355445659

United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCPA) of Hawaii is a nonprofit, volunteer health organization. Its focus is to positively affect the quality of life for children and adults with cerebral palsy or other severe disabilities with similar service needs. Support for the families is seen as an important part of the organization’s mission. Additional energies are placed on preventing cerebral palsy and minimizing its effect. UCPA’s goal is to empower people with choices and to provide opportunities for independence.The association has a diversified funding base that includes Aloha United Way, Department of Health – Early Intervention Section, The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation and the organization’s fundraising events.UCPA of Hawaii is part of a nationwide network of approximately 93 state and local affiliates, which provide services, conduct public and professional education programs and support research in cerebral palsy. The local UCP has been providing services in the islands since 1959.UCPA of Hawaii is also one of four independent nonprofit organizations involved in an innovative collaboration called DiverseAbilities. The purposes of this partnership are to combine resources, reduce costs and expand services in pursuit of strengthening each organization’s mission. In addition to UCPA of Hawaii, DiverseAbilities includes; Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii, Hawaii Centers for Independent Living and Winners at Work, Inc.What is Cerebral Palsy?• A life long condition caused by damage to the brain during pregnancy, labor or shortly following birth.• It can be associated with premature birth, blood incompatibility between parents, infection of the mother with German measles early in pregnancy, as well as drug addiction and AIDS infection in pregnant women• It can be acquired through trauma such as head injury from a motor vehicle accident, fall or child abuse.• It is characterized by the inability to control motor functions. It can result in involuntary movement, disturbance in gait and mobility, impaired sight, hearing and speech.• It is not a disease nor is it progressive or communicable.• It is not curable in the accepted sense – though through training and therapy an individual can be helped to achieve their maximum potential in growth and development.Did you know that nationally . . .• UCP is the 2nd largest nonprofit health care organization in the United States and is the nation’s leader in the disability field.• UCP makes a major difference in people’s lives, providing services to more than 30,000 people a day, 65% of whom do not have cerebral palsy.• UCP is one of America’s most financially responsible charities. Eighty-three cents out of every dollar is spent on programs and services.• UCP is supported by a family of long-term corporate sponsors that provides an extensive range of support and commitments. NOTE: UCPAHI NEITHER AUTHORIZES NOR SUPPORTS ANY OF THE "GOOGLE" ADVERTISEMENTS PLACED WITHIN THIS PROFILE.