For more than 40 years, Ouida Spencer has dedicated her life to championing individuals with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. As a trailblazer in nonprofit leadership, housing advocacy, and disability inclusion, Ouida’s tireless volunteer work with United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) has made a transformative impact on thousands of lives.

A Lifelong Champion for UCP

Ouida’s journey with UCP began over four decades ago when she volunteered at the National UCP Starathon. Inspired by a meaningful conversation with a young man with cerebral palsy, she joined the Board of Directors for United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia — a commitment that would span generations. Serving as Chair four times over 20 years, she played a critical role in expanding services, increasing the annual budget from $500,000 to over $29.5 million, and enabling daily support for more than 1,000 individuals.

Recognizing the need for greater reach, Ouida helped establish United Cerebral Palsy of South Carolina, where she remains an active Advisory Board member today. Her leadership continues to shape UCP’s vision for full inclusion and access nationwide.

National Leadership and Strategic Growth

Ouida served on the National UCP Board of Trustees from 2014 to 2020, holding the role of Corporate Secretary and chairing the Affiliate Services Committee for more than a decade. In 2024, she was appointed Chair of the National Board of Trustees, continuing her legacy of forward-thinking leadership and commitment to advancing the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Professional Excellence in Real Estate and Housing Advocacy

Outside of her volunteerism, Ouida is an award-winning Broker and REALTOR® with Realty Associates of Atlanta, where she has worked for over 26 years. Specializing in accessible housing, she has helped more than 400 individuals with special needs secure modified homes that support independence and quality of life. Her expertise extends from personal real estate transactions to corporate and nonprofit solutions, including relocation and senior services.

Previously, Ouida worked in mortgage lending and secondary markets, giving her a unique perspective on accessible housing finance. She holds both MBA and BBA degrees from Georgia State University, a Graduate Real Estate Institute designation, and is licensed in both Georgia and South Carolina.

Recognized for Excellence and Advocacy

Ouida’s extraordinary contributions have been recognized nationally and locally. She received the Ethel Hausman Volunteer of the Year Award from UCP in 2002, along with the WSB-TV Woman of the Year Award, the Clark Harrison Volunteer of the Year Award, and the YWCA Women of the Year Award. The National Association of REALTORS® also honored her with the Good Neighbor Award for her commitment to inclusive housing.

Her advocacy has helped shape public policy — from supporting the Americans with Disabilities Act to promoting fair housing and transportation access. Her influence has ensured that people with disabilities are not only seen, but heard, empowered, and supported.

A Personal Mission That Inspires

Reflecting on her early years, Ouida recalls the moment that inspired her decades of advocacy:

“I first became aware of UCP when I volunteered at a national telethon. There was a brilliant young man with cerebral palsy. I watched as people would ask him a question and then walk away because it took him a while to respond, or they couldn’t understand his speech. I went over and sat next to him, and we talked for hours. It took me a little while to understand his speech pattern; he probably couldn’t understand my southern accent either! I took the time to understand him — and in return, he changed my life. I knew then that I wanted to make a difference.”

Her advice to aspiring volunteers?

“Donate your time to something you’re passionate about. Every minute matters — not just for the organization, but for your personal growth. You’ll be forever changed by the experience.”

Thank you, Ouida, for your service and for being a voice of hope, strategy, and inclusion for the disability community.