion should be used a tool to determine how to build state support and service systems that work for Americans with intellectual and development disabilities                                                                                            

Washington, DC (May 23, 2012) – While progress has been made and there is more quality assurance of services provided, some states are failing to adequately serve Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), according to The Case for Inclusion 2012, a new Medicaid report released today. United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) are calling on advocates to use The Case for Inclusion as a tool to determine how to build state support and service systems that work for people. The findings for 2012 reveal that:

1. While progress has been made, there is room for improvement: 36 states can now show that 80% of the individuals with ID/DD in their states are served in the community;  
    
2. States are becoming more involved in ensuring the quality of the services they provide: 29 states have established a comprehensive quality assurance program to measure the outcomes of the community services they deliver;  
    
3. But there is still more to do, particularly in providing services: waiting lists for critical community services continue to climb with more than a quarter of a million, or 268,000, people with ID/DD.

The 2012 report tracks the progress of community living standards, and it shows that the states with the best services and supports for Americans living with disabilities are Arizona, Michigan and California. The lowest performing states are Arkansas, Texas and Mississippi, which have remained at the bottom of the rankings since The Case for Inclusion was first published in 2006.  

While many states appear to be financially stable, the coming intersection of an aging population, people living with disabilities, and limited financial resources, will have a significant impact on the country’s entitlement programs. 

The report examines data and outcomes for all 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC), ranking each on a set of key indicators, including how people with disabilities live and participate in their communities, if they are satisfied with their lives, and how easily the services and supports they need are accessed. By taking these factors into account, the findings develop a comprehensive analysis of each state’s progress or failures in providing critical services to individuals living with disabilities.

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 successful efforts 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.

“Each year, UCP publishes The Case for Inclusion as part of its continuing efforts to advocate for civil rights protections and public policies that provide support for individuals living with disabilities, ensuring fair and full citizenship for all Americans,” said UCP President & CEO, Stephen Bennett. “The Case for Inclusion clearly identifies the states that are successful in providing the supports and services that people living with disabilities need, as well as states that are struggling. I urge all states and advocates to utilize The Case for Inclusion as a tool to strengthen their efforts, and to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities.”

“It is critical that states honor their obligations to people with disabilities by providing comprehensive and high-quality services through their Medicaid programs. That is why people with disabilities and our allies are fighting to preserve and improve Medicaid at the state and federal levels. The Case for Inclusion makes clear that some states are falling short and provides a roadmap for advocacy. AAPD encourages our community, members, and supporters to use this tool in our continued efforts to preserve the vital services and supports that enable eight million people with disabilities to live the lives we deserve,” said AAPD President and CEO Mark Perriello. 

Online features, reports and data:
The 2012 report and data from all previous reports is available on UCP’s website using a robust new web module and design at ucp.org/public-policy/the-case-for-inclusion. Users can:

• Compare state & national data
• View state scorecards 
• Interact with the ranking map 
• See highlights of the 2012 report, top and bottom 10 states, most improved states and those with biggest drops, and  facts about the best performing states
• Advocate for areas needing improvement in states, and promote achievements that maintain high quality outcomes, like eliminating waiting lists and closing large institutions
• Download the full 2012 report and previous reports 

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

For further detail about the report itself, there will be a press briefing at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT). Author Tarren Bragdon will provide insight into the rankings and data, which advocacy groups and individuals can use to raise awareness for key outcomes for people with disabilities.

• Toll-free: 1-888-450-5996
• Participant passcode: 786597

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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 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 American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the country's largest cross-disability membership association, organizes the disability community to be a powerful force for change – politically, economically, and socially. AAPD was founded in 1995 to help unite the diverse community of people with disabilities, including their family, friends and supporters, and to be a national voice for change in implementing the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To learn more, visit the AAPD Web site: www.aapd.com.

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

CONGRESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR JOINS
GROWING POLICY TEAM AT UCP

Richards to assume role as Director of Policy Communications

Washington, DC (March 27, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), an international service provider and advocate for children and adults with a spectrum of disabilities, has appointed Kaelan Richards its new Senior Director of Public Policy, Communications & Advocacy, effective March 26, 2012. Richards will report to Dr. Connie Garner, who UCP appointed as Executive Vice President of Public Policy earlier this year.

Richards joins UCP after nearly three years as Communications Director for Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT).  She has also served as Press Secretary for Senator Paul G. Kirk, Jr. (D-Mass.) and Deputy Press Secretary for the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass). She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Miami and is a candidate for a master’s degree in Public Communications from American University.

“I am pleased to welcome Kaelan to UCP as Communications Director for our public policy initiatives,” Garner said. “Her longstanding commitment to communicating the importance of disability issues to legislators and national media is evident in her work with Senator Kennedy and Senator Kirk, and most recently Representative Rosa DeLauro. Kaelan is a welcomed addition to our developing public policy and outreach team at UCP.”

Richards will serve as the lead press and communications coordinator for UCP’s policy efforts, helping to create communications strategies that link UCP’s national programs with key legislative initiatives while mobilizing advocates throughout the nation to advance for the full citizenship for people with disabilities.

“UCP is an innovative and dedicated organization with strong national network of affiliates all working toward the same goal: creating a ‘life without limits’ for people with disabilities and providing the support their families need,” Richards said. “It is an honor to be joining the amazing team at UCP, and I look forward to working with them to advance smart policies that ensure all doors of opportunity are open to Americans with disabilities and their families.”

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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