Start Here provides caregivers with a trusted source for guidance on everything from the basics of cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, spina bifida, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as managed-care advice about how to be an effective advocate for their child. According to the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration, an estimated 8.56 million people in the United States had intellectual or developmental disabilities in 2021 — reflecting updated national data and improved reporting.
ADAPT Community Network of New York City developed the website and launched it in association with United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) and its national network of affiliates in the U.S. and in Canada.
The content is presented in clear, accessible language and lively graphics. Sections and topics for Start Here, including (partial list): Day One – First Steps; Get Smart – What You Need to Know; How to Speak Up – Being a Champion for Your Child; Healthcare, The Doctor's Visit - a Parent's Guide; Making Plans; Family Matters; How to Step it Up; Fighting the Good Fight; and What's New.
"The goal of Start Here is to equip parents and caregivers with a roadmap and guide to getting the best information so they can negotiate what can be an overwhelming and complicated system of services," said Matthews. "As we expand the site, we will bring additional resources, including informational sessions from experts on a variety of topics affecting the lives of children with differing needs."
"Our world's diverse and growing population includes an equally diverse and growing community of special needs children and adults," says Contreras. "Start Here is meant to offer parents plain-spoken, practical guidance on how best to support their children and care for themselves in the process. United Cerebral Palsy is proud to support ADAPT Community Network as it continues to develop this vitally important online resource."
As families continue to navigate a world of complex systems, evolving diagnoses, and ever-changing information, Start Here stands as a steady, compassionate guide. It’s a place where caregivers can find not only answers, but also reassurance — a reminder that they don’t have to figure everything out alone. During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, the platform’s mission feels especially vital: to empower parents with knowledge, confidence, and community as they support the children they love.
About ADAPT Community Network
ADAPT Community Network is the leading human service not–for–profit and a pioneer in providing cutting–edge programs and services for people with disabilities. Every day, we build a more inclusive world for thousands of New Yorkers through education, technology, health, residential, and recreational programs in all five boroughs. Our schools and services encompass many people who have challenges beyond cerebral palsy such as autism, Down syndrome, spina bifida, and neuromuscular disorders, among others. We are the largest provider of pre–school education for children with disabilities in New York. ADAPT's 100 comprehensive programs serve over 20,000 children and adults with disabilities and their families.
About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy is the indispensable resource for people with cerebral palsy and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), such as Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and a wide range of other disabilities. Founded in 1949, UCP has 58 affiliates (56 in the U.S. and two in Canada) that provide disability services including information, resources and referrals, educational instruction, home and community-based services, housing assistance, workforce training, assistive technology, rehabilitative therapy, early intervention, and support for research relevant to cerebral palsy. UCP works on behalf of more than 150,000 children and adults annually at all levels of ability and stages of life and believes people with disabilities deserve to be treated as equal members of an inclusive society to achieve their fullest potential and "live life without limits."
For more information about United Cerebral Palsy, go to: www.ucp.org