Michael S. Porter
Eric C. Nordby
United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island (UCP-LI) is a comprehensive service provider that has been supporting children and adults with disabilities for over 75 years. Founded in 1950 by parents of children with cerebral palsy, the organization now serves individuals with a wide range of developmental disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and spina bifida across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
UCP-LI operates as a full-service agency rather than a support group, offering education programs, therapy services, residential care, employment support, and day programs. The organization explicitly recognizes that cerebral palsy often results from brain injury during pregnancy, labor, or birth, including oxygen deprivation and complications from premature birth, making their Early Intervention and children’s programs particularly relevant for families affected by birth injuries.
Best For: Long Island families seeking a long-term service provider that can support their child from infancy through adulthood, especially those with significant medical or physical needs who require coordinated therapy, education, and potentially residential services.
Strengths & Limitations
| Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Lifespan continuity – Provides services from birth through adulthood, allowing families to stay with one organization as their child grows rather than transitioning between multiple providers | Geographic restriction – Only serves residents of Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island, excluding families elsewhere in New York State |
| 75+ years of experience – Established in 1950 with deep roots in the Long Island community and extensive expertise in serving individuals with complex disabilities | Not a support group – This is a service delivery organization, not a peer support network, so families seeking parent-to-parent connections or emotional counseling will need to look elsewhere |
| Medical complexity expertise – Particularly strong at supporting individuals with significant physical disabilities and medical needs, including 24-hour nursing care capabilities | OPWDD eligibility required – Most adult services require qualification under developmental disability criteria, which may exclude some families |
| Financial efficiency – Spends 92% of funding directly on programs rather than administrative costs, with services typically free to families through government funding | Possible waitlists – Residential services in particular may have limited availability with 31 homes serving 225+ individuals |
| Self-advocacy culture – Maintains a participant-led “Citizens First” board that gives individuals with disabilities direct input into organizational decisions |
Services & Support
Early Childhood Services
- Early Intervention Program (birth to age 3) – Evaluations, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, feeding therapy, psychology, social work, family support, and special instruction provided in your home or natural environment
- Preschool Program (ages 3-5) – Full-day preschool with integrated therapies, skilled nursing, vision services, music therapy, and assistive technology
- Family training and support services for parents navigating early developmental concerns
School-Age Services
- School Age Program (ages 5-21) – Year-round educational programming with adaptive physical education, occupational therapy, speech therapy, skilled nursing, social work, and psychology for children who require specialized education outside their home school district
- Children’s Residential Program (ages 5-21) – 24-hour residential and educational care with nursing for children requiring intensive support
- Support groups through The Children’s Center
Adult Services (21+)
- Adult Day Habilitation – Site-based and community-based programs focused on skill development, social engagement, and personal choice
- Adult Day Treatment – Support for independent living tasks and daily life skills
- Community Habilitation – One-on-one skill development in community settings, including adaptive skills, social skills, and self-advocacy training
- Residential Services – 31 homes across Long Island providing 24-hour support for adults with developmental disabilities
- The Employment Connection – Career assessment, job training, placement, coaching, and long-term employment support
Therapy & Medical Support
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech/language therapy coordinated through multidisciplinary teams
- Specialized feeding therapy program
- Assistive technology services and communication device support
- 24-hour nursing care available in residential programs
Family Support
- Respite programs – Athletic Respite, Art Respite, and Saturday Recreational Respite to give caregivers breaks
- Brushstrokes Art Program – Adaptive art programming for creative expression
- Care coordination across medical, therapy, and educational needs
Resources & Connections
- Online resources linking to federal/state agencies, advocacy organizations, and community resources
- Connection to national United Cerebral Palsy network and New York State affiliates
Locations & Contact
Main Administrative Office
250 Marcus Boulevard
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Phone: (631) 232-0011
Fax: (631) 232-4422
The Children’s Center
9 Smiths Lane
Commack, NY 11725
Phone: (631) 543-2338
Fax: (631) 543-5981
Additional Locations: 31 residential homes throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties
Website: ucp-li.org
Email: info@ucp-li.org
Facebook: facebook.com/UCPofLongIsland
Instagram: @ucpoflongisland
Department-Specific Contacts
- Adult Services: (631) 232-0011 ext. 601
- Residential Services: (631) 543-4500
- Early Intervention Concerns: (631) 543-2338 ext. 391 or 306
- Development/Donations: (631) 232-0015
Who Can Access Services
Geographic Area: Nassau and Suffolk Counties (Long Island only)
Age Range: Birth through adulthood
- Early Intervention: Birth to 3 years
- Preschool: Ages 3-5
- School Age: Ages 5-21
- Adult Services: Age 21+
Eligibility: Individuals with developmental disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, spina bifida, and related conditions. Adult services require eligibility through New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
Cost: Services are typically free to families, funded through OPWDD, Medicaid, and other government sources. No income requirements.
Accessibility: All facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for individuals with physical disabilities. Assistive technology and communication supports are available. Virtual services were offered during COVID and some remote options may continue.
How to Get Started
- Call the main number at (631) 232-0011 to discuss your family’s needs and be directed to the appropriate program department.
- For Early Intervention concerns (birth to age 3), call The Children’s Center directly at (631) 543-2338 ext. 391 or 306. Your child will receive a free state-funded evaluation to determine eligibility.
- For preschool or school-age programs, contact The Children’s Center at (631) 543-2338 to begin the evaluation and placement process, which involves your local school district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) or Committee on Special Education (CSE).
- For adult services (day programs, employment, residential, or community habilitation), contact Adult Services at (631) 232-0011 ext. 601. Your family member must be OPWDD-eligible to access these programs.
- Schedule a tour of relevant programs by contacting the Office of Development at (631) 232-0015 to see facilities and meet staff before making decisions.
Bottom Line
United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island is best suited for Long Island families who need comprehensive, long-term services for a child or adult with significant developmental disabilities, particularly those with complex medical or physical needs related to birth injuries. With over $60 million in annual programming and a track record spanning 75 years, UCP-LI offers a rare continuity of care from Early Intervention through adult residential and employment services, all under one organizational umbrella. The organization’s particular strength lies in supporting individuals with cerebral palsy and other conditions requiring extensive therapy, nursing care, and specialized education.
However, families should understand that this is a service delivery organization rather than a peer support network, and services are limited to Nassau and Suffolk County residents who meet developmental disability criteria. If you’re a Long Island family seeking a stable, experienced provider that can grow with your child from infancy through adulthood, UCP-LI offers one of the most comprehensive programs in the region.