UCP Suffolk is part of a national organization, United Cerebral Palsy Associations, which was founded in 1949, by a group of concerned parents whose children had cerebral palsy. Today there are over 100 local affiliates throughout the United States. More than 30,000 people with disabilities and their families receive assistance from UCP affiliates each day. Only 35% have cerebral palsy; others served have a variety of physical and/or developmental disabilities. United Cerebral Palsy Associations is one of the largest health charities in America and is also one of the most efficient with its funds. At UCP Suffolk, of every dollar raised over 91 cents goes directly back into programs and services benefiting people with disabilities.

Direct services provided by UCP Suffolk include medical diagnosis, evaluation and treatment; therapy; assistive technology; information and referral; early intervention; preschool and school age educational programs; vocational rehabilitation; employment; individual and family support; social and recreation programs; community inclusion and independent living; advocacy and community education. UCP Suffolk is one of the largest affiliates of the national organization serving both children and adults.

UCP is a strong advocate for people with disabilities. Working in conjunction with other organizations serving individuals with disabilities, UCP leaders helped write the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This was a significant accomplishment because people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities could now be assured of the basic civil rights afforded to others. Advocacy is an integral part of all programs at UCP Suffolk.

Incorporated in 1983, UCP Suffolk moved into a 57,000 square foot site in 1995, which houses its Adult Day Programs, Case Management, Home and Respite Services, Center for Assistive Technology (CATS), and Administrative Offices. Other major divisions include the Children’s Center and a Diagnostic and Treatment Center, which provides primary medical attention and specialty care for program participants and members of the community. UCP Suffolk also operates over 20 residential homes throughout Suffolk County and a 12-unit apartment complex funded by a grant from the U.S. Office of Housing and Urban Development.

In 1999, UCP Suffolk was designated by MOVE (Mobility Opportunities via Education) International as the only MOVE Model Site in the Northeast. MOVE is an internationally recognized educational program combining a philosophy, equipment and professional intervention designed to help people with disabilities learn skills needed for sitting, standing and walking, which are practiced throughout the day and at home. UCP Suffolk is the only Model Charter Site that uses this program with both its children and adult program participants.

UCP Suffolk partners with other organizations to ensure that the needs of individuals with disabilities are fully met, and was one of the founding members of the Alliance of Long Island Agencies for persons with developmental disabilities. In recent years UCP Suffolk has joined with the Suffolk County Community College to provide scholarships for individuals with disabilities.

In 1995, UCP Suffolk was designated the Agency of the year by the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State Inc.