UCP conference tackles disability services, inclusion and workforce strain

By AI, Created 5:25 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – United Cerebral Palsy wrapped its 2026 Annual Conference in Calgary, bringing together affiliates, advocates and partners to address funding uncertainty, rising demand and the direct support workforce crisis. The event also previewed new service ideas, honored leaders and set the stage for the next conference in San Diego.

Why it matters: - United Cerebral Palsy’s annual gathering focused on the pressures shaping disability services now: unstable funding, growing demand and a shortage of direct support professionals. - The conference also served as a forum for sharing research, technology and service models that could improve outcomes for people with disabilities and their families. - UCP’s network serves about 200,000 children and adults each year, so changes in strategy can affect services across North America.

What happened: - United Cerebral Palsy concluded its 2026 Annual Conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, after a week of sessions with affiliate leaders, advocates, partners and disability community stakeholders from across North America. - The conference theme was “Elevating Vision, Expanding Horizons.” - Sessions covered advocacy, workforce development, service innovation, leadership, healthcare technology and community inclusion. - Speakers included disability experts, affiliate leaders, advocates, healthcare professionals and community partners. - Diane Wilush, interim president and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy, said the event highlighted the network’s “strength, creativity, and dedication.” - Zach Anner delivered a keynote address and spoke about receiving therapies as a child through a UCP affiliate in New York. - John Sprogis, president and CEO of UCP of the Inland Empire in Palm Desert, Calif., said the conference created a strong space for learning, reconnecting and sharing solutions.

The details: - UCP said the conference was designed to help its affiliate network prepare for tomorrow’s challenges, including funding uncertainty and the direct support professional workforce crisis. - Attendees discussed emerging research, innovative technologies and forward-looking service models. - UCP’s annual awards program recognized contributions to leadership, service, public policy and community partnership. - Honorees included Roger Slingerman of UCP+ of Central California, Lori Opiela of UCP of Seguin of Greater Chicago, U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Steven Ortiz of Mutual of America Financial Group. - Steven Ortiz said the partnership deepened his understanding of UCP’s mission to promote independence, inclusion and opportunity for people with cerebral palsy, intellectual and developmental disabilities and other disabilities. - UCP said the 2026 conference was supported by Jazz Pharmaceuticals, MassMutual SpecialCare, The Mahoney Group, Numotion Foundation and Waymo. - UCP was founded in 1949 and operates a network of affiliate organizations across North America. - The organization says its affiliates provide services including information, resource referral, advocacy, research, educational instruction, early intervention, therapies, job coaching, integrated employment, home and community-based services, recreational opportunities and housing assistance. - UCP’s mission is that all people with disabilities should be treated as equal members of an inclusive society.

Between the lines: - The agenda shows UCP is trying to move beyond a conference model and use the event as a planning hub for a sector under pressure. - The mix of service providers, advocates, corporate sponsors and public officials suggests UCP is leaning on a broad coalition to address both operational and policy challenges. - Anner’s keynote connected the network’s past impact with its current mission, giving the event a personal and symbolic thread.

What’s next: - The 2027 UCP Annual Conference is scheduled for April 12-14 in San Diego. - UCP is seeking prospective sponsors, partners and presenters for next year’s event. - Interested parties can contact PartnerWithUs@UCP.org for more information.

The bottom line: - UCP used its 2026 conference to pair celebration with strategy, pushing its network toward new solutions as disability services face mounting strain.