UCPeople Future Editions Located at UCPeople.blogspot.com
Since May 7th, UCPeople has reported about the transition from an e-newsletter to a blog. To ease the transition we have included many resources for you. The UCPeople e-newsletter journal will officially make the switch, July 2nd to coverage completely hosted at ucpeople.blogspot.com.
We want to assure you that the depth and level of coverage will not change. Instead of receiving an email edition you can receive an update via RSS, visit the UCPeople blog with an internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox or opt to receive e-mail updates every time there is a new post on the UCPeople Blog.
It is recommended that you visit ucpeople.blogspot.com at least once per week to get up-to-date information about affiliate news, annoucements, opportunities and other stories that are important to you.
For more information or questions, contact Will Hull at (202) 973-7106.
On the UCPeople Blog, you can find amazing stories from the inspirational closing plenary to the vision of the future of healthcare with former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich.
We at the National Office invite you to comment on these stories as well as create conversations about your experience in response to these articles.
The 2008 Case for Inclusion was released June 16th, ranking all 50 States and the District of Columbia for the Medicaid services they provide to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The report finds that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities being served by Medicaid are not getting the community-based supports they need in every State. At the top of the list are: (1) Arizona, (2) Vermont, (3) Alaska, (4) Massachusetts, and (5) California. At the bottom are (51) Mississippi, (50) Texas, (49) Illinois, (48) District of Columbia, and (47) Virginia.
The findings indicate a positive trend toward more community inclusion with mixed results in some areas. Some of the report's key findings include:
» Positively, more people are leaving large institutions, but still 41 states have 173 large state institutions (more than 16 beds) housing 37,700 Americans;
» Positively, now 19 states up from 16 last year - have more than 80 percent of those served living in home-like settings;
» Positively, 15 states up from 10 last year report helping a significant number of families remain together through robust family support programs;
» Positively, 39 states up from 33 last year support individuals going to work and maintaining their Medicaid benefit through a Medicaid Buy-In program;
» Negatively, a smaller portion of adults participated in competitive employment; and
» Consistent with last year, 15 states report very large and long waiting lists for services.
United Cerebral Palsy of Central Ohio recently hosted the 9th Annual "People of Promise" Golf Outing at The Lakes Golf and Country Club, raising nearly $40,000. This year's outing was a huge success with 120 golfers and nearly 150 businesses and corporations lending their support. The support of companies like Nationwide, Able Roofing, Fifth Third Bank, AEP, and NBC4 helped make this annual event one of Central Ohio's best.
Highlights during the day included a golf clinic hosted by Ed Sneed, winner of four PGA Tour events, two international events, and a member of the victorious Ryder Cup team. Throughout the day, golfers were invited to attempt to "Beat the Pro." However, Sneed did not make it easy, since he designed the Lakes golf course. Sneed entertained questions about the course during the dinner reception and made the event fun for all in attendance.
During the reception, one individual and two corporations were awarded this year's Champion of Promise Award. The award recipients were J. Gilbert Reese, Applied Systems, Inc., and Deloitte. The Champion of Promise Award was created to honor and recognize an individual or corporation who has supported UCP of Central Ohio, either financially or with their time and talents for a significant period of time. The award demonstrates appreciation for those who exemplify philanthropy, volunteerism, advocacy, supporting the UCP mission and vision, and being a role model and mentor for UCP staff and participants.
Mark your calendars! Next year's golf outing is tentatively scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2009!
NFL Superbowl Champion Spends 30 Days in a Wheelchair
On June 10th, the FX Television Network show, "30 Days" by Morgan Spurlock (best known for his film Supersize Me) featured a story about a former NFL player who spends 30 days in a wheelchair and reports on his experience through the eyes of a person with disabilities.
Ray Crockett played football for Baylor University from 1984-88 before his NFL draft in 1989. He won two Super Bowl rings in 1998 and 1999 as a starting player for the Denver Broncos. During his 14 years in the NFL, he also played for the Detroit Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 1991, Ray was on the field with the Detroit Lions when his teammate and friend, Mike Utley, was involved in a play that left him paralyzed from the chest down - an event that left a stong impression on Crockett. In fact, it is this incident that made him want to participate in the 30 Days.
For 30 Days, Crockett lived in a wheelchair and relied on his mental discipline to keep his legs immobile. His home and his car was retrofitted to accommodate his needs. He kept up with his coaching duties for his son's football team and he also joined the Texas Stampede, the wheelchair rugby team featuring players made famous in the documentary film Murderball. He attended a weekly support group for paraplegics at the Baylor Institute of Rehabilitation and met with a physical therapist to monitor any potential side effects. Throughout his 30 Days experience, Crockett was also under the medical supervision of Dr. Robert Bruce in order to track any muscle loss, blood clots, pressure sores or other side effects that could occur while wheelchair-bound.
To view more about the 30 Days television series, please visit the episode guide, view selected scenes on the FX Television Network Web site or check your local listings for an airing of the program.
Stilt-walker says trek has shown him Michiganders at their best Detroit Free Press, 6/24/08 The 25-year-old has nearly completed his 800-mile trek across Michigan, a journey through the state's small towns, down its dusky back roads, up its busy highways... on stilts.
Respite program expands to allow overnight stays, increase participants Public Opinion, 6/23/08 People with disabilities can continue to learn and interact with the community long after high school, and now United Cerebral Palsy's Shippensburg day respite program is expanding to allow more participants and even overnight stays.
Camp CaPella to open after 2-year hiatus Bangor Daily News, 6/23/08 Some of those community members responded with an inspired fundraising effort in hopes that Camp CaPella could reopen independent of UCP and its funding.
When Walking the Course Is a Courageous Act The New York Times, 6/22/08 He is part of the tour now, on a first-name basis with most of the caddies, acknowledged by most of the players. D. J. Gregory has become an ambassador who speaks to as many United Cerebral Palsy chapters and groups as he can. He receives hundreds of e-mail messages from people he does not know and answers them all.
4th of July revelers can find family fun at Waikoloa resort Honolulu Star Bulletin, 6/22/08 All proceeds from the Rubber Duckie Race benefit the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii. Last year, Waikoloa Beach Resort raised more than $38,000 for the organization.
Bill revamps federal housing program Connecticut Post, 6/21/08 Ronald S. Cohen, chief executive officer of United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles County, told the subcommittee that the grant program is in dire need of streamlining. He noted that a 13-unit project took eight years to complete after HUD approved the funding.
Mississippi is last in UCP disabilities report Sun Herald, 6/20/08 Mississippi is cited by United Cerebral Palsy as one of the states that tends to institutionalize people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rather than integrate them into the community. UCP, a national disability charity that started with cerebral palsy but now includes others, released a report this week that studies Americans with disabilities on Medicaid.
Kellie Pickler Golfs for a Good Cause People Magazine, 6/17/08 Kellie Pickler's gone green at Nashville's 21st Annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament & Tupperware Party.
Show goes on for a good cause The Independent Online, 6/17/08 Goff Middle School eighth grader Danny Brin decided to raise money to support United Cerebral Palsy by juggling and riding a unicycle.
Rookie police officer overcomes adversity The Town Talk, 6/17/08 Josh Daigre always wanted to be a police officer. But following a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and a series of surgeries that left him depending on walkers and wheelchairs, there was a moment when he thought it was just a pipe dream.
Kellie Pickler, Keith Bulluck at Music Row Ladies Golf Music City TV, 6/16/08 The Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament is one of the most fun annual fund-raisers in town, with teams of ladies putting on costumes, having some drinks and generally being rowdy. They've also managed to raise more than $1 million for United Cerebral Palsy.
Plan Seeks More Access for Disabled The New York Times, 6/16/08 The Bush administration is about to propose far-reaching new rules that would give people with disabilities greater access to tens of thousands of courtrooms, swimming pools, golf courses, stadiums, theaters, hotels and retail stores.
Stilt-walker nears his goal of 830 miles across Michigan The Detroit News, 6/14/08 (Google Map) When Neil Sauter decided to walk 830 miles across Michigan on stilts, he was just looking for an adventure. The 25-year-old Blissfield, Mich., resident, who had already trekked through the Appalachian Mountains and the Grand Tetons, thought it would be an exciting way to exercise his somewhat rare talent.
Crist signs two bills helping those with disabilities News-Press, 6/14/08 Governor Charlie Crist signed two bills into law today that benefit people with disabilities. Senate Bill 856 promotes education of disability history and awareness, and House Bill 739 improves access to guardian advocates for people with disabilities. The Governor signed the bills surrounded by individuals with disabilities, their families, and advocates at the 10th Annual Family Café Conference in Orlando.
United Cerebral Palsy to hold talent contest TradingMarkets.com, 6/12/08 East Central Alabama United Cerebral Palsy is having a "UCP's Got Talent" competition on Tuesday, June 17, at 7 p.m.
Towering Traveler The Town Meeting, 6/12/08 In school they used to make fun of the way he walked. Today, towering over most at around eight feet tall, 25-year-old Neil Sauter may remain a spectacle on stilts, but he's using the attention to raise awareness and funds for charity.
Council recognizes 'Family Friendly Employers' Rome Sentinel, 6/12/08 Clinton Early Learning Center, Fiber Instrument Sales and United Cerebral Palsy New Discoveries child care centers were recognized as Mid-York Child Care Coordinating Council’s 2008 "Family Friendly Employers" at Mid-York’s Friend of the Child awards dinner.
Sky is the limit for campers with disabilities Cincinnati.Com, 6/11/08 Every summer, children and adults with disabilities gather on a green hillside in Batavia Township and take turns climbing into or getting placed in the basket of a hot air balloon to soar high above the earth. Some leave wheelchairs behind. Some grip the balloon supports in a mixture of excitement and fear. The balloon ride is a challenge. A test of courage. An act of faith. A celebration of freedom that they only feel once a year - at the Stepping Stones Summer Camp at Camp Allyn.
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