UCP is pleased to be an endorsing organization of National Family Caregiving Month, created by the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), to bring attention to the needs of family caregivers. The theme is "Speak Up," which emphasizes the importance of advocating for the loved ones we care for and for caregivers to reach out to others for help and support.
UCP affiliates can help support caregivers in their communities by engaging in education and outreach efforts using suggestions and materials that can be downloaded for free and/or ordered in bulk for a fee from NFC, including 10 Tips for Caregivers that is also available in Spanish, and a NFC Month Awareness Kit that includes brochures, posters, and handouts.
NFCA will offer a free national TeleClass to learn how to communicate more effectively with health care professionals. The two free one hour sessions will be November 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. ET. For more information visit http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/
NFCA offers some tips on how to celebrate National Family Caregivers Month in 2008:
Offer a few hours of respite time to a family caregiver so they spend time with friends, or simply relax.
Send a card of appreciation or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up a family caregiver's day.
Encourage local businesses to offer a free service for family caregivers through the month of November.
Invite family caregivers to participate in the National Family Caregivers Association's FREE national TeleClass to learn how to communicate more effectively with health care professionals (see above for more information).
Help a family caregiver decorate their home for the holidays or offer to address envelopes for their holiday cards.
Offer comic relief! Purchase tickets to a local comedy club, give a family caregiver your favorite funny movie to view, or provide them with a book on tape.
Find 12 different family photos and have a copy center create a monthly calendar that the family caregiver can use to keep track of appointments and events.
Offer to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for a caregiving family in your community, so they can just relax and enjoy the holiday.
Take a few minutes to write a letter encouraging your mayor, county executive, or governor to issue a local proclamation establishing November as National Family Caregivers Month. Contact information for state government officials can be found at http://www.firstgov.gov/.
Help family caregivers find information and resources on the internet or locate a local support group.
The NFCA Web site has a wealth of information and resources for caregivers. Please share this valuable resource with your community.
United Cerebral Palsy is partnering with the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network to launch a new project aimed at empowering people with disabilities through online technologies. This project will focus on the themes of "How the Internet Positively Impacts People with Disabilities and the Disability Community" and "Closing the Digital Divide for People with Disabilities." Surveys indicate that people with disabilities are more likely to benefit from the use of the internet but are disproportionately without access to it for both accessibility and economic reasons. We hope to spark a broader conversation about these issues while working to engage the grassroots of the disability community towards bringing about innovative solutions on this topic.
Among the activities this project will include is an online toolkit aimed at empowering members of the disability community to more effectively utilize blogs, online videos and other online technologies. We also hope to raise public attention of the need for internet access for people with disabilities in order to maximize social, cultural, political and economic opportunities for our community.
Although still in the early stages, we would like to hear from you about how the internet is relevant to your life and work as a member of the disability community. In addition, we want your suggestions on names for this new collaboration to address the intersection between online technologies and the disability community's needs and aspirations.
To enter, please contact Ari Ne'eman at aneeman@ucp.org to submit a possible name for this new project, as well as any thoughts you might have about specific ways to address online technology issues for people with disabilities.
The person who comes up with the best name for the project will win a $100 prize.
We look forward to hearing from you!
For more information about the Online Technologies Naming Project, contact Ari Ne'eman at (202) 776-0406.
DigiActive.org: A New Approach to Advocacy
Have you ever wondered how you could better educate yourself about differing approaches to the way you advocate for people with disabilities? Have you already used "viral" videos, letter writing or phoning campaigns, or a forward-to-a-friend e-mail campaign, and are looking for something new? Life Without Limits is happy to inform you that there is another tool out there at your fingertips.
DigiActive.org is a robust Web site dedicated to the effectiveness of digital advocacy campaigns.
Simply broken down into the following categories - Description; Tools; How the tools are used; and Analysis of the campaign's overall effectiveness - DigiActive.org takes you through individual case studies, one-by-one, to demonstrate various tools within the application and allows you to explore new methods of approaching the world of digital advocacy.
This Web site discusses the use of blogs, digital photography, listservs, wikipedias, video, virtual worlds (such as Second Life), social networking, online petitions, instant messaging, SMS text messaging and much more.
As many of us know, state budgets are growing increasingly strained and each state is stretching every dollar as far as they can. By keeping an ear open to other approaches, it may open another door to securing a financial base and quite possibly assist in the expansion of current programs and funding for people with disabilities. By seeking out new ways to develop your advocacy approach, people with disabilities and supporters of people with disabilities will all benefit.
A Few Words About People First Language by Kathie Snow
Kathie Snow, a writer from DisabilityIsNatural.com contributes this entry in discussing and addressing perceptions about people with disabilities and how we often label before we consider the person first. Her paper, entitled "A Few Words About People First Language," discusses the topic of disabilities and the language society uses in referring to people with disabilities. It is a vision that we all share and work to share with others in our everyday lives. In fact, Julia Scherba deValenzuela, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Special Education at the University of New Mexico says, "I use [the] People First Language article in my university courses (graduate and undergraduate). It's extremely well-written, clear, and user-friendly..." Please be sure to share this with your colleagues and all supporters of people with disabilities. Together we can help people with disabilities live Life Without Limits.
People with disabilities constitute our nation's largest minority group. It's also the most inclusive: all ages, genders, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic levels are presented.
Yet the only thing people with disabilities have in common is being on the receiving end of societal misunderstanding, prejudice, and discrimination. And this largest minority group is the only one which anyone can join, at any time: at birth, in the split second of an accident, through illness or during the aging process. If and when it happens to you, how will you want to be described? Words matter! Old inaccurate descriptors perpetuate negative stereotypes and reinforce an incredibly powerful attitudinal barrier, which is the greatest obstacle facing individuals with disabilities. A disability is first and foremost, a medical diagnosis, and when we define people by their diagnoses, we devalue and disrespect them as individuals. Do you want to be known primarily by...
Many people make their decisions about charitable donations towards the end of the year. It's the season of giving and receiving and in this case, YOU can receive a tax deduction for 2008 for donations made before December 31st. Tax deductions don't just apply to gifts of cash; you can also claim a deduction for gifts of stock, timeshares even your car.
Monthly Giving:Want to give generously but worried about writing a big check? United Cerebral Palsy has recently created a monthly giving club Partners for Possibilities. Set-up an automatic deduction from your bank account or credit card. You remain completely in control and can end or make changes to your donation easily online. No big check for you, and UCP can plan and budget our income more effectively to spend less on administration costs and fundraising. Only donations that have been received by UCP can be claimed as a deduction but set yourself up now for 2009. How does $20 a month sound?
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) # 12004: If you're a Federal employee, designate UCP as your charity with CFC #12004. According to the CFC Web site, it is "the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign." We think that's encouraging — especially when some of it helps fund our mission of Life Without Limits for People With Disabilities. If you're not a federal employee, ask your company about their own workplace giving program. Some will even match your gift.
Vehicle Donation Program:Got a clunker in the driveway? Donate your used car, van, truck, boat with a trailer, or recreational vehicle seven days a week, 24 hours a day. It's as easy as filling out our online auto donation form. If you prefer to speak to a person, call the vehicle donation program at 1-877-UCP-CAR1 (1-877-827-2271).
Other benefits:
Free towing anywhere in the United States;
No hassle or expense advertising, selling or reparing your used car;
IRS tax deduction for 2008 if you donate before December 31st;
Supporting UCP with a generous donation without giving cash
For more information on finding an option that works for your end-of-year giving options, contact Richard Kim-Solloway at (202) 776-0406 x7120.
Founded in 1948 to help people with cerebral palsy, today United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is a pivotal advocate for the rights of all people with disabilities. As one of the largest health charities in America, UCP is dedicated to advancing the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities.
Greeks run to fight against cerebral palsy Indiana Statesman IN,USA 11/3/08 More than 100 runners and walkers came out to fight cerebral palsy on Friday for the first Phi Kappa Psi Fun Run. Phi Kappa Psi teamed up with the United Cerebral Palsy foundation of Terre Haute and raised more than $3,500 in sponsorships.
California Court Overturns Decision Giving Extra Time on MCAT The Chronicle of Higher Education CA,USA 10/31/08 California students with learning disabilities who take the Medical College Admission Test should not receive extra time under state law, an appeals court ruled on Thursday, reversing a lower court's decision.
A helping hand Hudson Reporter Hoboken,NJ,USA 10/28/08 UCP of Hudson County celebrated at annual breakfast.
Voting is a Fundamental American Right, but Not Easy for Everyone NewsBlaze Folsom,CA,USA 10/28/08 The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) was signed into law in 2002, in part to create greater accessibility at the polls. A University of Missouri expert says much work is yet to be done.
People with disabilities often left out Lansing State Journal Lansing,MI,USA 10/27/08 Whether it's conscious or unconscious, many of us avoid or ignore people with disabilities, not because of malice but because we're so worried about saying something offensive or hurtful.
Kids throng Bangor Auditorium for Pumpkins in the Park Bangor Daily News Bangor,ME,USA 10/27/08 But mostly there were lots of pumpkins Saturday afternoon in the Bangor Auditorium as United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Maine threw what amounted to a giant Halloween party.
Deaf comic doesn't take self too seriously Muskegon Chronicle Muskegon,MI,USA 10/23/08 Today, Buckley makes her living with the spoken word. She spends her life touring the country, billed as "America's first hearing impaired comedienne," telling stories at a breakneck pace, laughing at the disability she insists isn't a handicap as long as she cops "a little attitude, honey."
Teaching by example: Upstate Cerebral Palsy employee a role model Utica Observer-Dispatch Utica,NY,USA 10/23/08 Dawn Korzec Carpenter teaches disabled children, and the example she sets teaches the families of those children one lesson that can't be taught with school supplies, her peers said.
SMART Technology Helps Students With Disabilities 89.7 WUWM (Audio) Milwaukee,WI,USA 10/23/08 For students with physical disabilities, participating in classroom activities like writing an answer on the board can be challenging.
Disabilities get attention The Famuan Tallahassee,FL,USA 10/22/08 Disability Awareness Month began in October 1945 as a weeklong observation and was extended to a month in 1988.
Jackson to document barriers for disabled Jackson Clarion Ledger Jackson,MS,USA 10/22/08 The city of Jackson wants to map out how accessible it is to people with disabilities.
Hope for those with disabilities CharlotteObserver.com Charlotte,NC,USA 10/21/08 Disability Rights & Resources advocates for their rights and helps them to lead more independent lives.
World Congress on Disabilities looks to Jacksonville Jacksonville Daily Record Jacksonville,FL,USA 10/20/08 Jacksonville will welcome over 4,000 guests Nov. 2122 when the World Congress on Disabilities Expo comes to the Prime Osborn.
NY1: NYer Of The Week: Artists Show Cerebral Palsy Is No Limitation NY1 (Video) New York,NY,USA 10/18/08 But this month her work and that of thirty other artists from United Cerebral Palsy of New York City is on display at The Gallery at the Prince George Hotel in Manhattan.
Quality Of Life Better, But Disparities Remain Tampa Tribune Tampa Bay,FL,USA 10/18/08 This year marks the 18th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark piece of legislation often referred to as the civil rights law for people with disabilities.
State agency on disabilities changes name News-Leader.com Springfield,MO,USA 10/17/08 Missouri Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities has been changed to the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
Ghoulish favorite returns to haunt Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa News Tuscaloosa,AL,USA 10/17/08 There was only a ghost of a chance Fright Factory would reappear this year, until the Tuscaloosa Housing Authority contacted United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama several months ago about the 12,000-square-foot space.
Going for the Extra Point: Graduating with a Learning Disability Examiner.com USA 10/16/08 Colorado students with learning disabilities remind me of the New York Giants. They aren't supposed to succeed in college, or at least in particular courses. They are supposed to be defined by their disabilities.
People With Intellectual Disabilities Face Health Care Hurdles Health Behavior News Service USA 10/14/08 People with intellectual disabilities face a variety of barriers when it comes to organizing their health care, and there's little research to direct health care providers in helping them, according to a new review of studies.
Dog, diner spur lesson in ADA laws The Union Democrat Sonora,CA,USA 10/13/08 It all began when a woman took her dog to lunch at a Mokelumne Hill restaurant where the waiter verbalized the management's "no dogs in the dining room" rule.
Ken Howell, advocate for disabilities Rocklin and Roseville Today Rocklin,CA,USA 10/12/08 "My first child had spinal muscular atrophy," said 55-year-old Howell in a telephone interview. "They said Elisabeth wouldn't live until two, but she lived to be 20. Having her introduced me to the disabled community."
United Cerebral Palsy wants room to grow Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Pittsburgh,PA,USA 10/11/08 Less than a decade since its most recent expansion, United Cerebral Palsy of Pittsburgh is looking to grow again, either by building out its North Oakland headquarters or moving somewhere with more space, officials said Friday.
UCP presents Dessert Fantasy 2008 Honolulu Advertiser Honolulu,HI,USA 10/10/08 This fantasy is an annual reality knows as United Cerebral Palsy's Dessert Fantasy.
Putt-putt for a good cause The News Press & St. Joe Now St. Joseph,MO,USA 10/10/08 The Miller Lite Open will raise money for UCP
Cerebral palsy no barrier for comedian Josh Blue Albany Times Union Albany,NY,USA 10/9/08 Josh Blue made an impression as the 2006 winner of Last Comic Standing, and not just because the riotously funny Denver comic has cerebral palsy.
Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this. Tell-a-friend!
This message was sent to your email address. Visit your profile management or subscription management page to modify your email communication preferences or update your personal profile. To stop receiving Life Without Limits - UCP monthly newsletter, click to unsubscribe (or reply via email with "remove or unsubscribe" in the subject line).
UCP is pleased to be an endorsing organization of National Family Caregiving Month, created by the 
Kathie Snow, a writer from 
Vehicle Donation Program
