UCP of Northwest Missouri Sponsors Autism Conference
Over 200 professionals, families, students and vendors gathered together April 5, 2008, for the first annual Northwest Missouri Conference on Autism held at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri.
The day-long conference entitled "Connecting the Pieces in Northwest Missouri" provided information and support to families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, educators, and other professionals who provide services to them.
"This area of Missouri really needed opportunities for families affected by an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis to connect with other families and resources," said Carmen Bartlett, Advocacy Services Program Director with United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Missouri.
The conference was designed to connect and educate people in Northwest Missouri from all levels of autism experience and knowledge. State Senator Charlie Shields, who is known for his work on education, mental health and healthcare issues in the Missouri Senate kicked off the day's events. Other keynote speakers included Keith Schafer, Director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health; Robin Russell, 2007 member of the Missouri Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism and mother of two sons with autism; and Donna Beauchamp, an energetic motivational speaker and mother of two young adults with autism.
In addition to hearing keynote presentations, participants heard from a range of speakers with personal, financial, political, and educational experience and training. Information and vendor exhibits were also available to participants throughout the day.
"The presentations were great, and the networking opportunities were fabulous," said Margaret Nelson, Licensed Professional Counselor with Missouri's Albany Regional Center, Department of Mental Health, Division of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities.
The final conference session announced the formation of a support group for families affected by an autism spectrum disorder, which plans to meet for the first time in May 2008. An Autism Walk also is being planned for later in the year in St. Joseph.
Easter Seals UCP North Carolina Raises $110, 000 at Luncheon
More than 300 guests came out in support of children and adults with disabilities at the second annual Small Miracles Luncheon on Wednesday April 2, 2008. After hearing personal testimonies from passionate volunteers and parents, guests donated more than $110,000 with additional pledges expected in the coming weeks.
Many in attendance were learning about the organization's mission for the first time.
Connie Cochran, CEO of Easter Seals UCP North Carolina, spoke about the organization's history, mission and programs. Mr. Cochran highlighted the passion that drives the volunteers and staff of Easter Seals UCP, and how that passion helps individuals with disabilities and their families find solutions for learning, playing, living and working in their home communities. Mr. Cochran ended his speech with a brief video featuring several Easter Seals UCP consumers and their families.
The afternoon's pinnacle moment was a testimonial from Richard Worrell, Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network-Charlotte. Mr. Worrell spoke about the fear and sadness he and his wife, Alanna, experienced shortly after their son Rich's birth. Rich was diagnosed with agenesis of the corpus callosum, a condition in which the part of the brain that connects the left and right side of the brain does not develop in utero. Rich was also diagnosed with microcephaly, strabismus and cortical visual impairment, and doctors warned the Worrells that their son might not walk, speak or even sit up on his own.
Mr. Worrell went on to discuss the hope and joy he and his wife have experienced since enrolling Rich at the Easter Seals UCP Children's Center. In the integrated classrooms, children with disabilities and other special needs play and learn alongside their typically developing peers. On-site physical, speech and occupational therapists work as a team with classroom staff and parents to help children achieve their maximum potential.
Since enrolling at the center, Rich has learned to drink from a cup, sit up, and bear weight on his legs. He is now learning to walk using a special walker, and he and his parents are very proud of each and every accomplishment.
Miller Race Team Takes the Win at 4th Annual Bondurant Cup
UCP of Central Arizona hosted its 4th annual Bondurant Cup go-kart race event at the end of March. The "Miller Race Team" from Miller Brewing Company took first place, "Team Whoa!!" from Wal-Mart took second place, and Wal-Mart's "Market 73 Sales Drivers" placed third. The event was a huge success, netting more than $48,000.
UCP of Central Arizona was fortunate to have Wal-Mart serve as this year's presenting sponsor. Once again, Wal-Mart had a great presence at the event and provided support by securing teams for participation. The company also generously made an in-kind donation for all event food and necessities.
Alma Chavez, Development Director for UCP of Central Arizona said, "This year we had nineteen teams of five drivers participating in the kart racing event. Each team also had an Ambassador participate on their team in their cheering section. This event is extremely exciting for UCP of Central Arizona, because it is not only a day filled with fun competition but it is also a great family friendly event that raises dollars for our programs. We have found this event to be so very unique — and great way to involve our corporate partners! We hope to continue to grow this event every year."
It is not widely known but people with disabilities are at a higher risk for misusing alcohol and drugs than the general population. Many people with disabilities can turn to alcohol and/or drugs to ease their social isolation and long lasting pain.
People with physical and cognitive disabilities are more likely to have a substance use disorder and less likely to get effective treatment for it than those without such a coexisting disability due to lack of awareness of the substance abuse problem and/or accessibility issues at treatment facilities.
It is important for organizations who work with people with disabilities to be aware of this "hidden epidemic" and make appropriate referrals if necessary. To find substance abuse treatment facilities near you visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Web site.
*Content contributed by Lara Terrell, national office Information and Referral Specialist.
2008 Believable Hope Conference Update: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
A major component of the conference program are visits to Capitol Hill where participants and leaders of UCP will meet with members of Congress and staff on key disability policy issues. On Wednesday, June 18, at 12:00-1:00 p.m., conference attendees will take part in a public policy briefing to review the key public policy issues, both good and bad, that could affect the lives and rights of people with disabilities—and UCP affiliates.
To facilitate the Hill meetings, Disability Policy Collaboration (DPC) staff will provide a briefing on issues likely being addressed by Congress in late June. Among the likely topics will be:
» FY 2009 Budget and Appropriations
» Medicaid
» ADA Restoration Act
To prepare you to take a unified message to your elected officials, DPC staff will provide fact sheets to distribute on Capitol Hill and be available to answer all your questions.
Wednesday afternoon is a great time to meet with members and staff, and there should be enough time for attendees to conduct three visits. All attendees are encouraged to visit their two Senators and Representative to discuss relevant issues. Because the meeting request best comes from a constituent, please visit the UCP Web site to find your elected officials and for tips on making appointments with your state's Washington Congressional Delegation.
For all attendees who pre-register for this refresher session, materials will be sent a week in advance. Remember to select the option for Hill Visit Refresher Session on the registration form. If you’ve already registered and would like to add this option, please contact Terrie King.
» American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD): 132nd Annual Meeting (May 28-30, 2008, L'Enfant Plaza Hotel Washington, DC).
» Family Caregiver Alliance: Caregiving Across the States, information on publicly-funded caregiver support programs in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
» The First Annual Thunder in the Valley Games for athletes with physical disabilities will be held June 20-22, 2008 at Saginaw Valley State University in Saginaw, Michigan. Games include track & field, archery and shooting, and the event is open to anyone from any geographic region in the world, regardless of age or ability.
» UCP of Sacramento: Humanitarian of the year award to be given at their Crystal anniversary dinner. The recipient of the award will be Art Savage, CEO of the Sacramento River Cats. The award is presented in recognition of his passion for life and sincere desire to work towards enhancing the lives of others. (April 24, 2008).
The 27-year-old Jefferson resident is the service coordinator for United Cerebral Palsy of South Central Pennsylvania, a nonprofit organization that provides services in York, Adams, Franklin and Fulton counties for children and adults with disabilities.
Bowlers raise $10,000 for United Cerebral Palsy The Desert Sun, 4/21/08 The event raised more than $10,000 for UCP services in Indio, and for Loredo it was a day of fun to support an organization that has supported him for nearly a decade.
Program honors youths for using adaptive technology Daily Herald, 4/18/08 "There is so much we can do," said Paul Dulle, president and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago. "With this kind of technology, it makes these kids whole, and levels the playing field with their classmates."
Father to show, discuss documentary on children with disabilities Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 4/18/08 The film features his son Samuel, who has cerebral palsy, as well as four other families, and it examines the educational and social inclusion of children with disabilities.
All win as Suburban team sweeps Classic Wayne Suburban, 4/17/08 The Main Line's top senior basketball talents were able to help raise $150,000 for the benefit of United Cerebral Palsy of Philadelphia and Vicinity at the 21st annual Labor Classic held at St. Joseph's University.
Wal-Mart settles with applicant with disability CNN Money, 4/17/08 Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will pay $300,000 to settle a lawsuit filed on behalf of a job applicant who claimed he wasn't hired because he has cerebral palsy, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said Thursday.
Finding Beauty at Their Fingertips Washington Post, 4/17/08 (Video) Betsy Calvert gave her special education students at Kilmer Center the seemingly daunting challenge of re-creating a painting by Claude Monet.
NIH Study Reveals Factors That Influence Premature Infant Survival, Disability NIH News, 4/16/08 Based on observations of more than 4,000 infants, researchers in an NIH newborn research network have identified several factors that influence an extremely low birth weight infant's chances for survival and disability. The findings offer new information to physicians and families considering the most appropriate treatment options for this category of infants.
Perserverence pays off Community Times, 4/16/08 Owings Mills resident David Soden recently received the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Samuel A. Tucker Memorial "Can Do" Award for persevering to achieve his goals despite his cerebral palsy.
Hundreds of state employees abused Texas patients Houston Chronicle, 4/15/08 More than 800 employees at Texas' 13 large facilities for the mentally and developmentally disabled have been suspended or fired for abusing patients since fiscal year 2004, state officials said today.
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