Hot Topics     Home and Family     Healthy Kids     Teen Health     Health Guide    

ADAPT Community Network and United Cerebral Palsy launches 'Start Here'



Free digital platform providing information and resources for parents with children with disabilities

Free information and resources for parents with children with disabilities

Edward R. Matthews, CEO of ADAPT Community Network, and Armando A. Contreras, President & CEO of United Cerebral Palsy, announced the launch of Start Here (www.starthereparents.org), a new digital platform that will provide parents of children with disabilities with a wide range of critical and comprehensive resources. The website launched on February 9.

Although many websites offer advice about children with special needs, families facing the concerns and questions that arise when a child has significant developmental delays have not had a worldwide comprehensive go-to online resource to turn to. That is about to change.

The launch of Start Here will provide 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. As of 2016, 7.37 million people in the United States had intellectual or developmental disabilities, according to the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota.

ADAPT Community Network of New York City has developed the new website and is launching it in association with United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) and its national network of 58 affiliates, including 56 in the U.S. and two 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," says Edward R. Matthews, CEO of ADAPT Community Network. "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 Armando Contreras, President & CEO of United Cerebral Palsy National. "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."

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.

For more information about ADAPT Community Network go to: www.adaptcommunitynetwork.org.

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



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • 4 ways to promote positive maternal mental health

    It's important to take good care of yourself

    The joys of raising and nurturing a baby are practically endless for new parents, yet there remain challenges to overcome. While it may be natural to focus attention and energy on caring for a new baby, it’s equally important for mothers to maintain their own mental health. read more »
  • Foot and ankle safety tips for the summer months

    7 facts you need to know

    From the beach to the backyard, taking care of your feet and ankles in summer is essential. read more »
  • Donate plasma to save lives this summer

    It's a meaningful way to give back to your community

    Plasma donation is an impactful, meaningful way to give back to your community this summer. By donating plasma, you can help people like Machelle Pecoraro. read more »
  • Reinvigorate your plant collection

    Annual Master Gardener Program Great Plant Swap and Sale

    The Annual Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County’s (CCEUC) Master Gardener “Great Plant Swap & Sale” Returns on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at the Forsyth Park Pavilion, 157 Lucas Avenue in Kingston. The proceeds benefit the Dominic Parise Master Gardener Scholarship. read more »
  • 5 garage safety tips

    Make sure everything is secure and functioning properly

    When you throw open the windows, you’ll likely be spending more time with the garage door open, too. Make access to your outdoor equipment safer with these tips to get your garage ready for the warmer months. read more »
  • 7 vegetables to grow easily in your home garden

    All you need is a little time and effort

    Growing fresh, healthy vegetables at home may not be as hard as it sounds. Novice gardeners just need good dirt, easy plants to grow, lots of sunshine and the right amount of water. read more »
  • 7 budget-friendly gardening hacks

    Tricks to help you create a cost-effective garden

    Gardening can be a simple way to beautify your yard, relieve stress and save money on your grocery bill, but like any hobby, you can get carried away buying necessary equipment. read more »
  • 2023 I Love My Parks Day Events

    Volunteer with your family to clean up a local state park

    I Love My Park Day is an annual event that brings together thousands of volunteers to enhance and celebrate New York's amazing parkland. read more »
  • Spinach and artichoke stuffed mushroom caps

    Simple, easy and delicious

    Bringing an element of elegance to your holiday celebration is easy when you start with party-pleasing ingredients, and great tasting food often starts with dairy. read more »
  • Parmesan crusted chicken

    Super easy to make

    Not only is this Parmesan Crusted Chicken dish delicious, it is super simple to make. read more »