November 13, 2013

Margo Orlin, PT, an associate professor and Interim Chair of the College’s Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, was recently elected President of the United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCP) of Philadelphia and Vicinity. UCP, as a national organization, is geared toward enhancing the lives of the estimated 2 million Americans with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities and has many affiliates across the country.

As President of the Philadelphia affiliate of UCP, Orlin predominantly provides oversight to the organization through board of directors to make sure that operations are running efficiently. She presides over meetings, is involved in committee work, and works with the administration of the organization. What makes UCP unique, however, is that the organization enlists the expertise of many different types of professionals. Their board of directors represents a variety of diverse fields. In addition to including healthcare providers like Physical Therapists, the board and its committees are made up of people with disabilities, family members of those with disabilities, and professionals in marketing, finance, legal studies, public relations and media.

UCP offers numerous services to its clients, including direct care, employment training, advocacy services, educational services, adult recreation, community-based programs and childhood early intervention and preschool programs. UCP also owns a number of accessible homes in the Philadelphia region that serve as a community based living environments for those with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities.

During the graduate level Physical Therapy pediatrics course, Physical Therapy students at the College of Nursing and Health Professions are able to perform supervised work with the UCP directly and gain valuable experience in assisting children with physical disabilities.

Orlin takes pride in being part of the organization. “As a volunteer, it is my honor to give my time back to the community, and to add as much of my personal expertise as possible to an organization like United Cerebral Palsy,” Orlin said.