PS: You can learn more about the Junior Rose Parade here.

 
Did you know that May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month?

​According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 10 Asian American adults have a disability. This can lead to some complicated experiences.

As activist Megan Liang writes, “As an Asian American woman with a visible disability, I have always felt as if all parts of my identity were for the world to see and judge… I felt like I couldn’t ask for help in fear that I would be seen as even smaller and weaker.” 

​That’s why Megan and others like her are hoping to shine a light on the intersection of disability and Asian identity.
 
Learn More:

• https://assembly.malala.org/stories/fighting-for-visibility-for-asian-americans-with-disabilities 
• https://www.respectability.org/2021/05/aapi-month-2021/
• https://asamnews.com/2021/04/20/many-disabled-asian-americans-feel-alienated-in-both-the-asam-and-disabled-communities/

Hey, this is cool.
 
This year’s national UCP conference is virtual, free and open to the public!
 
Attendees will learn about:

• recent research and innovative treatments for cerebral palsy and other neurodevelopmental disorders,
• accessibility and innovation in the transportation industry,
• workforce challenges for direct support professionals,
• and the most recent federal public policy affecting people with disabilities.

 
The conference will be held May 3–4, noon to 3:30 pm EST.
 
Register today!

Happy Friday!
 
Would you like a job where you get a long weekend EVERY SINGLE WEEK?

It sounds like a dream, right?
 
Well, it’s not! We’re hiring for a 30-hour a week Admin/HR position where you get a three-day weekend, every single week (you get your choice of Mondays or Fridays off).
 
Imagine the possibilities!

Hello! It’s April, and you know what that means… Autism Awareness Month. Or does it?
 
Last year, the largest grassroots autism organization in America (The Autism Society of America) decided to rename their celebration as Autism Acceptance Month (AAM). Other groups have been using the new name for longer, but, in any case, the new name is really taking off!
 
As Christopher Banks (the president and CEO of The Autism Society of America), says, "Awareness is knowing that somebody has autism. Acceptance is when you include (a person with autism) in your activities." [emphasis ours]
 
World Autism Awareness Day (April 2nd) has not been renamed, but its focus has changed.
 
Originally, its focus was on “autistic children and finding a cure," as Ludmila Praslova, a professor and director of graduate programs who also experiences autism, explained. She says that many folks now focus on "acceptance and inclusion rather than a cure…” and celebrating “diversity and completeness."

​Sounds good to us!

Today is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day 2022!
 
What are you doing to celebrate?
 
This week, a group of parent and adult advocates, clinicians and researchers celebrated CP Awareness Day by travelling to Washington DC, to give a briefing to Congress about CP!
 
The trip was organized by the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (which is not part of UCP), and was supported by Senator Maggie Hassan (New Hampshire) and Congressman Steve Cohen (Tennessee).
 
Way to go, advocates!

And, speaking of advocates, did you know that National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day in the United States was created by two moms? They felt it was vital to increase awareness of cerebral palsy, and to improve quality of care and research across the lifespan.                 

Today is March 25th, and you know what that means!

It’s World Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day—an event that is celebrated around the world.
In some places, entire buildings are lit up with green to celebrate. Even Niagara Falls has “gone green” to celebrate Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day!

In honor of the day, you can:

• Share your cerebral palsy related photos or story with the world. (Use this link.)
• Join a disability-related advocacy group.
• Use the #GoGreen4CP hashtag on social media.
• Wear the color green.

As you may know, March is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month.
 
But here are some facts about CP that you might not know!
 

1. CP is the most common lifelong physical disability.
2. CP affects more than 1 million Americans.
3. 1 in 345 children are affected by CP.
4. 17 million people worldwide have CP.
5. More than 10,000 babies in the U.S. are diagnosed with cerebral palsy each year.

Hi! I’m UCP Oregon’s Family Support Director, Katherine Ball.
 
Did you know that my department supports approximately 845 families?
 
During an average month, I directly work with 100 families. I am available to them via email, phone, social media, and in person as needed.
 
I often speak with parents who are dealing with a new diagnosis of cerebral palsy. I send them a “Welcome Packet” with self-care tips, books and resources. I remain in contact with parents, providing resources, information, and a shoulder to lean on as needed.
 
I also:

• Coordinate several events a month, including a “Gimme A Break” Family Support Group and various other trainings and events.
• Write 4-6 grants a year to acquire funds for the Family Support Department. 
• Administer the Zetosch Fund through the Oregon Community Foundation. (The Fund assists low-income, school-aged children in Oregon who experience disabilities to acquire adaptive equipment that will help their education.)
• Attend outside meetings and trainings to stay current on the world of Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).
• Lead a Family Support Task Force Committee for the UCP Board.
• Manage a UCP Family Support Facebook page, sharing resources, trainings, articles, and information.
• Procure and share local event tickets (Blazers, zoo, etc.) for the families in my department.