By: Jenni Hanley Photography: Courtesy of United Cerebral Palsy of North Texas Date Posted: 7/6/2010 Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend

For children with disabilities, the playing field isn’t always so level. Whether you have a child who can’t speak, walk or write, he or she deserves to be included in every facet of society. Fortunately, with the goal of advancing independence for kids with disabilities, United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is helping to make that happen.

Given the cost of many of these devices, it’s not always feasible for parents to buy it to try it. UCP offers a full range of “assistive technology,” devices and toys meant to improve or maintain a person’s ability to function independently and allows you to test-drive equipment at the center for free. You can even take some items home with you for a week. Available items inclu

Check It Out—Literally United Cerebral Palsy 8802 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas 214/247-4539 Open 7:30am-4pm Mon-Fri Call to make appointment Also borrow assistive technology items from the Texas Technology Access Program at http://techaccess.edb.utexas.edu

de educational aids like Velcro-grip pens and automated page-turners, as well as mobility enhancers like bicycles for children who use wheelchairs. Additionally, UCP offers an array of devices to help kids use computers: The Roller II Trackball and Joystick provide an alternative to a traditional mouse, while the “big key” keyboard (with oversized, alphabetically arranged keys in bright colors) and software with predictive text help children to type.

This program literally “gives a voice to those who can’t speak,” shares Leah Gardner, director of Assistive Technology for UCP.

Something tells us, for these kids, having the ability to send a simple e-mail  can make all the difference in the world.