Vonny recalled, “It was nearly 50 years ago, when we began attending National UCP Conferences. There were only two people involved who had cerebral palsy. One of them was Don Peterson. Now folks with disabilities hold National offices and are members of every National committee. They are actively engaged in forming policy and developing mission statements, as well as testifying and lobbying at The Capitol. This action is major. People with disabilities are giving to UCP a constituency, not only visibility, and a true voice in establishing policy.

” Ed and Vonny both served on various National UCP committees. Vonny is still a member of the National Awards Committee. She was the Chair of the National Public Relations Committee for four years. Ed was also a member of the National Public Relations Committee. Vonny was Assistant Secretary on the National Board and a member of the National Board of Directors for many years.

Vonny and Ed believe that, “Over the years the major changes in UCP and the disabilities field have been in the areas of technology and attitudes towards persons with disabilities.” According to Vonny and Ed, “The ability to communicate, that technology has given our folks, is dazzling and it is only the tip of the iceberg.”

They have seen how the Lanterman Act here in California finally brought people with disabilities to the attention of the Legislature, and of course, allocated funding for persons with disabilities. A great departure from the grass roots level of support, which was formerly responsible for programs and services. Along with these changes, attitudes towards persons with disabilities have enabled our population to have dignity and power...all toward the goal of “Life Without Limits.”

Ed and Vonny feel that, “Curb cuts, handicapped parking, and transportation are some of the visible signs of progress. But people with disabilities still have a long way to go to be mainstreamed into the existing society.” Ed and Vonny do dream big. Years ago, a strong UCP advocate said, “What we'd really like to see is for our organization to go out of business.” Vonny continued and explained, “Of course, what he meant was that programs and services would be provided by the private sector, coupled with legislation, so that UCP would no longer have to fill that gap. That being said, we would like to see the expansion of our own programs...even to the point of relocating. Our current facility is bursting at the seams. Paul Fansler used to dream of a complex that would serve people with special needs from birth to death...all in one huge compound, with state of the art services and opportunities.”

Ed and Vonny would also like to see, “An increased emphasis on employment for persons with disabilities. There is some token attention given to this now and some beautiful examples, but we feel much more needs to be done in this area.” After being involved with UCP for years, they see increased sophistication in technological advances and even the potential for robotics to be used to enhance the services. And that, “There will be more mobilization of the special needs population and its voice will be stronger and, yes, louder.”

Vonny and Ed feel, “The members of the staff at UCP are all heroes. They are dedicated, professional, visionary, and compassionate.” Vonny said. “It makes one wonder wherever did we find such folks.”

They also feel that UCP programs, “Are exciting, particularly the concept of Arts and Technology. How innovative is that?” These two have even bigger dreams, however, and they listen carefully to our students about what the students wish to see in their future and to have included in our programs.

Ed and Vonny’s closing words were. “Thanks Joe, for this opportunity to give you a little background. You are a true example of ‘Life Without Limits.’ It has been our privilege to be part of UCP and the disability ‘movement’ for over 50 years. We have been inspired by first and foremost, our son, Brian. Our lives have been enriched by the hundreds of folks we have met, who have similar goals. We have been dazzled, by the commitment of staff and volunteers...many of whom have no one in their families with a disability. We have received so much more than we have ever given and we will continue to be dedicated to making ‘Life Without Limits for Persons with Disabilities’ a reality.”

UCP of Central California has been lucky to have this wonderful couple as the guiding spirit behind the fulfillment of the UCP Mission all these years.

Jimmy, who couldn’t speak clearly or walk, was very sad because he didn’t have anyway to play with the other kids in the neighborhood. Jimmy thought that it would be fun to watch the other kids ride by on their bikes while he played gas station. The other kids could stop for gas. But his mom and dad always said no. “They won’t understand you.”

His parents were afraid the other kids would make fun of him. Then, one day, Jimmy’s mom and dad learned about a machine that could talk for him. It could have messages recorded into it by his parents. All he had to do was hit a button and it would repeat what they had said. They brought it home for Jimmy. His dad recorded “Hello, my name is Jimmy.” Jimmy tried pushing the button. It repeated what his dad had sad. Jimmy was excited and wanted his dad to record more things. Jimmy’s dad recorded more messages such as, “Fill it up?” and “Cash or credit?” Jimmy’s mom said to add, “Drive safely.”

At first, Jimmy could not remember which button was for what message. So his mom made a small picture for each button and highlighted some buttons with different colors. Jimmy studied the pictures and colors for a long time.

On Saturday, Jimmy’s mom and dad took him and his machine out to the front yard. Jimmy really didn’t know whether the idea was going to work. But he wanted to try it. He wanted so much to have some friends. His dad put the garden hose in Jimmy’s right hand. His parents went back into the house. They knew they had done all they could. It was up to Jimmy now.

Jimmy waited for someone to ride by on his bike. Bobby rode by on his red bike. Jimmy pushed a button that said, “Get your gas here.” Bobby rode right past. Jimmy thought it was a dumb idea after all. But in a few minute, Bobby came back.

“How much a gallon?”

Jimmy pushed the button with a green “3” on it, replying “three dollars.

” Bobby said, “Make it two gallons. Hey, that sure is a nice talking machine.”

“Thank you.” Jimmy’s talking machine said when he pushed the button with the smiley face on it.

While Jimmy was filling up Bobby’s tank, four more kids on bikes pulled up for gas. Jimmy pushed a button that had a hand on it, saying, “I will be right with you.” After that, each time around the block, one of the kids would stop to get gas. And Jimmy would fill their bike up. When the tank was full, Jimmy would push the button with a picture of a wheel on it. The talking machine would say, "You're ready to roll.” Jimmy spent most afternoons at his gas station. With help from his talking machine, he made many friends in the neighborhood.