UCP -Center for Disability Services Life without limits for people with disabilities
07/26/2025
We’re excited to invite you to the UCP Center for Disability Services’ Joliet Slammers Fundraiser on August 3, 2025!
Join us for a fantastic day at the ballpark! It’s Sensory Night, a special evening with sensory-friendly accommodations so everyone can have a fun and enjoyable experience, no matter their abilities.
By purchasing your tickets through this link, you'll not only be supporting your favorite team but also making a positive difference! Every ticket sold goes directly to our agency, helping us continue our important work.
Today, July 26, is the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please note that the Disability Pride Fair scheduled for today is postponed until the fall due to the weather.
07/23/2025
Thank you to Abri Credit Union in Romeoville for sponsoring a trivia round! Your support of our event is greatly appreciated. We cannot wait to welcome the returning champions back for another year!
For Mor information on how to become a sponsor at our Trivia Night event, check out the link here: https://lnkd.in/gisWmsvJ or use the link in our bio
07/22/2025
Our community Day Service programs have been having a blast this summer, from going on group outings to enjoying delicious treats and fun arts and crafts. They have been enjoying their summer!
07/21/2025
Happy Monday! We encourage you to be kind to someone this week!
❤️ 😊
07/20/2025
Some of our amazing clients at the community day program had a fantastic adventure at Alsip Nursery! They had a wonderful time exploring nature and getting up close with the animals. It was a day filled with fun and discovery!
07/19/2025
We are excited to invite you to partner with us for our highly anticipated Trivia Night event on September 11, 2025! This is an opportunity you won't want to miss. Explore our sponsorship details and secure your tickets using the link below!
We would love to introduce our new principal Jill Howard
My name is Jill Howard, and I am proud to serve as the principal of this wonderful school. I am excited to be part of the UCP team and to work closely with our students, staff, and families in a community that values learning and inclusion.
I grew up in the western suburbs with my parents and two older brothers. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be an educator, inspired by exceptional teachers and a supportive family. I earned my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Concordia University and two master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction, and educational leadership from Benedictine University. This year marks my twenty-ninth year in education, beginning in parochial schools and later teaching third grade at Westmore Elementary School before becoming the assistant principal at Cloverdale Elementary School.
I live in Shorewood with my husband and our two cats. I enjoy spending time with family, reading, crafting, and exploring nature. I believe learning is all around us.
At Melvin J. Larson School, we celebrate life without limits. Our dedicated staff provides students with the opportunity to learn and thrive, partnering with families to instill a love of learning, inclusion, and self-advocacy.
I look forward to a wonderful school year together!
07/18/2025
UCP Center for Disability Services Presents: Joliet Slammers Fundraiser on August 3, 2025!
Join us for an incredible day at the ballpark! We are hosting Sensory Night, a special event designed with sensory-friendly accommodations to ensure a fun experience for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
When you purchase your tickets through this link, you'll not only support your favorite team but also make a meaningful impact. Every ticket sold contributes directly to our agency, helping us continue our essential work!
Happy National Tattoo Day, everyone! 🎉 Room 5 has set up a fun Tattoo Booth where both clients and staff can come by and get some fresh “ink!”
07/16/2025
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Argoudelis for visiting our agency last week. Your engagement and interest in learning about our mission and services are truly appreciated. Thank you for making the time to connect with us!
07/16/2025
Ways to become an active member:
-Join a committee
-Volunteer at a program or one of our annual fundraisers
-Become a corporate sponsor
-Become a supporter
-Help us spread our mission
-Subscribe to our monthly newsletter
-Become a monthly donor
-Attend our annual members of the corporation meeting
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when UCP-Center for Disability Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Ludia began her educational career at CDS in the Melvin J. Larson Education Center in February 2014. Today, she has become a bright and delightful sophomore, eager to learn. Dedicated staff work hard every day to stretch Ludia’s independence beyond what anyone would believe her capabilities could allow.
If you were fortunate to meet Ludia personally, you too would find her attitude charming: big sweet smile and big dark eyes, eyes that truly see you, connecting with you in her own, special way.
Ludia relies upon her iPad to communicate with staff and peers. Here’s what Ludia would “tell” you if she were to meet you today:
"I am so happy to attend CDS! In class, I am learning how to add and subtract and many other things. Since starting here, I have made many new friends, and the staff is always making me laugh and smile.”
As with all CDS students ages 3 to 22 years in the Larson Education Center, Ludia is “abled” in ways different than you or I. We very much appreciate Ludia consenting to participate in this appeal as it is important to put a real face on the wonderful achievements accomplished every day at CDS. Lives are transformed here at CDS by a cadre of passionate and caring staff of teaching and therapy professionals. We are fortunate: We see miracles every day.
At the Center for Disability Services, we all are grateful for the support of friends who continue to help us grow, to surpass new goals, and to transform lives like Ludia’s.
During this extraordinary time of year, as you think about how you might give to others, Ludia and all her friends here hope you’ll consider a gift to CDS. Your gifts make a positive impact on individuals and their families who are impacted with the challenges of disabilities.
