Mission & History: The 1990's
As a decade of success came to a close, United Cerebral Palsy saw its more than 40 years of disability advocacy pay off. On July 26, 1990, President George Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into federal law. Because of UCP's leadership role in passing this legislative landmark, people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities now enjoy basic civil rights protections for the first time in our nation's history.
In 1994, UCP won the prestigious national Summit Award from the American Society of Association Executives for demonstrating how associations truly change America.
UCP is consistently ranked as one of the most efficient health charities in America, with more than 83 cents of every dollar spent directly on programs and services benefiting people with disabilities and their families. For three years in a row (1992-1994), Money magazine named United Cerebral Palsy as one of the Top Five most efficient health charities in the nation, until the magazine ceased publishing its comprehensive article ranking charities in all areas of giving in 1995. Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine and other publications continue to rank UCP as one of the top and most efficient health charities in the country each year.
Today, UCP continues to work closely with its affiliates on issues that open doors for people with disabilities. From home ownership to health care reform, inclusive education to competitive employment, United Cerebral Palsy has established itself as a leader in the disability community and as a strong voice for individuals with disabilities and their families.