is a group of disabling conditions characterized by nerve and muscle dysfunction. Cerebral palsy is not a disease; rather it is caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls and coordinates muscular action. Symptoms vary widely depending upon the severity and location of brain damage, and may include the inability to control body movements, speech and language difficulties, feeding problems, learning disabilities, mental retardation, and seizures. Cerebral palsy is not hereditary, contagious, progressive, or a primary cause of death.
Nearly 1 million Americans manifest some degree of cerebral palsy and the U.S. Census in 2000 reported that one in five Americans is living with a long-term condition or other disability which means that the demand for our services continues to grow.
Our mission is, "Life without limits for people with all types of disabilities." Huge gaps in services exist for people with disabilities - in access to healthcare, transportation, employment, education and affordable housing. UCP seeks to fill some of these gaps with programs focused on providing the highest impact in the most effective way.
Over 65% of those we serve live under the poverty line. Many of the middle class families served have extremely low disposable income due to significant transportation , caregiver and medical costs arising from their disability - making services provided free of charge even more important.
While there is no "cure" for cerebral palsy; a lot can be done to help individuals with cerebral palsy become self-reliant, contributing members of our community. Some of this assistance comes from:
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Mechanical Aids
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Surgery
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Counseling
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Medication
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Physical Therapy
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Speech Therapy
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Occupational Therapy
Information on other types of disabilities.
