United Cerebral Palsy Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington, Inc. (UCP) supports children and adults with developmental disabilities in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our mission is to advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Providing Community Services, Adult Advocacy, and Family Support, we envision A Community For Everyone.

According to the Oregon Department of Human Services, there were approximately 8,600 individuals in 2006 with developmental disabilities WAITING to receive adequate care in Oregon alone - 1,500 of them were CHILDREN!

About Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral Palsy is caused by brain damage that typically occurs before, during, or shortly following birth. Affecting one’s motor functions, this can include muscle coordination and speech. Vision impairment, seizures, and cognitive delay may also occur.

Cerebral Palsy is not a disease or illness! It is neither progressive nor communicable. It is also not 'curable' in the accepted sense, although education, therapy, applied technology, and community supports can help persons with cerebral palsy lead productive, independent lives.

Studies have shown that at least 5,000 infants and toddlers, and approximately 1,500 pre-schoolers are diagnosed with cerebral palsy each year. In all, approximately 500,000 people in this country have some degree of cerebral palsy. Children who have cerebral palsy will have it all their lives.