For decades UCP of Greater Birmingham has made a commitment to provide services to children with disabilities from birth to age three.  We believe that babies can’t wait.  It is important that early intervention services begin as soon as the child is identified as having a delay.  It is important for the child, but it is equally important for the parent to receive the support to help them through this difficult time.  The staff of the Hand In Hand Early Intervention Program provides hope to parents for their child’s future.  I am honored to say that without a doubt the Hand In Hand staff are the best in the nation. 

It is important to recognize how important early intervention is to children with disabilities and their families.  

• Many studies have shown that for every dollar spent in early intervention,seven dollars are saved in future costs serving children.

•  85% of a child’s brain develops by age three 

At UCP we see daily the results of early intervention services.  Just today I got a call from one of the therapists to see a young lady who we had served as a young child.  She is now in high school and, although she uses a wheelchair, but she is in regular classes and works on the school annual.  We see the impact timely services have on an individual’s success in K-12 school, college, and work.

There is a growing body of evidence that clearly demonstrates the investment our state makes in early intervention provides the same high returns in the short and long term.  However, with the state budget shortfalls, there is no emphasis being placed on early intervention.  Therefore, UCP has initiated a campaign directed to letting the legislature know the importance of early intervention services.  “Pinning Their Future on You” is a state-wide effort to involve everyone to contact their legislator.  You can join our effort by joining our FaceBook cause or requesting to receive e-mails regarding our efforts (gedwards@ucpbham.com).  My fear is that the state does not increase funding for early intervention services, a number of babies will have to wait for services.  Please join our effort to convince the Alabama legislature that early intervention must be an economic development priority in Alabama.

Dr. Gary Edwards
Executive Director