UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF MIDDLE

United cerebral palsy builds ramps and coordinates state-wide construction of wheelchair ramps for individuals with mobility disabilities whose homes are without proper accessibility. We also perform a limited number of disability-related housing modifications, such as bathroom modifications for wheelchair access. Working in conjunction with collaborating agencies, volunteers from churches, civic clubs, and other area groups, ucp spearheads the construction of wheelchair ramps on to the homes of persons with disabilities across the state of tennessee. Lumber and supplies for the program are funded through a grant from the tennessee housing development agency (thda). In fiscal year 2023-24, the program supplied services to 135 persons with disabilities across tennessee.

The leadership development program is a joint project with the tennessee council on developmental disabilities. This fund is non-disability specific, and is available to people with disabilities throughout the state of tennessee. The fund allows individuals with disabilities and their assistants or family members to attend disability-related educational conferences and workshops, and it promotes and develops self-advocacy skills among individuals with disabilities and their families. In fiscal year 2023-24, the program supplied services to 459 individuals, including people with disabilities and the parents of children with disabilities. Sports and recreation: the ucp sports and recreation program is a volunteer-spearheaded seasonal activity for people with disabilities and their families that takes place on designated thursday evenings and weekends. Activities include wheelchair basketball, bowling, picnics and special outings. In fiscal year 2023-24, the program encompassed services to 35 individuals with disabilities as well as a number of volunteer program participants. Holiday giving: each year volunteers gather and distribute gifts for families caring for individuals with disabilities in our existing programs whose resources and family supports are severely limited. Ucp volunteers provide gift certificates and/or essentials such as staple, nonperishable food items, warm clothing, bath and bedding items. In fiscal year 2023-24, the activity encompassed services to 62 individuals with disabilities, including a significant number of seniors with aging-related disabilities. Information and referral services: ucp staff and volunteers annually respond to hundreds of office visits, phone calls, emails and direct requests for information from individuals with disabilities and family members about unmet needs for a variety of disabilities as well as questions about the condition known as cerebral palsy. Public education: ucp staff and volunteers provide public education though a variety of public speaking engagements, online services, news and social media posts, and other activities geared toward education of the general public about disability needs and sound public policy initiatives.