Become an Affiliate

Benefits of Affiliation

Brand Awareness

The UCP brand, logo design, tagline and trademarks are assets owned and protected by UCP. Founded in 1949, UCP has a rich legacy, solid reputation and significant brand recognition that opens doors with corporations and policymakers. Affiliates of UCP provide a wide range of services in their communities under the UCP brand, and this brand presence and reputation are critical assets that benefit both affiliates and the disability community.

Evidence-Based Practice

The UCP Research Council (URC) promotes research that has the potential to lead to real-life gains for people with cerebral palsy and related neurodevelopmental disabilities, including the advancement of evidence-based practices and knowledge mobilization approaches. Organizations affiliated with UCP are eligible to participate in the following research initiatives: Professional Learning Series, Research Grant Program, and the Early Detection & Intervention (EDI) Collaborative along with other scholarship and training opportunities.  

Advocacy

UCP on the national stage is regularly engaged with Congress, the White House and national advocacy groups to influence and help shape federal legislation that affects people with disabilities and direct service providers. These collaborative efforts afford UCP an influential voice in representing people with disabilities. Affiliated organizations benefit from our advocacy efforts through regular updates on priority policy issues, collaboration with national advocacy groups, promotion of a Public Policy Agenda, ANCOR membership, and opportunities for funding local coalitions and promoting self-advocacy.

Affiliate Support

Affiliated organizations are provided opportunities to share best practices, fundraising activities, new program ideas, and grant writing. UCP facilitates discussions around personnel issues, governance issues, succession planning, compensation, and other concerns in a safe and non-competitive environment.  Our collaborative partnerships with organizations like Google, Waymo and many others drive innovation in technology, creating new and more effective ways to support individuals with CP and other disabilities.

Financial

The affiliation dues paid to UCP include membership in ANCOR, an annual allocation of funds to be used for the assistive technology needs of individuals served by the affiliate, participation in revenue-sharing opportunities, the possibility of bequests made in a specific territory because of the awareness of the UCP brand, and discounts on services made available through relationships between UCP and vendors.

Discounts and Vendor Offerings

An array of discounts are offered to affiliated organizations based on the level of affiliation and include items such as:

Access to:

  • Amazon Prime Business Associated Accounts
  • Home Depot Preferred Pricing & Rebate Program

Discounted services on topics such as:

  • Governance enhancement
  • Strategic planning
  • Human resource management services 
  • Employment risk management 
  • Trainings by the American Red Cross

Levels of Membership

UCP offers a range of comprehensive value propositions for organizations seeking one of the options available for affiliation.  Our options for affiliation include:

  • Affiliate Member – Organizations in this category provide needed and funded services for their community through direct or support services, information and referral services, and engagement in advocacy systems.
  • Statewide Advocacy Organization – Organizations in this category provide statewide advocacy and lobbying on behalf of affiliates within the state.
  • Network Member – Organizations in this category align with UCP’s mission and vision, and membership provides certain benefits including participation in conferences and educational opportunities as well as inclusion in public policy and research initiatives.
  • International Affiliate – Organizations in this category are outside of the United States of America and provide needed and funded services for the community through direct support services, information and referral services, and engagement in advocacy systems.

The opportunities and benefits at each level are designed to support organizations and their communities by providing an environment for sharing best practices, advocating for policy change, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. UCP focuses on long-term impact to create lasting change and promote sustainability by aligning our strategic initiatives with the needs of the affiliate network, ensuring that our efforts are focused on the most critical issues impacting those with cerebral palsy, intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities.

What Our Affiliates Say

UCP-Center for Disability Services is proud to be an affiliate of UCP National, working together to create a more inclusive society where people of all abilities thrive. Through our partnership with UCP National, we are able to access resources, expertise, advocacy efforts, corporate sponsorships, and a supportive network of peers to further our mission. Together, we are committed to driving positive change for individuals with disabilities across the country, and we are working towards our vision of a world where everyone has equal opportunities and support to reach their full potential.

As an affiliate of UCP, United Ability in Birmingham, AL benefits greatly in numerous ways including: the sharing of best practices and ideas with other affiliates; access to current policy decisions that impact those we serve and their families; research studies on inclusion in the workplace which assists us when securing new employment partners and funding; and, the ability to apply for funding for vital equipment for some of our clients that is not covered by their insurance.

Our National Organization supports UCP of Mobile through their guidance and commitment to excellence. The knowledge and expertise shared with affiliates benefits serving a diverse group of people with disabilities.

UCP National is comprised of affiliates across the U.S. and Canada which offer a vast array of services to individuals with differing abilities. UCP Huntsville values the affiliate network and the many opportunities to learn from one another and from the many professional development events organized by the national association. Together, we have a stronger advocacy voice and brand awareness thanks to the leadership of UCP National.

United Cerebral Palsy
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