Niagara Cerebral Palsy offers an array of services to people with developmental disabilities

The goal of Niagara Cerebral Palsy is to help those with developmental disabilities from infants to adults live the most independent and inclusive lives they can, according to John Reardon, executive director/chief executive officer.

To that end, the organization served 4,000 clients last year in a wide variety of ways. It provided everything from 24-hour residential care and in-home respite to preschool and early childhood special education, and offered dental, audiology and podiatry clinics, as well as occupational and physical therapy.

The nonprofit corporation is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and will be holding its annual Snowflake Basket Auction from 4 to 8 p.m. March 21 and from noon to 5 p.m. March 22 in the Niagara Falls Elks Lodge, 1805 Fashion Outlet Blvd.

In the past four years, the event has helped raise nearly $50,000, used to help purchase items like therapeutic swings and sensory chairs and teaching materials, as well as to upgrade the organizations group homes.

Wed like to try and make the public aware that we are not just cerebral palsy in fact, thats a small percentage of the children and adults who use our services every day, Reardon said. Our agency serves children even infants and adults with any type of developmental disability, whether its autism, neurological disorders, intellectual deficits, cerebral palsy or any other type of syndrome there is a wide range of disabilities.

For example, Melissa Loor has two children with Down syndrome, Tommy, 11, and Abby, 7.

Both of my children started at Niagara Cerebral Palsy at age two for preschool, Loor said. They also received physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and socialized with other kids.

Now, both of them are at Harry F. Abate School, in the life skills program, said the Niagara Falls resident. Tommy has been graded a Level Four, with distinction, which is the highest level. Both have learned so many of the skills they needed at NCP. They are doing phenomenally.

And I started working part time at NCP as a medical assistant in the dental and podiatry clinics, she added. Its really great. The therapists all try to work with each other they all communicate. And every teacher genuinely cares about the kids they are working with.

Reardon said the agency continues to expand our services, and we have expertise in a number of areas. We have quite a diverse array of services available to people.

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Niagara Cerebral Palsy offers an array of services to people with developmental disabilities