Press Releases: 2005 Releases
United Cerebral Palsy Launches Disaster Relief Fund (9/1/2005)
Washington, DC, September 1, 2005 - Hurricane Katrina has devastated United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Greater New Orleans, essentially ceasing services to hundreds of people with disabilities -- including dozens with severe disabilities who need 24-hour assistance from dedicated direct support staff.
At present, consumers and employees of UCP of Greater New Orleans, as well as their families, are scattered across the mid-south and many are unaccounted for.
“We are most concerned about our consumers with severe disabilities, many of whom were not able to leave New Orleans prior to the hurricane’s landfall,” said Jo Bugg, Acting Executive Director of UCP of Greater New Orleans. “I urge our consumers, their families and staff to call our hotline, as they are able, so we can work to ensure their safety.”
United Cerebral Palsy has set-up an emergency hotline for United Cerebral Palsy of New Orleans. Concerned consumers and their families, employees and volunteers can call (800) 872-5827 to receive information, as well as leave messages about their personal status.
People can also visit the UCP of Greater New Orleans web site to leave messages for consumers and employees. National and regional staff will monitor both message systems.
In addition to the tragedy facing UCP of Greater New Orleans, thousands of people with disabilities throughout the southern United States have been affected by widespread hurricane damage and power outages.
United Cerebral Palsy has set-up a Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund to provide services to people with disabilities affected by hurricane Katrina and assist UCP affiliates throughout the region restore their operations as quickly as possible. Members of the public, who are able to help, are encouraged to make an online donation at www.ucp.org.
United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Houston, working directly with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and the local United Way, has committed to provide referrals and direct services to displaced families with special needs. Reports have indicated up to 100,000 displaced persons may arrive in Houston in the coming days.
Beyond direct cash contributions, UCP of Greater Houston has specifically asked for donations of durable medical equipment, such as electric wheelchairs, to help replace damaged or abandoned devices that are essential to people’s mobility and independence. The public may contact UCP of Greater Houston directly at (713) 838-9050 to donate equipment.
“United Cerebral Palsy is committed to assisting people with disabilities and their families affected by hurricane Katrina,” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all the people of the mid-south, especially this most vulnerable population.”
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 or call (800) 872-5827.