United Cerebral Palsey Provides Unique Special Ed Services

Following are responses to an interview with Susan Baitler, Assistant Executive Director, UCP.

How old is UCP? What is its current mission?

United Cerebral Palsy of New York City (UCP/NYC) was founded by parents of children with cerebral palsy 56 years ago. Its mission is to provide the highest quality services in health care, education, employment, housing and technology resources that support people with cerebral palsy and related developmental disabilities in leading independent and productive lives.

What services does UCP provide? To what age groups?

UCP/NYC offers Early Intervention (EI) services, Preschool services and a school age program. EI services are year-round and designed to maximize social, emotional, physical and intellectual development of infants and toddlers, ages birth to three, with special needs.

Preschool Services offer a year-round, comprehensive early childhood special education and therapeutic program serving children ages three to five. Preschool Services at UCP/NYC are suitable for the child with multiple physical and developmental disabilities, including challenging motor and health care needs. They are provided in settings where youngsters with and without disabilities have an opportunity to learn and grow together.

The School Age Program serves children and young adults between the ages 5 and 21 who have severe physical disabilities and unique educational, therapeutic and medical needs. The School Age Program emphasizes academics, social and physical independence, quality of life skills, and transitioning to adult services.

Is there a center in every borough?

UCP/NYC has centers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Bronx.

How would a parent or teacher make a referral to UCP?

Referrals are made through our Project CONNECT office, the entryway of all services for children and adults. The phone number for Project CONNECT is (212) 979-9700, ext. 720.

Does UCP test a child and determine placement?

UCP/NYC is an approved screening and evaluation site for all infants and young children who may need specialized developmental service. A team of certified professionals is able to provide assessment.

Does UCP provide ancillary services such as speech and language therapy, physical and occupational therapy?

UCP/NYC offers clinical services including speech/language therapy, physical and occupational therapies, social work services, nursing services, and psychological services. UCP/NYC also offers family support services including overnight respite, housing assistance, service coordination, after school programs (for ages 5-12) and a Saturday recreation program (for teens and young adults).

Is in-home help provided?

UCP/NYC provides in-home assistance on a limited basis.

What about the costs?

Services are funded by different State and City entities. Services are provided to eligible infants, toddlers and children at no cost to the families.

What other information would you like to share with our readers?

UCP/NYC also operates a SHARE lending library for books, videos, software, switches and adapted toys. We also house two TechWorks demonstration centers, a 3-week long summer camp in Brooklyn covering the time between the end of the summer programs and the start of the fall programs, two after school programs, and accessible playgrounds. For more information, visit our web site at www.ucpnyc.org or call (212) 979-9700, ext. 720.

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