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Founded in 1949, UCP is a nationwide network consisting of a central national organization, located in Washington, D.C. and over 100 independent, state and local non-profit affiliates. UCP is the leading source of information on cerebral palsy and is a pivotal advocate for the rights of all people with disabilities. In fact, 65% of the people UCP serves has a disability other than cerebral palsy. UCP is one of the nation’s most efficient charities, with a systemwide average of 85% of all revenues going to programs.
UCP affiliates serve more than 170,000 children and adults with disabilities and their families every day. Together, with over 100,000 volunteers and an even larger number of professional staff, UCP serves people with disabilities and others, through the development of state-of-the-art programs, information and referral services, legislative advocacy, technology initiatives and research, and the delivery of a range of direct services tailored to local communities through programs such as assistive technology training, early intervention services, individual and family support services, and social and recreation programs. In addition, UCP provides supported living services, employment assistance and other supports as needed.
The UCP Research and Educational Foundation is the nation's principal non-government agency sponsoring research directly relevant to the prevention of cerebral palsy and improvement in the quality of life of persons with disabilities due to cerebral palsy and related developmental brain disorders. In its history of more than 50 years, the Foundation has been instrumental in eliminating two of the major causes of cerebral palsy, German measles and maternal-child blood type incompatibility. The Foundation is now focusing its attention on other remaining major causes such as low birth weight, prematurity, and the effects of maternal infection on the developing brain. It is also exploring the development of improved methods for mobility, communication and the general well being of children and adults with developmental disorders of the brain as well as the possibility of replacing lost cells in the brain. The Foundation also serves as the medical and scientific information resource for UCP, its affiliates, the clinical professions and the public.
