UCP AffNet Entrance
Press Releases
Ed Miller Story
When Ed was born in 1964, he was diagnosed with Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Upon learning of his son’s disability, Ed’s father abandoned his family. With few available resources, his mother took care of Ed until she passed away when Ed was in his mid-twenties. Ed then moved in with his younger brother.
United Cerebral Palsy entered Ed’s life in 1982, when he began participating in the UCP of Metropolitan Dallas Adult Day Program, which allowed him to be more social and independent then ever before. When not going on outings with fellow members to museums, picnics, tours and more, Ed fills his time with arts and crafts, learning life skills or celebrating birthdays and holidays. Ed’s smile and cheerful attitude quickly made him a favorite with UCP staff.
In 1992, Ed moved into a UCP group home to gain better access to essential supports that were unavailable to him otherwise.
Then in 1997, Ed achieved ultimate freedom—his first motorized wheelchair. While Ed’s disability impacts his ability to move and speak, his spirit remains unbroken. He is intelligent and a creative problem-solver. When first confronted with the dilemma of how to steer his wheelchair, Ed worked with staff to devise a system so he can steer his wheelchair with a switch that he controls with his elbow.
Today, Ed serves as the official courier between his group home and the UCP administrative offices. During his free time, he spends time with his friends or takes part in learning programs. Through a UCP technology program, Ed is refining his computer skills by using a hands-free “head mouse” and he has adjusted his speech-generating device to enhance his communication with others.
Ed has grown in leaps and bounds since his first visit to UCP of Metropolitan Dallas over 25 years ago, and UCP staff feels privileged to call him a friend.
United Cerebral Palsy touches the lives of thousands of people like Ed every day.
By donating or volunteering with UCP, you make it possible for adults and children with disabilities to live more independent, productive lives.
Donate to United Cerebral Palsy or a UCP affiliate today.
To find out other ways to support people with disabilities in your community, contact your local UCP affiliate.
RSS Feed