Challenge & Opportunities for Transition-Age Individuals

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, Cathy Sweeney (mother of Danny Sweeney, now 30), shared the immense impact of UCP transitional supports:

“I went into labor just five months into my pregnancy. Danny was born at 1 lb 11 ounces, with Cerebral Palsy and a grade 4 brain bleed. He spent the first five months outside the womb in the NICU at Harrisburg Hospital. It was touch and go with our son, in and out of Harrisburg and Hershey Med Hospitals. Once he was stable enough, we began receiving Early Intervention services from UCP. Danny had Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy several times a week. The staff and therapists could not have been more caring and knowledgeable. They soon became like family… and Danny finally started to thrive.

Danny and Cathy Sweeney Celebrate Christmas at Alternatives

When it came time to transition to the school district, UCP had a comprehensive evaluation plan for his teachers to follow. Throughout his school years, we never lost touch with UCP therapists. Whenever he was hospitalized, they would check in. They were always there with the necessary guidance. Then came the hard part… what to do after high school? All through the early years and school age years, we were on a very guided path. Once people with disabilities reach a certain age, the path forward is not so clear. Fortunately, I knew I could call UCP to learn what our options were. We decided the Alternatives Adult Day service was the best fit for Danny. Over time, our entire family came to know the staff and participants and to celebrate holidays with them.

The journey is not over for us. We have many highs and lows living with a son with CP, but UCP has guided us this far. I am sure the ride will continue with them for many years to come. Today, I can say without a doubt that I cannot think of a time that UCP has not been part of our lives. For that, I am forever grateful.”

Daniel and Ray at Home with Residential Supervisor Kara Sherman

Over the years, UCP has provided a variety of options for transition-age adults (and their families). The key factor to consider when moving forward is exploring and understanding the needs, interests, expectations, and abilities of the individual.

Residential Services. In the 1980s, UCP established the first three fully staffed, single-family Community Homes in Cumberland County. Today we manage 18 licensed homes and 8 supported living apartments, with support options ranging from a few hours to 24/7. All provide a nurturing and supportive family environment, rich with life experiences. Included in the licensed residences is Pathways Academy, a four-person transitional residence for individuals who desire to attain the knowledge and skills necessary to live independently for the first time in their lives. To date, 16 individuals have “graduated” from the Academy, with 13 currently living on their own or with a roommate in the housing of their choice.
DREAM Partnership. The DREAM Partnership (DREAM) was founded in 2013 as a subsidiary of UCP by proactive parents and interested professionals from across PA who wanted to make college a viable option for transition-age students with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities I/DD. DREAM was the first initiative of its kind to develop and foster a network of post-secondary education opportunities—including scholarships—for PA high school graduates with (I/DD). DREAM sought to show these students there is life after high school, for everyone. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, DREAM began operating separately from UCP in 2018. Former UCP President/CEO Jeff Cooper is currently the Interim Executive Director.
Employment Specialist Brittany with Guy at Weis Markets
Employment Services. This option was added in 2015 to primarily meet the needs and expectations of high school graduates who grew up in an inclusive educational environment. These individuals have both the ability and the desire to seek and secure gainful employment; UCP’s Employment Services give them the opportunity to do so. Our Employment Specialists provide one-on-one support, resources, and access that help individuals identify potential employers, secure work, and succeed at competitive, meaningful employment. UCP is currently working with 49 individuals as well as nearly 40 employers across the Midstate who have realized the benefits of employing a more diverse workforce.
Camp Hill East CPS Participants Enjoying Bruster’s
Community Participation Supports (CPS). Not everyone knows the path they want to follow after high school. Many families, like the Sweeney’s, simply want to know their loved one is safe, secure, cared for, and engaged. UCP’s CPS service originated in the 1960s as the Courage Club Day Program for adults with disabilities which evolved into Alternatives Adult Day Service in the 1980s. Today, CPS offers participants an opportunity to develop lifelong friendships, and plenty of opportunities for meaningful community participation. CPS currently operates out of 12 locations in 7 counties throughout Central PA.