make a wish ... - United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago

Dear friends,
It all started with a wish. Back in 1951, a group of parents wished for a better life for their children with disabilities
— and UCP of Greater Chicago was born.
Today, parents, children, teens and adults — across Illinois and beyond — rely on UCP to help them meet the
challenge of a life without limits. We meet the challenge through a host of programs and services made possible
by the generosity of our steadfast supporters. What we have accomplished together this year is truly astonishing.
Assistive Technology Exchange Network (ATEN) has given 3,836 computers from nearly 1,981 individual and
corporate donors to 164 schools serving 77 Illinois communities. To increase capacity and handle equipment
that cannot be refurbished, ATEN has joined forces with Universal Conservation Partnership. Using sophisticated
equipment, Universal separates components and distributes them to recyclers offering top dollar. Altogether,
ATEN recycled 407 tons of e-waste last year that would otherwise have gone into landfills.
Infinitec Assistive Technology Coalition has partnered with CS&C Learning to give 20 Illinois agencies $300,000
in mini-grants. These funds will pay for software to help schoolchildren with disabilities become more productive
learners.
Kansas Infinitec Coalition has expanded its services to cover 90 percent of the state’s school districts and awarded
13 scholarships for assistive technology specialists to train in Chicago.
A new initiative called InfiniTEXT makes digitized textbooks available to elementary and high school students
whose disabilities prevent them from accessing printed materials.
Infinitec Media Services has received its sixth national Telly award for a recent video on gamma knife treatment for
brain tumors. The video has brought $22,000 in revenues to UCP.
UCP’s Adult Programs has created numerous volunteer opportunities for its clients, in partnership with Cicero
Town Hall and retailers in the Harrison Street Business Alliance. Along the way, participants have learned new skills,
forged new relationships and won a place as valued members of their community.
What began with a wish has come full circle. With your help, UCP is making wishes come true.
David Pepper, Chairman of the Board
CEO, Pepper Construction Group
Emily L. Barr, President of the Board
President & General Manager, ABC7 Chicago