Mission & History: The 1980's

Despite tough economic times, United Cerebral Palsy continued to make great strides in advancing the independence of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities during the 1980s.

In 1983, UCP co-sponsored a workshop for architects with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development focusing on accessible housing. Continuing its emphasis on family support, UCP and the hotel industry pioneered the concept of "respitality". This program, still in existence today, gave parents of children with disabilities the opportunity to spend a weekend away from home while the affiliate cared for their child. United Cerebral Palsy was also instrumental in the passage of legislation during the 70s that created new incentives for states to improve access to assistive technology and early intervention services for young children with disabilities.

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