1. Social Media Content
United Cerebral Palsy of Central California (UCPCC)
By: Angel Ramirez
1- Yay for Dr. Elaine Biddiss, an engineering scientist who is developing video games for
therapy. She believes that the games have a lot of potential to help children diagnosed
with Cerebral Palsy.
"It's the right of kids to play, and these kids are so inspirational... At the end of the day, I
feel an obligation to make these therapies as fun and effective as possible."
http://www.techtimes.com/articles/130576/20160204/making-cerebral-palsy-therapy-
fun-with-video-games.htm
2- We wanted to take the time to say thank you. Thank you to all of our donors,
volunteers, staff, students and community members that help us achieve the great work
that we go.

2. 3- We love this story! Both Kaylie and Philip have been diagnosed with non-verbal
autism and absorb information at school, from the Internet, in public, and at the dinner
table. They had been learning for years but weren't able to communicate those lessons or
their thoughts and feelings until they learned Rapid Prompting Method (RPM).
After learning to spell, they learned to type. Eventually they began to blog. They use a
tablet, wireless keyboard, and a special program that speaks their typed words.
Watch their story below.
http://www.wgrz.com/entertainment/television/programs/daybreak/rapid-prompting-
method-helps-people-with-autism-communicate/64258012
4- When we hear the term "fashion model," we often think of tall, sleek, and slender
young women. Kutas, a Ukrainian model, hopes that she can make things a little easier
for the next generation of people with disabilities.
“I really want every single person who has any kind of disability to think, ‘OK, whatever
my dream is, I can do it too.”
http://www.thetakeaway.org/story/rollin/
5- A pizzeria in Nevada serves mouthwatering New York-style pies, as well as morsels of
hope for people with disabilities within the community.
Read the full story below.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/owners-nevada-pizzeria-make-point-hire-workers-
disabilities/story?id=37309292

3. 6- We love our siblings! Author Eli Gottlieb shared with us his story about his brother,
Josh, who has autism and lives on an assisted living campus. Josh, now 60 years old, has
been a resident of various state and private run programs for individuals on the autism
spectrum for nearly 50 years. When their mother passed away a few years ago, Eli
became Josh's sole guardian.
This is a glimpse into Josh's life, and you can hear about just a couple of the broader
issues facing adults on the spectrum who require full time assistance.
https://www.autismspeaks.org/news/news-item/aging-autism-brother’s-story
7- Love this story about a Starbucks manager giving an opportunity to a young man with
a disability.
http://aplus.com/a/chris-sam-starbucks-barista-ellen-degeneres
8- Shout out time! Tommy Hilfiger has a adaptive clothing collection that includes "pants
with adjustable-length legs, fasteners that use velcro and magnets and other modifications
while retaining the style of the company’s mainstream clothing."

4. 9- Yay for Lego! Lego unveiled its first-ever minifigure in a wheelchair.
Wearing a beanie and hoodie, the plastic figure is part of the company’s “Fun in the
Park” set.
http://www.wnyc.org/story/brick-by-brick-lego-diversifies-its-toys-with-a-minifigure-in-
a-
wheelchair/?utm_source=/story/rollin/&utm_medium=treatment&utm_campaign=mo
relikethis
10- Art created by our students is available for purchase with proceeds going directly to
each student artist. For many, the sale of their art enables them to receive a paycheck,
which they would not receive otherwise.
http://ucpworkofheart.com/index.html
11- Remember, never judge a book by its cover.
12- This is a great piece about living in a society with a disability! This guy is amazing,
and it started with his parents teaching him to be bigger than his disability.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFMxzyuYoZw&feature=youtu.be

5. 13- When we reminisce as adults, we tend not to think of the challenging aspects of being
a child, but we do remember if we were teased. We remember, because the feelings of
being not being included – or socially – accepted by our peers made us feel bad.
Add a disability into a child’s life, and it’s easy to understand how a child can feel
separate from others.
Read about acceptance in the article below.
http://www.cerebralpalsy.org/information/acceptance
14- Do you like yoga? Yoga is just one of many different activities your child can
participate in to improve flexibility and more.
http://www.cerebralpalsy.org/blog/benefits-of-yoga-for-children-with-special-needs
15- 22 respectful ways to respond when someone uses the R-word.
http://themighty.com/2016/02/22-respectful-ways-to-respond-when-someone-uses-the-
r-
word/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=NP_Partner&utm_campaign=GENERA
L
16- Cooking is always enjoyable. Below are 3 quick recipes to get your child in the
cooking spirit!
http://www.cerebralpalsy.org/blog/3-quick-cooking-recipes-children-can-help-with
17- We understand that sometimes it is hard to talk to your young ones about people with
disabilities. Here is a guide to help.
http://kellysthoughtsonthings.com/how-to-talk-to-your-children-about-people-with-
disabilities/

6. 19- We love this story! Artist Swapna Augustine was born with no arms and can
nevertheless paint stunning portraits - using her FEET to hold her brush.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FHllrGEGoo
20- Hello everyone! This is Sparsh, and his clean cover of Eminem's song, "Not Afraid"
(with a classical touch). "Not Afraid" has been his power song ever since he heard it for
the first time and Eminem became his idol in the rap genre.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqwzlMUt9oM&feature=youtu.be
21- This video of a boy with cerebral palsy, gleefully skateboarding with help from his
dad, has gone viral.
Eight-year-old Atticus Edmunds has cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that limits
muscle strength and coordination, which is why he cannot walk alone. He was born at 28
weeks, weighing two pounds and three ounces. But he is an unstoppable kid when it
comes to speed, be it swinging, sitting on a roller coaster or skateboarding.
http://www.inquisitr.com/2787451/skateboarding-video-of-wheelchair-bound-boy-with-
cerebral-palsy-goes-viral/
22- For those of you who are into flipping homes. Here is an article on building homes
with an open mind to the future and diverse needs.
http://www.builderonline.com/building/regulation-policy/building-homes-with-
accessibility-in-mind_o
23- Love this! This mother of a child with cerebral palsy wanted her daughter to know
every girl is a princess. Click through to see how mom made this possible!
http://knockknockmommy.blogspot.com/2016/02/every-girl-is-princess.html

7. 24 Get informed and better versed in your child's cerebral palsy and related conditions.
http://www.cerebralpalsy.org/blog/better-understanding-cerebral-palsy-symptoms
25 – Being a parent is difficult. When your child has special needs, that just adds to the
challenge. Remember to take some time out for yourself. Below is an article that will tell
you why this is important.
http://www.cerebralpalsy.org/blog/parents-must-care-for-themselves-too
26 We love sharing stories like this! Iowa team manager with cerebral palsy scores 8
points in magical Senior Night.
http://usatodayhss.com/2016/video-iowa-team-manager-with-cerebral-palsy-scores-8-
points-in-magical-senior-night-cameo
27 – Do you love music? The research shows music therapy can be a big help to children
with cerebral palsy. Find out more by clicking below.
http://www.midtnmusic.com/cerebral-palsy-symptoms-improved-by-music-therapy/
28 – We love this video! A little ballerina: “Not a dry eye in the house”
http://blogs.babycenter.com/mom_stories/01262016-watch-as-dance-school-gives/
29 – Volunteering is a wonderful way to help others, build relationships, and give back to
the community. Our volunteers bring an array of unique talents and beneficial skills to
our programs, fundraisers, and administrative offices. Find out how to volunteer with us
below.
http://ccucp.org/get-involved/volunteer/

8. 30 – Your support makes the difference. When you give to UCP of Central California,
you join our mission to unite and serve adults and children with a broad range of
disabilities and special needs. Donate now.
http://ccucp.org/ways-to-give/
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