The years following high school are a period of great transition for all young adults. That is particularly true of individuals with some form of disability or chronic condition. For many parents, it is an even more challenging time than when their child first received a diagnosis. Straight from the words of one who knows,…
Each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. In the case of Bailey, a participant with Autism in UCP’s Community Participation Supports (CPS), one of his particular strengths—as well as his passion—is his remarkable ability to connect with music. For Bailey, age 24, there is no disability when it comes to…
At UCP, we have a long, proud history of putting families first. In fact, you could say it’s in our DNA. It was one family’s personal experience with a child with Cerebral palsy that inspired the formation of The CP Center, the original precursor to UCP Central PA. From the beginning, we understood that the…
Today, in recognition of the countless achievements and contributions of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), we want to share an update on the heart-warming success story of Lori B. Lori has overcome significant challenges—health-related and otherwise—in order to live her best life, every day. Lori came to UCP in November 2019 after being told by…
There was an air of excitement and anticipation as Shippensburg Community Participation Supports (CPS) participants expectantly awaited their first Penpal exchange… just in time for Valentine’s Day. As their names were called, each individual collected the envelope containing the handwritten “All About Me” message from their designated Penpal.
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.
“The approach we’ve taken, the changes we’ve adopted, and the adjustments we’ve made in the home and to his routine all have one over-arching goal: to ensure JT lives the best life possible.”
The author of that quote is Zaire B, Residential Supervisor of one of UCP’s homes in Harrisburg. “JT”—the subject of the quote—is a 28-year-old individual with Autism who lives independently in the home with round-the-clock 2:1 support from a team of UCP staff led by Zaire.
Congratulations are in order… for Morgan, Emily, Dana, and Jenny (l to r above)–the Pathways Academy Class of 2022–who celebrated their program completion and graduation on Saturday, January 22.
The four young women entered the Academy together in June 2020 and spent the duration of their time in the residential independent living program amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact that they have successfully completed all the coursework and acquired the life skills needed to live on their own independently speaks volumes about the resilience and heart of these four women.
