United Cerebral Palsy of Texas (now Easter Seals Central Texas)
2008 General Cycle Awardee

United Cerebral Palsy of Texas (now Easter Seals Central Texas) received a $50,000 grant under the 2008 general funding cycle of the Texas Foundations Fund. UCP used their grant to fund the Critical Home Accessibility Modifications Program (CHAMP), an architectural barrier removal program that helps to increase basic and essential accessibility for persons with disabilities who are residing in homes outside of the city limits but within county limits of Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, Williamson, Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Tarrant, Parker, Johnson & Dallas Counties. Homes that lack ramps, accessible bathrooms and accessible kitchens pose a serious life-threatening situation in the everyday lives of individuals with disabilities. United Cerebral Palsy served five households with the funding from this grant. Below are testimonials and pictures that demonstrate the effectiveness of their program.

 

 

One homeowner assisted by UCP writes:

Everybody wants to be independent. Everybody wants to be able to take care of themselves. And so do I. For many years, I was not able to leave my property without assistance. When I wanted to go anywhere, someone had to drive up to the curb of my property so I could get out of my wheel chair to get into their vehicle, or if it was the bus to allow the bus to put the ramp down on my curb. There was fear in my heart that if there was an emergency, and I was at home alone I would be killed or injured. Over time I had become dependent on my wheelchair to get around inside and outside of my home. Using a wheelchair has made many everyday activities a challenge. My family made some changes to the home, but none to the outside. Eventually I got a ramp. A huge storm caused a tree to fall and the tree crushed the ramp. So at the beginning of April 2009 I was trapped in my home with no way to get out.

I contacted a number of local organizations for help and was referred to UCP, and was qualified to receive assistance from them. UCP of Texas helped me regain my independence. I now have the ability to leave my home without any assistance. I can now go to the bathroom independently. I can get in and out of my kitchen by myself. UCP of Texas has given me the chance to take care of myself as much as I can. I'm no longer afraid of being trapped on my property. I can now leave my property without waiting for help from anyone esle. The words Thank You are not enough. I will always be grateful for how you helped to change my life. And for the peace that I now have.

Thank you UCP of Texas and the CHAMP Program.

Sincerely,
Angela White


Before and After Pictures of Other Projects

 

Before
After


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