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The Start Of UCP
United Cerebral Palsy Association of Miami was established in 1947 by parents whose children with cerebral palsy were being denied an education due to their disability. These parents were just looking for help and tools to improve their child lives. -
Breaking Ground
Construction of Civic Center: 2700 W 81st St, Hialeah, FL 33016 -
The Passing of the LAW
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. https://www.justice.gov/crt/fcs/TitleVI
https://youtu.be/lw0mefqIZ5Y?si=tO5fqDkip9AaX3le -
The expansion of United Cerebral Palsy
The company expanded into Broward and West Palm Beach, Florida. Day Services and community option began in West Palm Beach in 1971, and the Broward County preschool opened in 1973, welcoming children and adults with disabilities. -
Opening the doors of Miami Cerebral Palsy
Miami Cerebral Palsy (MCP), an affiliate of United Community Options (formerly known as United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida), was established in 1984 by UCP of Miami. It was created to offer Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF/IID) long-term residential care services. MCP's focus is on providing care for children and adults who are medically fragile, non-ambulatory, and severely and profoundly disabled. https://youtu.be/1q5pv4Wv-VA?si=yrBJebznBtfyYVKA -
Category 5
Category 5 Hurricane Andrew devastated MCP's group homes and affected the lives of the people MCP supported. Despite this hardship, MCP persevered and rebuilt its homes. Through this rebuilding process, MCP emerged as a stronger corporation, steadfast in its mission to support individuals with disabilities. Following the hurricane, MCP's commitment to providing care and services to individuals with disabilities remained unwavering. -
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Creating a LRE
UCP provides children with disabilities an inclusive environment fostering belonging and normalcy. By reducing restrictions, kids can explore fully. Teachers, therapists, and staff work closely with each child, tailoring approaches to meet needs and nurture unique qualities, empowering each to reach their potential. https://youtu.be/hUXqphoZuDM -
Serving Typically developing children.
Over 16 yrs, UCP has established inclusive sites where children with and without disabilities can learn together and feel a sense of belonging. These include Early Beginnings Carter School (EBA), Diamond Minds Transitional Academy Private School (DM), and Transitional Learning Academy (TLA) Middle School. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensures that eligible children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education and necessary special education services nationwide. -
Changed united Cerebral Palsy to united community options
The agency, now named UCO, embraces all disabilities and focuses on transforming students' educational experiences beyond traditional methods. UCO's umbrella sites prioritize academic achievement and foster a balanced development of mind, body, and spirit. The school promotes rigorous analytical thinking through core subjects and instills a lifelong love of learning. Additionally, UCO integrates comprehensive arts education to nurture creativity and passion among students. -
The Mission
For nearly 80 years, a powerful parent-led movement has transformed the lives of adults, children, and families, united by a mission to advocate for individuals with unique abilities or facing social inequalities. United Community Options provides opportunities for these individuals to live full, rewarding lives without limits.