United Cerebral Palsy

10/13/2026

As an honorary trustee of UCP, RJ used his platform to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and advance understanding and inclusion for people with disabilities. "His advocacy was rooted in a commitment to ensuring that people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities are seen, heard, and afforded the opportunity to reach their full potential," said Susan Sellers, president and CEO of UCP. "His dedication to advancing that vision made him an integral part of our community and mission."

We extend our heartfelt condolences to RJ’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy will live on in the lives he inspired and in the ongoing work to build a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Rest in love, RJ.

10/12/2026

Mental health is health, and everyone deserves access to support.

According to the CDC, 43.6% of U.S. adults with disabilities reported depression, compared with 13.7% of adults without disabilities.

These disparities underscore the importance of understanding mental health challenges, addressing barriers to care, and ensuring people with disabilities can access the support they need.

Explore resources on mental health, disability, and advocating for support: bit.ly/48EFz5V

10/10/2026

We did it! The 2026 United for GOLD summer campaign is officially complete. Thanks to you, we’ve raised over $111,000 to Grow Opportunities for Limitless Dreams for people with disabilities!

Our 2026 campaign funds directly support:
💙 Disability advocacy
💙 Life-changing research
💙 Education and resources
💙 Assistive technology grants powered through UCP's Bellows Fund

To our incredible fundraising champions, generous donors, and corporate sponsors, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Numotion Foundation, and Waymo: Your commitment fuels our mission, helping people with disabilities live lives defined by inclusion, independence, and unlimited possibility.

From all of us at UCP, thank you for going for GOLD with us!

10/08/2026

What is Section 14(c), and what does it mean for workers with disabilities?

Our latest blog explores how Section 14(c) works, the arguments for and against it, what research tells us about states that have ended subminimum wages, and the power of integrated employment.

Learn more about this important conversation around disability, employment, wages, and opportunity: bit.ly/4jaZIWq

10/07/2026

Bone health is an important part of lifelong health for people with cerebral palsy (CP), yet it can often receive less attention than other aspects of care.

Join UCP and Gillette Children's for a webinar on November 5 that will explore bone health, fracture risk, and what people living with CP and their families should know.

Living with CP: Understanding Bone Health and the Burden of Fractures, presented by Dr. Lauren McClure Yauch

After attending this activity, participants should be able to:
✅ Describe the burden of poor bone health on patients with cerebral palsy.
✅ Identify patients at high risk for fractures.
✅ Demonstrate appropriate bone health preventative care.
✅ Begin initial bone health workups.
✅ Identify when to send patients to pediatric endocrinology for additional bone health management.

Free CME credit is available for medical professionals!

Learn more and register today: bit.ly/46HmJc1
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) through the joint providership of Gillette Children's and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). Gillette Children's is accredited by the MMA to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

10/06/2026

This World Cerebral Palsy Day, we’re driving real change — in attitudes, policies, and systems — by investing in research and innovation that can change lives.

Through UCP’s Change is Possible for CP Research Grant Program, we’re supporting innovative research and therapies focused on earlier diagnosis, improved treatment, timely intervention, and more inclusive care.

From exploring new therapeutic approaches to developing better ways to connect early diagnosis with early intervention, this work is helping turn new knowledge into meaningful change.

Because real change means creating a future where people with cerebral palsy have the support, opportunities, and care they need to live life without limits.

Learn more: bit.ly/4hqliUc

10/06/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to recognize the contributions of people with disabilities and the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for everyone to participate in the workforce.

The campaign theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” reminds us that every person has skills, talents, and something meaningful to contribute. But those talents can only shine when people are given the opportunity to use them.

What happens when someone gets that opportunity?

They grow.
They contribute.
They build careers.
They make an impact.
And they become part of something bigger.

This NDEAM, join UCP in celebrating the value and talent of people with disabilities — and in creating more opportunities for everyone to share what they can do.

📹 : US Department of Labor, Campaign for Disability Employment

10/05/2026

Cerebral palsy never looks the same.

This World Cerebral Palsy Day on October 6, we’re proud to sponsor A Truly Cerebral Campaign, a global campaign by Fightthestroke Foundation that challenges how cerebral palsy is represented and understood.

No single face, body, voice, or experience can represent everyone living with cerebral palsy. This film turns that truth into a powerful creative idea — and opens the door to a global casting call inviting people with cerebral palsy to show the world who they are, what they do, and what makes them unique.

Because cerebral palsy is part of a person’s story. It is not their whole story.

Watch the film: https://bit.ly/4hGgBG5

How do you cast Cerebral Palsy when there is no such thing as a typ...

10/01/2026

Representation matters. So do stories that allow people to simply be people.

This October, audiences nationwide will meet Terri in Rise and Shine. Inspired by a true story, the film follows a young woman with cerebral palsy navigating high school, friendship, family, independence, and love.

We invite the CP and broader disability community, families, friends, and allies to experience Terri’s story together.

Rise and Shine opens in AMC Theatres nationwide October 23.

Watch the trailer: https://vimeo.com/1225158840

09/30/2026

We’re approaching the final webinar in UCP’s 2026 Latinos with Disabilities Community Series.

Over the past few weeks, the series has brought Latino voices, lived experiences, families, professionals, self-advocates, and advocates together for conversations about disability, culture, access, advocacy, education, and inclusion.

Final Webinar:

Workplace Inclusion & Economic Opportunities for People with Disabilities
Tuesday, October 6
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET

Join experts Ann Deschamps and Oscar Gonzalez from the ADA National Network for a conversation about the Americans with Disabilities Act and employment, including protections against discrimination, reasonable accommodations, workplace inclusion, and the contributions of people with disabilities.

The discussion will also consider the role families, employers, and communities can play in creating greater economic opportunity and more inclusive workplaces.

Don’t miss this final opportunity to join the series!

Register for this FREE webinar: bit.ly/4qztMfU