In 1952, United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Chicago opened its doors to address the needs of children and adults with cerebral palsy. Today UCP helps people with a variety of physical mental and economic disabilities enjoy richer, more independent lives. Our programs include:
Adult Services (IL) help people with multiple and significant challenges connect to the world around them through job training, skill building for daily tasks, social and recreational opportunities, and access to assistive technology.
Assistive Technology Exchange Network or ATEN (IL) is a program for refurbishing and recycling computers donated by corporations and individuals for distribution to children with disabilities. Each year ATEN distributes more than 4,000 computers – and diverts nearly 300 tons of e-waste from Illinois landfills.
Child and Family Services (IL) help children and their families live life to the fullest through the Infinitec North Early Education Center, which blends progressive childcare practices in inclusive special education services with innovative assistive technology resources. Parents and caregivers enjoy a much-needed, much-appreciated chance for rest and renewal through UCP's Respitality Program, while toys and clothes distributed to the Holiday Fund bring joy and hope to more than 1,500 children and adults with disabilities.
Durable Medical Exchange (IL) is a searchable Web site where people with temporary or permanent disabilities can secure durable medical equipment – including hospital beds, motorized/manual wheelchairs, pediatric therapy equipment, canes and walkers – free of charge.
Early Intervention Training or EI (IL) educates about 8,000 providers annually. Through the EI training website, UCP provides links to videos for online viewing, sends frequent updates on available training and handles an average of 100,000 requests monthly.
First Tech Touch (IL) introduces parents, caregivers and children to technologies that help infants and toddlers with disabilities develop fine motor, language, literacy and recreation skills through specially designed assistive technology, modified input devices and software.
Home-Based Services (IL) help people with developmental disabilities thrive in their own communities, homes or small-group settings. In providing these services, UCP acts as a facilitator for Illinois Home-Based Support Program.
Ramp Up Foundation (IL) paves the way to greater mobility and independence for adults and children with disabilities. By overcoming obstacles as simple – and insurmountable – as a few steps, UCP helps reconnect people with the community. Plans to expand the programs focus include complete home modifications for people with disabilities.
ToyLend/CompuPlay brings the world of play and toys to children with disabilities and their families in underserved areas of Chicago. These Lekotek programs provide families, their caregivers and professionals with resources and skills to help children with disabilities developed through play.
UCP also offers a range of job training and employment services, including:
Illinois CareerPath Institute (IL) helps people with disabilities gain valuable skills to succeed in the workplace. The program provides hands-on training for specific occupations, including office and industrial jobs.
UCPA Employment and Training (IL) offers career and employment placement services, including assistance with resume preparation, job search strategies and personalized career plans.
