UCP: Check-Out Our Services!

Adult Services works to maximize an individual's independence and inclusion in the community. Programs and services are available to adults, over the age of 18, with physical, sensorial and/or learning disabilities, including cerebral palsy, head injury, mental health/mental retardation and/or medical conditions.

Vocational programs offer a wide array of services and opportunities for individuals interested in training and employment. UCP's Contract Shop is a sheltered work situation that employs qualified individuals who work on projects such as mailings, packaging, and assembly. Other day programs emphasize functional communication, socialization and pre-vocational skills; offer mental health support and group counseling; and provide opportunities for community participation and employment. Related services such as activities of daily living, occupational therapy and job site adaptation are also available to those enrolled in any Adult Services program.

Please call Shelley Silverman, Admissions Coordinator, at 215.242.4200 ext. 265 or email sschoenberger@ucpphila.org for more information or to schedule an intake.

Children's Services works to maximize each child's developmental potential through integration with typically developing peers, while encouraging families to advocate for themselves and their children. While services are available for children birth to five years old, eligibility for certain programs may be limited by a child's age or county of residence.

UCP's Best Friends early childhood program, which is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), integrates center-based early intervention services with a typical daycare program. UCP's home-based services help families and caregivers support a child's development through daily routines. Community-based services are designed to assess and support children in community preschools, daycares, Head Starts, or other childcare programs who qualify for early intervention. Feeding Services offer support to children who are experience difficulties with eating.

Children's Services staff include: special education and early childhood teachers, speech, occupational and physical therapists, psychologists, service coordinators and nurses. Together with the parents, a UCP team plans a program that is best suited for each child and family. Parent participation is a key ingredient in the success of all programs.

If you would like more information or have questions, please email jodim@ucpphila.org.

Community Recreation Services offers a variety of sports and leisure opportunities for teens and adults who have developmental disabilities that affect their motor skills, hearing and/or visual impairments, or any other physically disabling condition. Programs and activities are planned with the goal of providing the necessary adaptations and support to make a wide range of recreational activities accessible. Recreation's calendar of events includes social outings and trips, classes, competitive and recreational sports, and other annual events.

Monthly activities range from movies, dinners, dances and board games to exercise, swimming, cooking, art, music appreciation, power hockey and a bowling league. A variety of day or weekend trips including skiing, camping and visits to New York City and Atlantic City are scheduled throughout the year.

UCP's Sports Program provides the opportunity for seasonal individual and team sports competition and training. The Kryptonites, UCP's sports team, participates in National Disability Sports Alliance sanctioned local, regional, national and international competition in track, field and bowling.

The 2008 Philadelphia Sports Meet took place on Saturday, May 3, 2008. Come back soon to see photos!

UCP Community Recreation is proud to sponsor the Philadelphia PowerPlay, a power wheelchair floor hockey team.

If you would like more information or have questions, please email lmelendez@ucpphila.org or call 215.248.7611.

Community Social Services is a source for information and advocacy for families seeking services and benefits available to individuals with disabilities. Social services provides ongoing casework and problem specific support to those requiring it in the community. Information on disabilities, services and benefits is made available to professionals and the public.

For those seeking direct care services, referrals are made to either UCP programs or other community resources where appropriate. Financial support requests to fund such things as attendant care, home or vehicle adaptations, or assistive technology can often be accommodated by existing support systems-fraternal organizations, faith-based groups and government programs. When outside resources are not available, UCP's Community Resource Funds may be a limited source of support.

Self-advocacy is a major thrust of Community Social Services. Staff provide training sessions and legislative workshops to enable people with disabilities and their families to speak out on issues directly affecting their lives, such as health care, personal assistance services and transportation.

Community education is offered through participation in various committees, conferences, training sessions and by providing consultation and technical assistance in such areas as architectural accessibility, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) training and transportation.