Everything you wanted to know about developmental disabilities

Want to learn more about some of the many developmental disabilities? UCP National has a great site that can answer your questions.

MyChildWithoutLimits.org is aimed toward parents of children ages 0 to 5 who are newly diagnosed with a developmental disability, but it’s a great resource for everyone!

The site includes:
– Information on each disability
– Resources for accessing early intervention services
– Opportunities to advocate for children with disabilities
– Social network where parents can communicate with each other and with professionals

Check it out and let us know what you think! And for more local resources, visit www.ucpsacto.org.

Reuse, regift, recycle for people with developmental disabilities!

Make room for those extra holiday gifts: You can make a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities by donating goods to UCP at no cost to you.

Donate a car
We accept all vehicles including cars, trucks, RVs, boats and motorcycles. For a free pickup, call (800) UCP-7217.

Turn your e-waste into good
Anything that plugs into the wall or uses batteries can benefit people with developmental disabilities. Visit Tri-Valley Recycling’s www.eWaste4good.com to set up your free pickup – make sure to designate “UCP Sacramento” as the beneficiary.

Donate household goods
Your unwanted household goods can make a big difference, from clothing and kitchen items to collectibles and small furniture. Call (800) 860-0357 for your free pickup. We will take most items in good condition except large appliances and mattresses.

You can feel great about your donation since 91 cents of every dollar donated is reinvested into programs and services for children and adults with all types of developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and intellectual disabilities.

Thank you for empowering people with developmental disabilities to live life without limits!

Happy holidays!

Empower people with developmental disabilities for generations to come!

Shelby weighed just over a pound when she was born with cerebral palsy. Now at 11 she can use a laptop and write letters. Imagine what she’ll be able to do when she’s twice that age. We’ve already started.

We created the Foundation for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California to sustain our programs so we can sustain the people we serve throughout their lives.

The Foundation for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California ensures our clients have the chance to live their lives – their whole lives – without limits.

That’s what Shelby is doing.

When Shelby and her twin brother, Shane, were born 11 weeks premature, Shane suffered minimal effects, but Shelby was diagnosed with multiple challenges, including cerebral palsy and multiple epiphysial dysplasia.

Fortunately, Shelby’s mom had worked in UCP’s family respite program and knew the family would have a partner in caring for Shelby, who at one point required anywhere from five to 15 trips to therapy each week.

Now Shelby is becoming more and more independent, learning to drive her wheelchair, playing on her own, swimming and enjoying playing with hair and make-up.

“Just because I’m in a wheelchair doesn’t mean I can’t dance and sing,” Shelby said. “I’m just like everyone else.”

Please consider naming the Foundation for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California in your estate plan! For more information, contact Steve Horton, Director of Development and Marketing, at (916) 283-8312 or shorton@ucpsacto.org.

Help parents build a support system!

Catalina was in high school when she lost her 18-month-old son, Isaac, to complications from cerebral palsy. Now she has dedicated her life to helping other families with developmental disabilities.

Though many teens would have sunk into depression, anger or given up, Catalina made a difference choice for her son – and for moms across the region.

She dedicated her senior project to raising awareness and funding for cerebral palsy, giving all donations to UCP. She formed a partnership with First Northern Bank in Winters so when customers made a donation, a paper heart was displayed – the bank was covered in hearts. She has held car washes, garage sales and a hike-a-thon.

“I know other people in my small town are going through what I went through, but don’t have time to do the research because they’re just trying to take care of their children. I wanted people to know how much UCP has to offer,” Catalina said.

Catalina raised $7,800 for UCP and has now received several awards including top 10 finalist for a national award.

Though her heart was broken, Catalina knew she could make a big impact right now in the lives of families with developmental disabilities. You can too.

Please make a year-end donation or monthly pledge to UCP today!

Help more kids reach their dreams!

When you give to UCP of Sacramento and Northern California, you help kids like Sam reach their dreams – and moms like Jeri witness miracles.

Jeri still remembers her eyes filling with tears as she watched her son, Sam, play foos ball with his fellow Boy Scouts.

This typical childhood experience for most kids was a miracle for Sam.

At one point, Sam, diagnosed with autism at 22 months, required occupational therapy, two to three hours a day of private speech therapy, applied behavioral analysis and a daycare shadow 40 hours a week – and his socialization skills were still significantly lagging.

At UCP’s Autism Center for Excellence, Sam learned how to interact with other kids and reach his dream of joining the Boy Scouts.

Make a year-end donation or monthly pledge!

Sam’s speech is improving and he is learning he does not have to shy away from people. He continues to get more involved in Boy Scouts, attending Boy Scout Camp this past summer and helping with popcorn sales, gingerbread houses and a backpack demonstration – all as part of a community that accepts him.

“I couldn’t be more thankful that my husband is finally able to enjoy sharing the things he dreamed about from the time I was pregnant with Sam,” Jeri said.

Please make a year-end donation or monthly pledge to UCP today!

Do you know the signs of a seizure? Get Seizure Smart!

You might be surprised to learn that UCP works with people who have epilepsy, a condition much more common in people with intellectual disabilities, such as Down syndrome and autism. In fact, 80 percent of the people we serve have intellectual disabilities and therefore are more likely to have epilepsy.

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, and despite the fact that there are 3 million Americans who have epileptic seizures, few people know that you can develop epileptic seizures later in life. Though many are born with epilepsy or develop the condition as a child, there are also many adults who develop epilepsy after an injury, tumor, head trauma or infection.

Though many know the stereotypes of epileptic seizures, few know the real warning signs. The Epilepsy Foundation is encouraging people to “Get Seizure Smart” by taking this simple online quiz.

Let us know how you score by posting your results on our Facebook page!

Learn how to protect your loved ones with special needs on Oct. 26!

Anyone who has a loved one with special needs will want to consider coming to a very important (and free!) lunch seminar on Oct. 26.

We’ll be talking about special needs trusts and other estate planning tools that can protect loved ones. Special needs trusts are a fantastic way for parents, grandparents and other relatives of people with developmental disabilities to ensure they are provided for without risking them losing government benefits.

There will be a light lunch provided and the chance to hear from Stephen Dale and Janet Chediak, two attorneys who specialize in these areas. Dale Law Firm focuses on special needs trusts for people with disabilities and the elderly, particularly in achieving independence while maintaining essential government benefits. Chediak advises her clients at Weintraub Genshlea and Chediak Law Corporation on all aspects of estate planning, including trusts, wills and powers of attorney.

The free event will take place 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Citrus Heights Community Center, 6237 Fountain Square Drive.

If you have any questions, contact Stephen Horton, UCP director of development and marketing, at (916) 283-8312 or shorton@ucpsacto.org.