UCP Supports The Younger American Act

United Cerebral Palsy Associations
Wednesday, 20 September 2000

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is proud to support the Younger Americans Act. This act creates a national youth policy for young people ages 6-21 that links and expands community-based programs established by existing nonprofits, local governments, schools, faith-based organizations, and businesses. The programs would ensure all young people, including youth with disabilities, have access to: safe places with structured activities during nonschool hours; marketable skills and competencies through education and youth development; and opportunities to give back through community service and civic participation. This new bill authorizes funds to promote youth development through utilization of both federal and community resources and is modeled on the Older Americans Act.

Through participation on their local community boards, established by the act and requiring a one-third representation of individuals under age 21, young Americans will be given the opportunity to engage in decision-making regarding local applications for funding for under this legislation. "For children with disabilities, the chance to actively participate in decision-making that affects their lives in terms of the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of local programs targeting youth ages 6-21 is critical since they spend much of their young lives reliant upon adult decision-making for many of the services and supports they need," said Kirsten A. Nyrop, Executive Director of UCP.

UCP applauds the co-sponsors of this legislation, including Sen. James Jeffords (R-VT), Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-SC), and Sen. Max Cleland (D-GA) as well as Rep. George Miller (D-CA), and Rep. Marge Roukema (R-NJ).

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.

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