Mark Your Calendars! UCP Kids Announces 2009-2010 Workshop Series

UCP Kids is pleased to announce our 2009-2010 workshop series. At the UCP Kids workshops, experts will speak on some of the issues that matter most to families and professionals. Don’t miss these opportunities to share experiences, network, problem-solve and develop relationships with one another that will act as an ongoing source of support. Watch for announcements on the following topics!

Creating a School Community:
Celebrating National Inclusive Schools Week
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
4:00 pm. to 6:00 p.m. Professional Development Center at Greenway
1400 Crucible Street Pittsburgh, PA 15205
UCP Kids is proud to promote a special event being presented by the Pittsburgh Public Schools in recognition of National Inclusive Schools Week. Recognized speaker and author Dr. Al Condeluci of UCP/CLASS will discuss the importance of creating inclusive classroom communities within schools. Don't miss this inspiring talk along with music, activities and success stories from students themselves! Contact Marianne Trachok at mtrachok1@pghboe.net for more information.

Movie Night
For the third consecutive year, UCP Kids will host a fun, casual evening at the movies. Come enjoy popcorn and snacks while watching a movie that focuses on disability-related topics at our accessible Centre Avenue location.

Steering Our Sons: Meeting Boys Where They Are
As a follow-up to last year’s popular “Girl Power: Meeting Girls Where They Are” workshop, UCP Kids is pleased to present a workshop focused this time on boys with disabilities. This workshop is intended to empower adolescent boys with disabilities, their families, and professionals who support them, to envision a bright future with endless possibilities. Our exclusive “Steer Our Sons Panel” will include successful young men with various types of disabilities and in various careers who will demonstrate that it can happen!

The Bridge Between Therapy and Community
Many children with disabilities receive therapy -- physical, occupational, speech, and sometimes more. This workshop will focus on thinking about therapy from the standpoint of developing skills within the therapy setting as a segue for meaningful participation in activities within the community and the importance of viewing activities within the community as a complement to therapy.

Social Capital and Cultural Shifting
People with disabilities find themselves in changing times. Old methods of program services are giving way to person-centered planning and individuals being empowered with self-direction. New opportunities for youth with disabilities are developing every day. But regardless of these shifts in service structure, the challenge remains the same - how can people with disabilities find their rightful place in the community and develop meaningful relationships? This workshop will introduce the audience to the four steps of community-building that UCP Kids uses in its work toward helping children with disabilities to have full participation in recreational, educational, and social opportunities in their communities.

Watch for dates on all of the above topics and more!

To stay informed of other UCP Kids News and Events, sign up for the UCP Kids eNewsletter.  For questions regarding the UCP Kids Series of workshops and/or to confirm that you are on the mailing list, please visit our Children and Family Services page or contact our workshop information line at 412.683.7100 ext.1030.