UCP Launches Public Education Campaign on 10th Anniversary of Landmark ADA Legislation

United Cerebral Palsy Associations
Monday, 24 July 2000

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 24, 2000): On July 26, 2000, United Cerebral Palsy Associations, ("UCP"), the nation's leading health non-profit for individuals with disabilities, celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act with a reminder of the accomplishments in the disability civil rights movement, as well as a call to action for the continuation and implementation of work for this broad-reaching movement. The ADA has improved the lives of 54 million people with disabilities by making access a reality.

In the USA, 50% of Americans have a family member or friend with a disability. And 33% of all households have a member with a disability. And of these people with a disability, 73% is the head of household, 48% are the household's principal shoppers, 58% are homeowners, and 46% are married.

Over ten years ago, UCP worked closely with senior administration members and members of Congress to craft this critical legislation, ensuring that the final version was not weakened in the face of opposition. For UCP, supporting the passage of the ADA and proudly attending the ADA signing into law was an extension of the UCP mission of putting people first by advancing the independence of people with disabilities over the past 50 years with a network of 135 local affiliates in 39 states nationwide.

UCP and its nationwide network of 135 affiliates strive to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every facet of society - from the Web to the workplace, from the classroom to the community. The mission of UCP is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, through our commitment to the principles of independence, inclusion and self-determination. UCP strives to build a better world for tomorrow -- today. UCP serves people with disabilities and others through the development of state-of-the-art programs, information and referral services, legislative advocacy, technology initiatives and research, and the delivery of a range of direct services tailored to local communities through programs such as assistive technology training, early intervention services, individual and family support services, and social and recreation programs. In addition, UCP provides supported living services, employment assistance, and other supports as needed. The UCP family serves 30,000 children and adults with disabilities a day, or over 1,000,000 individuals each year.

UCP is the leading source of information on cerebral palsy and is a pivotal advocate for the rights of all people with disabilities. In fact, 65% of people served by UCP have disabilities other than cerebral palsy. UCP is consistently rated as one of the most financially responsible charities, with 85¢ of every dollar spent directly on programs and services. "UCP is about making a difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities with cutting-edge, innovative services, one person at a time," says UCP National Volunteer President, Charles Moses III, Esq.

Today, UCP continues to advocate for and sponsor legislation to advance the empowerment of people with disabilities. UCP strongly promotes access to the regular environment, whether through universal design, adaptations to already existing technology or specialized assistive devices.

Daunting challenges remain despite the accomplishments thus far. Strides still need to be made in employment and job accommodation, transportation and communication. Despite life-changing technological accomplishments that have been made over the last ten years, access to technology is not a reality for Americans with disabilities. UCP actively supports federal efforts to address the "digital divide" through support of new legislation, which ensures full access to technology.

"Overall, the intent of the ADA was to open doors and level the playing field for people with disabilities. UCP is fully committed to that goal," says Kirsten A. Nyrop, Executive Director of UCP. "UCP will remain vigilant in protecting the rights of people with disabilities in the face of attempts to weaken the ADA through lawsuits and legislation."

UCP is committed to changing attitudes towards people with disabilities through a new national Public Education Campaign launched this month to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the passage of the ADA. The Public Education Campaign, which includes new television spots, a new radio spot, six eye-catching print ads, and a new Web site, www.ucp.org, is designed to educate and inform the larger public about people with disabilities, as well as direct both people with disabilities and the general public to UCP services in local communities. This strategic campaign communicates the UCP mission of advancing the independence and full citizenship of people with disabilities.

For more information, or to contact United Cerebral Palsy Associations, see their website at: www.ucpa.org