History

An article from the September 13, 1949, edition of The Buffalo Evening News vividly described what would be called the Young Adult Cerebral Palsy Center:

“For the first time in their lives a group of young men and women are looking forward to a gay winter full of happy, interesting days. Accustomed to watching other boys and girls, these young people now are being offered a brand-new slice of living. They will go out at least one night a week for social recreation—go out wheelchairs and all. These young men and women are handicapped by cerebral palsy. (Statistics show that 95% of cerebral palsy happens at birth—so for nearly every member of this group it’s been a long time!)”

Mrs. Howard M. Sharp, chairman of the Palsy Association, called the center’s opening a dream come true at its first meeting on September 23, 1949, according to the Courier-Express. She pointed out that one of the first treatment centers for young people with cerebral palsy was opened at Children’s Hospital just seven years before. Thomas O’Neill also spoke. He told attendees that the Palsy Association and the Junior League have “laid firm foundations upon which citizens of Buffalo can build a structure which will not only open the eyes of this country but may serve as a model to be copied by the entire world.”

By 1951, the agency grew to include not only the recreation program, but also administrative offices, a preschool and a research library. Space was rented at the Variety Club Clinic, operated by Children’s Hospital at the Victorian mansion, 309 North Street. The preschool services expanded in 1952, when children ages three to seven could be enrolled. Children were transported to Children’s Hospital for therapeutic or medical services with the use of two new station wagons donated by the Junior League of Buffalo, Inc. In 1954, the agency purchased the Victorian mansion.

In 1961, a joint venture of Niagara Vocational Rehabilitation Center and CPA of WNY results in the purchase of a warehouse building at 100 Leroy.  The space was used to expand enrollment in the preschool, vocational rehabilitation programs, and a new day care program for severely physically involved children.  In 1965, CPA of WNY changes the admission policy to include children with disabilities other than cerebral palsy.

In 1969, the Agency becomes affiliated with the State Cerebral Palsy Organization.

The 1980’s included more growth for UCPA as a Respite Care Center was founded in Tonawanda, while 7 Community Drive became home for Adult and Day Services, the Adult Clinic, Recreation, and Home Services. In 1984, the first Children’s Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) was founded at the Audubon Campus to provide intensive medical and behavioral supports. That same year, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation of WNY was created as the fundraising arm for the agency.

By 2003, another transition took place to better represent the agency as it had developed beyond its humble beginnings. Less than 35 percent of those served had cerebral palsy. The remaining individuals included those with mental retardation, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological conditions.  Because the agency supported people with all imaginable disabilities and was helping them strive to achieve their greatest capabilities, the agency felt a new name that more fully represented the spirit of the organization should be developed. In light of this, the agency disaffiliates with United Cerebral Palsy and on March 14, 2003, the agency became known as Aspire of Western New York.

Also in 2003, Aspire of WNY began and completed the building and move in of a new Audubon Administrative Office Building, which would house administration, as well as the Walter Brock Center, now known as the Brock Day Hab.

A major expansion and renovation at the Center for Learning, located at 4635 Union Road in Cheektowaga, was completed as part of the largest capital campaign in agency history.  The new Center for Learning is 73,000 sq. ft. of space dedicated to the education of your students.   The original half-century-old building was only 53,000 square feet.  The additional 20,000 sq. ft. of new space was developed to enhance overall services provided at the Center for Learning.