United Cerebral Palsy: Comprehensive Resources & Advocacy for People with Disabilities
Every day, our affiliates help children access early intervention, assist adults in finding meaningful employment, and provide essential services like therapy, housing support, and assistive technology to people of all ages.
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is a national network of independent affiliates, each deeply rooted in the communities they serve. While UCP National focuses on advocacy, awareness and resource development, it’s our affiliates — many of which have been around as long as the national organization — that provide direct services to people with disabilities. They support individuals with cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, epilepsy, and many other developmental and neurological conditions.
Each affiliate tailors its programs to meet the unique needs of its community, but they all share the same mission: to promote inclusion, accessibility and opportunity. Whether it’s helping a child communicate for the first time, supporting a young adult as they transition to independent living, or advocating for policy changes that improve quality of life, our affiliates are on the ground making a real impact every day.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and coordination. It is caused by abnormal brain development or brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth. CP is a lifelong condition, but its effects vary greatly among individuals.
The Diversity of CP
CP affects people in different ways, ranging from mild motor challenges to significant mobility and communication impairments. Some individuals walk independently, while others use assistive devices or wheelchairs.
Types of CP include:
- Spastic CP – The most common form, causing stiff muscles and difficulty with movement.
- Dyskinetic CP – Characterized by involuntary movements, making it difficult to control arms, hands, or legs.
- Ataxic CP – Affects balance and coordination, leading to shaky movements and difficulty with fine motor skills.
- Mixed CP – A combination of two or more types of CP.
While CP primarily affects movement, many individuals also experience related conditions such as intellectual disabilities, epilepsy, vision or hearing impairments and speech difficulties.
UCP supports individuals with CP and other disabilities, advocating for services, accessibility and inclusion across all aspects of life.
What Other Disabilities Does UCP Support?
UCP affiliates serve and advocate for individuals with a wide range of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in addition to CP. These disabilities can affect cognitive function, mobility, communication, and daily living skills.
UCP Affiliates Provide Services and Support for:
- Cerebral Palsy (CP) across the lifespan
- Intellectual Disabilities (ID)
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Down Syndrome
- Spina Bifida
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
- Fragile X Syndrome
- Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders
- Hydrocephalus
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Childhood
- Rett Syndrome
- Angelman Syndrome
- Williams Syndrome
- Prader-Willi Syndrome
- Other rare genetic and neurodevelopmental disorders
Each disability presents unique challenges and strengths, which is why UCP affiliates tailor services to meet individual needs, providing support at every stage of life.
Now that you know who we support, explore the different services and advocacy areas UCP works in to promote inclusion, accessibility and independence.
Find a Program or Service
If you are looking for a program or service in your area, the most up-to-date information is available through our Information and Referral service. Please submit the form below or call us at (866) 827-1692. You may also search the Resource Library.