We All Want the Same Things in Life 

Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Awareness Month highlights the importance of fostering a society where people with disabilities are empowered to live to their full potential, and in doing so, contribute to their communities. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the unique gifts and talents—as well as the courage and resilience—of individuals with I/DD, many of whom have overcome significant challenges to live their best lives.

Individuals with I/DD have many of the same innate motivations and desires as everyone else. They want to form connections with others. They want to identify their interests and develop their abilities. Many want to earn their way by finding meaningful employment while others desire to live independently. Fortunately, UCP Central PA (UCP) has the staff and services to support each of these desires, and to help make them a reality.

UCP Early Intervention Services give infants and toddlers (birth to age 3), who are experiencing or at risk for developmental delays, every opportunity for a great start in life. Our team of professional therapists (Physical, Occupational, Speech, Nutritional, and Special Instruction) provide the hands-on coaching and support that makes therapy a seamless part of the child’s—and the family’s—everyday routine.

UCP Home and Community Services (H&C) provides one-on-one staffing and life skills training that encourages and supports greater individual independence… at home, school, work, and in the community. Each H&C participant (age 21 and up) is paired with a Habilitation Specialist who provides support both in and outside the home that empowers the individual to embrace the full range of experiences life has to offer.

UCP Community Participation Supports (CPS) is designed to help participants 18 and older connect with each other on a regular basis and establish and grow personal relationships. Individuals routinely break off into groups to go out and explore what the community has to offer… local parks and recreation, farmers markets and fairs, libraries and museums, even volunteer opportunities.

UCP Employment Services significantly improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. UCP pairs each candidate or prospective employee with an Employment Specialist who conducts a work assessment to determine which tools and resources will be of greatest benefit. The Employment Specialist then assists and guides the individual through all aspects of the hiring process and remains on the job to provide coaching and mentoring for as long as needed.

UCP Residential Services provide adults of all abilities with the individualized support they need to experience the greatest degree of independence in the place they choose to call home. Our most popular residential option is licensed homes (1-4 person single family homes with 24/7 staffing support). Alternative residential options include Supported Living, Lifesharing, Pathways Academy, and Respite – with UCP providing direct and indirect supports ranging from a few hours a week to 24/7, as needed.

UCP Agency with Choice service model gives individuals with IDD or Autism the freedom to direct their own supports and services, both at home and in the community. This leads to greater choice and control over where, when, how—and most critically, by whom—those supports are delivered. UCP’s role is to provide administrative and employer-related guidance and support.

Finally, for those who may need accommodations in the way of equipment or technology in order to bring their dreams to life, UCP offers the leading Assistive Technology services and supports available in the midstate. PLUS, the services and equipment are free of charge to the user.