It's that time of year again!  UCP is getting ready for our 11th Annual Brian Morrison Memorial Golf Tournament on May 7th at the Stonington County Club.  To help spread the word and garner support, Michelle Bussolotti, UCP's Disability Support Coordinator was interviewed on WHPX-TV by Shawn Murphy.  The show aired April 26th and featured information on UCP programs and the golf tournament.  

The golf tournament is an annual fundraiser that supports Bussolotti's program, the Disability Support Program.  This program was developed to help children and adults with diverse disabilities who are often ineligible for services through Connecticut's Department of Developmental Services.  "To get assistance through the Department of Developmental Services, one has to have an intellectual disability, but there are many people in Connecticut who have disabilities who do not have an intellectual disability who need services -that's where I come in," Bussolotti further elaborated.  

Through the Disability Support Program, adults and children with disabilities are provided with case management, information and referral services, a support group, financial assistance to purchase disability related equipment, and a Tech Tot Toy Library to help children with disabilities develop vital skills.  In addition, Bussolotti coordinates volunteers for UCP -helping community members find a place within UCP and also assisting those with disabilities to volunteer in the community.  "I have been a social worker for 10 years and this is one of the most rewarding positions I have ever held.  I feel I am able to make such a big difference every single day in the lives of the children and adults with disabilities I work with," Bussolotti passionately exclaimed.

What can you do?  By sponsoring our golf tournament, you can help people with disabilities increase their independence and full citizenship.  Please follow this link to learn more:  http://fundly.com/ucpofeasternconnecticut

To learn more about the Disability Support Program or for more information on the golf tournament, please contact Michelle Bussolotti at (860) 443-3800 x11 or mbussolotti@ucpect.org.

Thank you for all your support!

UCP’s Disability Support Program is funded by:

United Way

Chelsea Groton Foundation

Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut

Eastern Federal Bank Foundation

Frank Loomis Palmer Fund

People’s United Community Foundation

RS Gernon Trust

UCP fundraisers and individual contributions

Thank you!

As we "spring" into summer, we must protect our clients as well as ourselves and our children against the heat and humidity that accompanies the summer months.

Use care and planning to protect everyone against the elements is the best precaution.   Keep in mind that age, chronic conditions and medications can add compromising risks.  Please review the following suggests to ensure a healthy fun summer for all.

-Listen to the news and weather reports:  take heed and limit outside activities and exposure if health cautions are announced.

-Due to increased heat and perspiration, fluids should be available and encouraged.

-For sunny days, limit exposure to the sun and be sure to use sunscreen.

-Sunglasses and hats should be encouraged.

-Discourage heavy meals.

-When outside in grassy or wooded areas ensure appropriate clothes are worn to protect from ticks and mosquitoes.

-Be aware that hot, humid conditions may impact persons with a respiratory condition or breathing problem.

UCP would like to welcome Miriam Stepanian (first slide in slideshow) as our newest volunteer to the Quaker Hill day program.  Miriam started at UCP just a couple of weeks ago and has been instrumental in helping our clients get out into the community and enjoy full citizenship.  Miriam has also been participating in activities with clients at UCP.  Also pictured in the slideshow is Elysia Ridener, a Connecticut College student.  Elysia has been a cherished volunteer in the Quaker Hill day program since last fall.      

Volunteers are integral to the operation of UCP.  The time volunteers spend with our clients is important to them.  They share their time, talents, and skills to help our clients enjoy full citizenship and increase their independence.  For further information on volunteering, please contact Michelle Bussolotti, Disability Support Coordinator at (860) 443-3800 x11 or mbussolotti@ucpect.org.

UCP's volunteer coordination is provided by the Disability Support Program.  UCP’s Disability Support Program is funded by:

United Way

Chelsea Groton Foundation

Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut

Eastern Federal Bank Foundation

Frank Loomis Palmer Fund

People’s United Community Foundation

RS Gernon Trust

UCP fundraisers and individual contributions

Thank you!

On Sunday April 1st, UCP's Supportive Living clients had a great time coloring Easter eggs in the community room of La Triumph apartments in Groton.  Cheryl, a Supportive Living client, was excited to contribute to the egg decorating fun by bringing another coloring kit and decorations.  Everyone enjoyed pastel colored cupcakes with a variety of sprinkles and had a blast decorating the eggs with bunnies and smiley faces. 

UCP specializes in supported living services and the majority of the clients in the program live in La Triumph apartments, though some live in homes outside that complex.  Over the past 15 years, we have assisted over 60 adults, ranging in age from 21 to 80, to move into their own apartment.  The supported living services provided by UCP enable each person maximum independence, but provides them with person-centered supports, specific to their needs.

We provide services to participants living in their own home or apartment in the community. Through the assistance of our dedicated Direct Support Specialists, individuals receive personalized training and support to facilitate greater independence. Supported Living Services includes emergency, 24-hour, 7-days-a-week, on-call assistance.

Training is provided in an individual's home or in the community in the following areas of:daily living skills:

• meal planning/preparation

• comparative shopping

• employment

• managing household finances

• household maintenance,

• recreation and leisure activities

• transportation

• medical appointments

• social skills training

• maintain cultural and religious affiliation and identification

At UCP, our objective is to enable individuals to live in the least restrictive environment as possible. To maximize opportunities for independence, optimal health and safety for individuals who are very medically and/or physically challenged, UCP offers services that include 24 hour per day support.

For more information about Residential Supported Living, please contact UCP at (860) 443-3800, ext 12 or email 

On Saturday, March 17th, UCP's Disability Support Group attended New London's St. Patrick's Day Parade.  Before the parade, the group enjoyed lunch at the Exchange and celebrated the birthday of one of the group members, Michael Langley. The support group serves as a recreation group for individuals over 16 with a physical disability. The group typically meets one to two times a month and members participate in activities of their choosing such as art projects, bowling, sailing, baseball games, dining out, games, and movies.  For more information about the support group, or to become a member, please contact Michelle Bussolotti, Disability Support Coordinator at (860) 443-3800 ext.11 or email at mbussolotti@ucpect.org.

UCP’s Disability Support Program is funded by:

United Way

Chelsea Groton Foundation

Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut

Eastern Federal Bank Foundation

Frank Loomis Palmer Fund

People’s United Community Foundation

RS Gernon Trust

UCP fundraisers and individual contributions

Thank you!

Pictured above from left to right is: Steven Smigiel, Financial Manager for UCP, Betsy Ritter, State Representative and Board Member, Monica Garrity, Board Member, Michelle Bussolotti, Disability Support Coordinator for UCP and United Way Campaign Coordinator, Bob Silverstein, Board Member, Diane Deedy, Board Member,  Harry Colonis, Board President, Peg Morrison, Executive Director for UCP, Jim Harris, Board Member

 

Congratulations UCP staff for your generosity this year in supporting your local community through United Way.  Due to your support, UCP of Eastern Connecticut earned the Partner Agency of the Year Award through United Way!  This means UCP had the strongest campaign of all the partner agencies.  UCP staff raised 87% more funds than last year and had 20 more staff members contribute -more than doubling participation from last year.  Your contribution has not gone unnoticed.  On February 27th, Lamar Spruill and Sharon Peccini from United Way presented the award at UCP's last board meeting.  Way to go UCP staff!

Did you know March is National Developmental Disability Awareness Month?  This designation was made by President Reagan in 1987 under Proclamation 5613. You can read the proclamation here: http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1987/022687c.htm

UCP provides day, residential, and outreach services for people with all disabilities, including developmental disabilities.  Take time this month to learn more about developmental disabilities and spread the word!  Working together, we can advance the independence and full citizenship of people with disabilities.  

Learn more about developmental disabilities through the National Institute of Health's Fact Sheet: http://report.nih.gov/NIHfactsheets/ViewFactSheet.aspx?csid=100

   
“One day I was walking to the bus and caught an icy patch and wound up face down in the snow. My mother stood true to Dr. Shelsky’s word and with tears in her eyes told me to “Get up. Your bus is here.” She would have obviously helped me if I was hurt, but the early message to me was also clear; I was going to learn to fend for myself...”
 
Dr. Stephen Danzig's tenth book is by far his most personal to date. “Get Up, Your Bus Is Here” Living MY Life With Cerebral Palsy: Trials, Tribulations and Triumphs chronicles his life growing up with Cerebral Palsy and details his successes as well as his struggles. He candidly talks about additional challenges brought on by Kienbock's Disease and the two wrist fusion surgeries that followed. Battles with obsessive-compulsive tendencies are also brought to the forefront.  Dantzig talks about his parents and their influence on his independence, modifications needed in his early days in elementary school and follows his educational career through earning his doctorate in psychology from Rutgers University. He details his development and life lessons learned as a school psychologist working with severely disabled children, professional photographer, and author.  He talks about living with a ghost in New York, life in Los Angeles, and his big move to Hawaii. Dantzig relates his experiences on skis, the softball field, a surfboard, and under water with SCUBA gear.  His stories are often poignant with subtle humor. His struggles are discussed in a matter-of-fact way that denounces self-pity while his triumphs are talked about with humility. Dantzig provides resources and references for anyone looking for more information on the many topics discussed. 30% of all proceeds will go to United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern Connecticut. Purchase the book today by clicking the link below.

Click here to order the book and visit Stephen Dantzig's site.

You can't miss it!  As soon as one enters the Hygienic Art Gallery in New London, they are captured by the Art of UCP clients.  To the right of the front entrance, splashes of blue, green, pink, yellow, and orange speak of the importance of their wheelchair to our clients.  "These wheels work like feet.  I can GO," states the boldest print.  "I am happy Monday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday too," exclaims another.  According to a volunteer at the Hygienic, people have been captivated by the piece.  

The piece is part of the Salon des Independents exhibit and will be on display until 6pm on February 11th.  Stop by and see the world through the eyes of UCP's Quaker Hill Day Program clients.  Bring an open mind, because as the painting enlightens, "Preconceived notions are the locks on the doors to wisdom." 

On Friday, January 13th, staff and clients of UCP's Old Saybrook branch enjoyed a hula lesson.  Helen, sister of Richard Rogers (a member of Old Saybrook's day program), visited from California.  Helen brought leis and taught everyone some hula moves.  A good time was had by all who participated!  UCP would like to thank Helen for her time, sharing her talent, and brightening our day.  Thank you Helen! 

The story of 14 year-old Carly is an inspiration.  Carly was diagnosed with severe Autism and does not speak, but that does not mean she is not there.  Many people assume people with disabilities who cannot speak are unintelligent.  The story of Carly serves as an eye opener and leads us to question many of our previous assumptions.  Through the use of a computer, Carly learned to communicate and what she has to say is astounding.  In this video, she shares her explicit experience with Autism and her message to the world.  A must see for all!      

Did you know UCP has a website for parents with children who have developmental delays and/or disabilities?  My Child Without Limits is a place where parents can learn about developmental milestones, get information on diverse disabilities, look-up resources to plan for the future, and join in an online social networking community with other parents.  Even more exciting, UCP just recently launched the site in Spanish!   

To learn more, please see the below news release from UCP National announcing the launch on My Child Without Limits:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Lauren Cozzi

(202) 973-7114

To Download this press release: Click Here

United Cerebral Palsy Presents Online Resource for Parents of Young Children with Developmental Delays

MyChildWithoutLimits.org Helps Families Plan, Understand & Act

Washington, D.C. (September 23, 2009) - United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), today announced the launch of My Child Without Limits (MyChildWithoutLimits.org), UCP's pioneering initiative that provides parents of children with disabilities an online resource with critical information that also connects parents to a vital social network of parents of newly diagnosed children ages 0 to 5.

The first realization that your child is going to face the many challenges and obstacles encountered by those who live with a developmental delay or disability can be a lonely, frightening and confusing time. Many parents who have been assisted by UCP have reported that finding the organization and receiving the information and advice our affiliates provide has been a very significant turning point for them.

My Child Without Limits is a place for parents worried that their child is not developing like other children, to find answers to their questions. It is a place where parents know they are not alone after their child has been diagnosed with a developmental delay or disability. The authoritative site and online community are designed to be resources for families and their caregivers and professionals.

The Web site provides access to accurate, user-friendly and relevant disability-related information, resource guides, and experts on early intervention and family support in three basic areas:

• Understand - Help families answer the questions: What are Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome?
• Plan - Provide guidance about where to go for early intervention services, treatments and therapies, assistive technologies, and expert direction and advice.
• Act - Direct parents and caregivers to where they can explore issues surrounding disability awareness, advocacy and lifespan planning.

The community section of My Child Without Limits also offers a venue for parents to communicate with each other, ask questions of professionals and service providers, and receive support through the critical period of initial diagnosis.

"I can't think of a better way to reach parents of children with disabilities who are so desperately seeking credible information they can trust," said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO, United Cerebral Palsy, Inc. "My Child Without Limits will be the one-stop shop for parents and professionals, and help children with disabilities start achieving a life without limits at an early age."

About United Cerebral Palsy

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) was founded over 60 years ago by parents of children with cerebral palsy. Today UCP is a leading service provider for adults and children with disabilities. UCP's services reach over 176,000 adults and children every day through a network of over 100 affiliates in the United States, Canada, Scotland and Australia. The UCP National office, located in Washington DC, provides assistance to affiliates through marketing and communication services, programmatic support and an annual conference. UCP National also serves people with disabilities and their families through public policy and advocacy, the development of forward-thinking programs and the Life Without Limits initiative.