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National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, 2023

3/25/2023

 
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Did you know that March 25th is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day?
 
The nationally recognized holiday was created in 2006 by a non-profit parent advocacy group called “Reaching for the Stars.”
 
One way to make a difference on this day is to help spread awareness with your community.
​Here are some facts you might like to share:
  • Cerebral palsy is the most widespread physical disability in the world.
  • In America, approximately 764,000 children and adults currently have CP.
  • Each year, 10,000 newborns (and 1,200-1,500 school-aged children) are diagnosed with CP.
  • Medical costs are approximately 10-26 times higher for children with CP.
  • The total lifetime care costs to take care of a child with CP exceeds $1 million.
Here are some other simple ways to make a difference on National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day:
​

  1. Share your cerebral-palsy related photos or story with the world. (If you want us to help you share your story, you can use this link.)
  2. Make your voice heard. Join a disability-related advocacy group.
  3. Donate to disability organizations that are making a difference in your local community, such as UCP Oregon.
PS: Want even more CP facts? Check out this link.

The 2023 Bill Porter Application Period Ends Soon!

3/22/2023

 
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Reminder! UCP Oregon’s “Bill Porter Memorial Fund” is closing soon! We are accepting applications through 5pm on March 31st. (The application period began on March 1st.)
 
Applicants must be receiving contracted supports from UCP Oregon, or be active within UCP’s Family Support Department to be considered.
 
Applicants are encouraged to be creative and inventive when deciding how to use funds—the funds can be spent on almost anything that will improve their quality of life.
​
Here are a few examples:
  • Home modifications.
  • Assistive technology.
  • Travel to reconnect with a family member or friend.
  • Funding for education.
  • Job training.
  • Joining a gym.
Learn more and apply

HONORING JUDITH HEUMANN

3/7/2023

 
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March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women throughout history.
 
It is also a time to recognize the unique challenges faced by women, including those with disabilities.
 
This week, we learned of the sad passing of Judith Heumann, one of the world’s most recognized disability advocates.
 
At the age of two, Judith contracted Polio and lost the ability to walk. When Judith attempted to start kindergarten, the principal physically blocked the family from entering the school, calling Heumann a “fire hazard.” Luckily, Judith’s mother fought for her daughter’s right to an education. Judith went on to graduate with a BA in 1969.
 
In the 1970’s, after battling the New York Board of Education, Judith became the first teacher in the state to use a wheelchair. Later in her career, she helped establish the Independent Living movement.
 
Judith also worked for the Clinton Administration and served as Assistant Secretary of Education under President Barack Obama. She worked for the World Bank and the State Department.

As she said, 
When I was in the State Department, I took the bus to work every day, I traveled around the world, and I demonstrated what is possible. I think that sent an important message: Don’t assume my life is a tragedy or that disabled people have nothing to contribute. We are leaders, fathers, mothers, daughters, and sons, we are capable voters and contributors, and we are not invisible.
​Judith also played a important role in the development of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

​
In 2020, Judith was the star of a documentary, “Crip Camp” and also published a memoir, Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist.

Judith passed away on March 4, 2023. Armando A. Contreras (the President and CEO of the United Cerebral Palsy National organization) writes,
 Our nation has lost one of its greatest champions in the fight for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities… Ms. Heumann lived life fully, fearlessly and zealously advocating to change society’s systemic social and physical barriers against people with disabilities. Her life’s work helped reshape and elevate the world’s view of what a person with a disability can achieve.
Learn more about Judith here:

  • https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/judith-heumann
  • ​https://optionb.org/build-resilience/conversations/judith-heumann-on-living-and-thriving-with-a-disability

Accessible Birding Outing at Whitaker Ponds

3/3/2023

 
Are you looking for something fun to do in March?

Lisa Dixon, a Program Manager in UCP’s Supported Employment Department (Employment Solutions), discovered that Portland Audubon is hosting an "Accessible Birding Outing” at Whitaker Ponds on March 25th, from 10am-12pm.

Portland Audubon says, “Migration is just starting, so we’ll look for some early songbirds, as well as woodpeckers, ducks and perhaps even some raptors. Together we’ll make our way through the natural area by foot or by wheelchair, observing and learning about birds, plants, and other wildlife.

Portland Audubon says that the event is "reserved for people who identify as disabled, chronically ill, or neurodivergent and their family, friends or caregivers. Our accessible outings are made for and led by birders with disabilities. Beginning birders are welcome!"

Learn More

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, 2023

3/3/2023

 
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Hey! Did you know that March is Women’s History Month?

As journalist Melissa Young says, “Women have been making history for centuries; for some, this was the only choice they had.”

Women with disabilities make history, too.

Melissa reminds us that,  for many women who experienced disabilities “it was either live the way others expected them to or fight for the lives they knew they (and all people with disabilities) deserved.”

Famous women who experience/experienced disabilities include:
  • Agatha Christie
  • Billie Eilish
  • Carrie Underwood
  • Caryl Simon
  • Cher
  • Ella Fitzgerald
  • Erin Brockovich
  • Fannie Lou Hamer
  • Frida Kahlo
  • Gwen Stefani
  • Halle Berry
  • Harriet Tubman
  • Joan Rivers
  • Keira Knightley
  • Liv Tyler
  • Marilyn Monroe
  • Maya Angelou
  • Millie Bobby Brown
  • Missy Elliott
  • Senator Tammy Duckworth
  • Simone Biles
  • Sojourner Truth
  • Solange Knowles
  • Zooey Deschanel​
 
LEARN MORE:
  • ​6 Women With Disabilities Who Made History
  • Famous People with Disabilities
 

HAPPY CEREBRAL PALSY AWARENESS MONTH, 2023

3/1/2023

 
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March is a busy month!
 
It’s Women’s History Month. It’s also National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. And it’s National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month!

Since UCP Oregon’s roots are in cerebral palsy, we thought we’d start out by talking about National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month.

The goal of National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is to push for positive change in education, healthcare, and the employment world. 

UCP Oregon does advocacy work on a local, state and national level. You can make a difference, too!

HOW TO CELEBRATE:
  1. Share your cerebral-palsy related photos or story with the world. (If you want us to help you share your story, you can use this link.)
  2. Make your voice heard. Join a disability-related advocacy group.
  3. Donate to disability organizations that are making a difference in your local community, such as UCP Oregon.

THE 2023 BILL PORTER FUND OPENS ON MARCH 1ST

3/1/2023

 
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Hello! We are pleased to announce that UCP Oregon’s “Bill Porter Memorial Fund” opens March 1st at 8am.
LEARN MORE AND APPLY
WHO CAN APPLY: Applicants must be receiving contracted supports from UCP Oregon, or be active within UCP’s Family Support Department, to be considered.
 
WHEN: Applications will be accepted from March 1-31, 2023.
 
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION:
  • Online
  • Email
  • Fax: 503-771-8048
  • Mail: UCP Oregon, ATTN: Ann Coffey, 305 NE 102nd Avenue, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97220
 
AWARDS PROCESS: Applications will be reviewed by the Leadership Team with oversight from the UCP Board of Directors. Award recipients will be announced in early May.
 
WHAT SHOULD APPLICANTS APPLY FOR: Applicants are encouraged to be creative and inventive when deciding how to use funds—the funds can be spent on almost anything that will improve their quality of life. Past examples have included home modifications, assistive technology, travel, and education. See the website for more examples.
 
QUESTIONS: Call UCP's Executive Director (Ann Coffey) at 971-235-9543, or email her.

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UCP Oregon
305 NE 102nd Avenue, Suite 100
Portland, OR 97220

​Phone: 503-777-4166
​Fax: 503-771-8048
Email Us
Photo used under Creative Commons from Jason McHuff
  • HOME
    • Mission & History
    • UCP'S Leadership >
      • UCP'S Directors
      • UCP'S Board
    • Annual Reports
    • Contact Us
  • SERVICES
    • Brokerage >
      • Brokerage Services >
        • Brokerage Videos
    • Supported Employment >
      • For Job-Seekers
      • For Employers
      • Be "Ability Aware"
    • Supported Living
    • Children's Services
    • Family Support
    • Bill Porter Memorial Fund: For Applicants >
      • Bill Porter Application
  • CAREERS
    • Why You'll Love UCP
    • Careers FAQ
  • NEWS
  • EVENTS
    • Family Conference
    • Family Support Group
    • Family Support Workshops
    • OMSI Play Labs
    • Walk, Roll 'n' Run
    • Skate Nights
  • WAYS TO GIVE
    • Donate
    • Bill Porter Memorial Fund: For Donors
    • Raise Money While Shopping
    • Planned Giving
    • Corporate Partnership
    • Other Ways to Help
    • Give Parents a Break
    • For Readers of Portland Business Journal 2022 >
      • Learn More About UCP Oregon
  • This is Our Voice
    • Share Your Story
    • Be a Legislative Advocate
    • Formal Complaint