Thousands Offered For Disability Innovations

Thousands Offered For Disability Innovations

In 2012, UCP, our affiliates and global partners joined together to establish the first annual World Cerebral Palsy Day, an international day of awareness about cerebral palsy. As part of the day, we introduced the “Change my World in 1 Minute” contest. We asked people with disabilities from around the world to create a one-minute video telling us what could be created, developed or modified, that would change their world and how. We received a staggering 500 submissions, and from this incredibly diverse pool, a specially appointed committee selected three ideas as finalists: a solar-powered wheelchair, a fold-up motorized wheelchair, and a documentary about people living with cerebral palsy in the 21st century.
 

The next phase of the “Change my World in 1 Minute” contest is the most exciting; we are challenging, the world’s inventors, craftsmen, makers and hackers, tinkerers and anyone who thinks they can bring one of these ideas to life, to compete for a share of a $25,000 prize. So if you or someone you know could build or create one of these ideas, let us know! We are so excited about this contest—not only will we get to see the world’s creativity at work, but the final products will make a significant difference in the lives of people living with disabilities.

For the estimated 57 million Americans and 650 million people around the world living with

 disabilities, World CP Day and the “Change my World in 1 Minute” contest is more than just

 a single day or awareness or a cash prize. It is a daily recognition of their lives—and the need

 to increase accessibility and independence for everyone.  It’s an innovative approach for a 

nonprofit: Asking for ideas instead of dollars. Then  rewarding the people who can make 

those ideas a reality. 

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To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link.

2013 Disability Policy Seminar

TAKE YOUR MESSAGE TO CAPITOL HILL

Does what happens in Washington, D.C. really matter? You bet! Every day millions of Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities are impacted by the public policy decisions – big and small -- made by their representatives in Congress.

And each year, hundreds of advocates attend the Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. to learn more about and discuss the hottest topics in disability public policy. We invite you to join us for an opportunity to advance the grassroots movement for people with I/DD and make sure your elected officials know what’s important to you. Two days of informative in-depth sessions from disability policy experts and opportunities to network with others from your state will culminate in a third day starting off with breakfast on Capitol Hill before you personally meet with your elected representatives and their staffs.

About the Seminar

During full day sessions April 15-16, you will have the opportunity to hear from leading public policy experts, disability advocates and Congressional staff discussing current key policies important to the disability community.

But on Wednesday, April 17, the real work is done when you will meet your Congressional delegation and deliver a unified message, in person with 500+ other advocates, that persons with disabilities must have equal opportunity to participate in our economy and society, and receive the necessary services and supports.

Who Should Attend?

• Self-advocates;
• Parents and family member of an individuals with disabilities;
• Board members, staff, trainees, and volunteers for disability organizations;
• State and local public policy committee members;
• Public policy staff; or
• Constituents

During this crucial election season, we need YOU in Washington, D.C. to help us build bipartisan support on Capitol Hill for high-priority disability issues. When you attend the Disability Policy Seminar, we’ll arm you with all of the information you need to help educate our Members of Congress and their staff on the priorities of the I/DD community. Then, you can return to your hometowns with the ability to spread the word, educate new advocates and reach out to the candidates to help put the needs of people with I/DD front and center on the campaign trail this year.

Priority Topics

Topics to be discussed include: Medicaid and Community Living, Federal Funding, Social Security, Employment and Education, Health Care, and Asset Development. Check our program schedule for a list of informative sessions about the issues important to you.

Disability Policy Seminar
April 14-17, 2013
Grand Hyatt Washington
Washington, DC

To read more, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link.