Dear Supporter of People with Disabilities:

Please make your
Back to School
gift today.

For any child, the first day of school is filled with excitement and anticipation of starting another school year filled with milestones and new experiences.
 
And for children with disabilities and their parents, the start of the school year is even more meaningful, because it wasn't too long ago that parents of children, born with cerebral palsy or other disabilities, were told:  Put your children away in an institution, and forget them.

Oh how far we've come!

Today, millions of children with disabilities are enrolled in public schools and are attending classes – right in their own communities.  And they are making their parents, teachers, and themselves very proud.

Yet, the physical, social and emotional challenges of academic life – from pre-school to college – come with extra hurdles for students with disabilities. 

From math class to phys-ed, kids with disabilities – along with their teachers and parents – need to find creative ways to show their abilities.  Some might simply need a special computer to get their teacher's attention because they can't raise their hand.  Other children might need to use a keyboard instead of a paintbrush to create a masterpiece in art class.

But all kids need love and support – from their families, from their teachers, friends, and from caring people like you. Matthew and his family have experienced first-hand the rewards and challenges of being included instead of excluded in education.

Matthew was born premature and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, due to the lack of oxygen to his brain at birth. Doctors told Matthew's family that he would never walk or talk. However, Matthew's Mother did not give up—she always showed him love and attention, even if he did not respond to her; and she told him how beautiful and smart he was.

Matthew attended a program at his local United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Affiliate, in South Florida, and after one year crossed his first milestone, moving his head. Then he began to acknowledge when people talked with him and would point to things with his eyes or laugh when he noticed familiar faces. Eventually, he recognized words and could say his name.

In June of 2009, Matthew graduated from UCP's Early Beginning Preschool, and is affectionately nicknamed “Chatty Matty” by staff at UCP! This fall, Matthew will enter kindergarten in a mainstream public school in his community. “He amazes me everyday. Thanks to his wonderful teachers and therapists at UCP, Matthew is now outgoing, more competitive and has learned how to socially interact and use a writing utensil,” says Matthew's Mother, Vivian.

For families like Matthew's and other children with disabilities going back to school over the next few weeks, I hope UCP can count on you to make a Back to School gift today.

With your Back to School gift you will help UCP provide our affiliates with the support needed to offer assistive technology training, early intervention programs, individual and family support, social and recreational program, state and local referrals – and other services children with disabilities need to have an enriching school year.

Because parents of children with disabilities face a seemingly endless maze of school administrators, service personnel, teachers, aids and others, UCP is dedicated to helping parents obtain the necessary support and services their child needs for school. 

We also offer early childhood services to families of children, like Matthew, affected by disabilities or developmental delays so when the first day of school comes, every child is as ready as he or she can be.

And since the needs of people with disabilities don't end once they receive their high school diploma, your support will help UCP provide the employment assistance, housing services and other important help to people with disabilities throughout adulthood.

But the success and scope of our work depends on the generosity of people like you. 

So please make your Back to School gift to UCP now – and help children with disabilities become prepared to learn, play and grow with their friends at school.

Sincerely,

Stephen Bennett
President and Chief Executive Officer

P.S. The start of the school year is exciting for any child. But for a child who lives with a disability, school can be even more meaningful symbolizing just how far he or she has come. Please help these kids (and adults!) reach their potential by making your generous Back to School contribution today.

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