For most of us, technology is a matter of convenience. It makes many of life’s routine functions or demands easier or quicker to do. But for someone with a particular diagnosis or disability, the impact is often far greater: ASSISTIVE technology makes impossible things POSSIBLE. That’s why the month of November has been designated Assistive…
UCP began offering residential services for individuals with disabilities in the 1980s, with the opening of three community homes in Cumberland County. We believe that given the opportunity and the appropriate supports to live independently and become involved in their local communities, individuals of all abilities will enjoy a more engaged, productive, and fulfilling life.…
“Family is the best part of me. So, working with Taylor brings out the best in me.” -Josh T, UCP participant “It has been wonderful for Josh and the whole family. By keeping his support within the family, Josh has a ‘built-in best friend’ who knows his strengths, limits, and interests, and who cares deeply…
“Double the pleasure, double the fun… with Michael and Matthew at CPS Lewistown!” Despite being born two years apart–Michael is 28 and Matthew is 26–the brothers can and often do pass as twins. While Matthew is the taller of the two by several inches, they share similar physical characteristics and nearly identical diagnoses of IDD,…
As we made our way across town to run an errand, the conversation came easy between Emily and her support staff Sheri. Emily talked about her recent back issues, her job search, music preferences and even personal safety. Emily has a quick wit and a keen sense of humor, which was on full display. At…
We want to highlight the great work UCP’s Residential Team is doing in the area of wellness. The UCP Health & Wellness Committee was established in 2021 to create a “culture of wellness” by promoting healthy lifestyles with an eye toward improving outcomes for the residential participants we support. The initiative has six primary areas…
The beauty of Assistive Technology is that its impact results in greater independence for the user. And with that greater independence comes increased self-confidence and, often, the development of enhanced social skills. The result is an all-around better quality of life… for the user and their families.
THE BEAUTY OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT) is that its impact extends far beyond any actual device or piece of equipment. We see it every day with our Changing Hands equipment exchange program. With every piece of AT equipment we recycle comes greater independence for the user. With greater independence comes increased self-confidence and the development…
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. It’s a great selling point for all kinds of products and services. But when it comes to Assistive Technology (AT) equipment and devices… the opportunity to trial tools and technology can be a game changer. Fortunately, that’s the concept behind the two distinct lending libraries that operate out of UCP’s Assistive…
There is a remarkable transformation that has taken place in the life of Christian C since he began living in a UCP home in May 2020. Christian, who is affectionately known to UCP staff as “Chuck” because of his fondness for Charlie Brown, has a handful of diagnoses, primary among them being mild IDD (Intellectual/Developmental Disability) and Autism.
