Recreation
Support Groups
People often contact United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan asking for a support group in their area. If there is adequate interest in a given community, UCP Michigan is willing to assist in forming member-run support groups for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, and their families. Contact Pam at (800) 828-2714.
You can find a few groups that are already in existnce in the Resources section of our website. Groups include:
- The Ann Arbor support group for parents of young children with cerebral palsy. This groups meets in Ann Arbor on the third Tuesday of the month: contact Shelli Kritzman at (734) 449-5480.
- The Disability Advocates of Kent County Aktion Club, which is a community based service group composed of adult citizens who live with disabilities. These citizens get involved in community activities and events to give back to the community by offering service and using their talents, abilities and gifts.
- The Macomb Academy Aktion Club, which provides adults who live with a disability the opportunity to make new friends and share their talents with the community. They meet the first and third Friday of each month at 3:00 PM at 39092 Garfield Road Clinton Twp., MI 48038
- The Kiwanis AKTION Club with the Monroe Center for Independent Living. They meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6 PM at the CIL. Contact Gary Dygert at 734 242- 5919 for more information.
- UCP/Detroit sponsors a Support Group for persons with all types of disabilities, their families and friends. Meetings are currently held in their office on the second Tuesday of each month from 10:00am-12:00pm and again from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Their office is located at 23077 Greenfield, Suite 205 Southfield, MI 48075. Please RSVP your attendance to: Pat Dwelle at 248-557-5070 ext. 237
If you know of a group in your area, please contact Carolyn Brown at UCP Michigan at 800.828.2714 to be added to the list.
For people with cerebral palsy, an alternative to a traditional “support group” that still provides the opportunity to interact with others with disabilities is the Michigan Disability Sports Alliance. There are clubs around the state that provide opportunities to participate in adapted sports for serious competition and simple recreation for every ability level. Contact J.J. Lewis at (517) 404-6990.
For families, the Family Information Exchange, run by The Arc Michigan, connects families of children with special needs to other parents who are members of local and state Early On councils. In addition, the Family Information Exchange provides information and resources, and opportunities to become involved with other families to improve Early On. Lastly, the Family Information Exchange offers a lending library of books and various media. To contact the Family Information Exchange/a> call The Arc Michigan at (800) 292-7851.
The Family to Family Health Information and Education Center provides information on parent support groups on their website at http://www.bridges4kids.org/f2f/support_psg.htm. On this site you can choose a health condition/disability to view support groups available to your family.
The Family Support Network of Michigan is a program of Children’s Special Health Care Services. It offers services including parent support groups, one-on-one support, training programs for parents, information about programs for siblings, fathers and grandparents, family social events, and information about local, state and national resources. Services are offered free of charge around Michigan for families of children of all ages. Information shared is kept confidential. For more information call the Family Phone Line at (800) 359-3722.
Updated March 2007 View a Printer-Friendly Version