Press Releases
United Cerebral Palsy Goes Global (07/19/2006)
Washington, DC, July 19, 2006 - After nearly 60 years of serving and advocating for American families with special needs, United Cerebral Palsy announced today its first overseas affiliate, The Spastic Centre in Australia. The announcement was made by Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy, at the 2006 United Cerebral Palsy Annual Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas.
While addressing the universal concerns of people with disabilities, the organization’s expansion will improve information sharing between successful disability service organizations around the globe.
The Spastic Centre is one of Australia’s leading service providers for adults and children with cerebral palsy with an annual turnover of $60 million (AUD). Each year, it supports more than 3,000 families at over 70 sites across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Services offered by The Spastic Centre include therapy, assistive technology and equipment, mobility programs, employment and accommodation support, respite care, rural therapy, and intensive family support.
“People with disabilities everywhere share universal concerns. In addition to realizing their right to fully participate in society, people with disabilities are worried about finding affordable health services, fulfilling employment and accessible housing,” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “The Spastic Centre has spent decades creating solutions to meet these concerns, and their employees, volunteers and families bring insight and creativity to our vibrant network of service providers in the United States.”
Through information sharing and staff exchanges, United Cerebral Palsy will facilitate the development of gold standard practices for its affiliates in both the United States and Australia who deliver critical services to people with disabilities and their families. In addition, advances in communication technology will allow for cost-effective collaboration with The Spastic Centre and other prospective international affiliate organizations.
“As leading charities in our respective nations, The Spastic Centre and United Cerebral Palsy recognize globalization as a step towards improving community-based services for people with disabilities,” added Rob White, Chief Executive Officer of The Spastic Centre.
About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy is one of the nation’s leading organizations serving and advocating for the more than 54 million Americans with disabilities. Most UCP consumers are people with disabilities other than cerebral palsy. Through its nationwide network, United Cerebral Palsy offers services to individuals, families and communities such as job training and placement, physical therapy, individual and family support, early intervention, social and recreation programs, community living, state and local referrals, and instruction on how to use technology to perform everyday tasks. For more information, visit www.ucp.org. For more information about The Spastic Centre, visit www.thespasticcentre.com.au.