The Respitality Program

History

RESPITALITY®, a program and term unique to United Cerebral Palsy Associations, was originated in 1985 in Mobile, Alabama. In 1991, Radisson Hotels International, adopted this program throughout its organization. United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana offered RESPITALITY® to its first family on September 25, 1992 at the Radisson Plaza and Suite Hotel in Indianapolis.

Description

RESPITALITY® combines a period of rest and relief (RESPITe) for parents of children and adults with cerebral palsy and a special time away from home in a friendly environment (hospitALITY). Many of these families have had to forego, since the birth of their disabled child, vacations and "nights out" because of economic or practical reasons.

Two types of RESPITALITY® are offered. In one, participating hotels offer free lodging for one night for up to four members of a family (generally, two parents and up to two non-disabled, minor children) and one meal (usually breakfast). In the other option, Beef and Boards Dinner Theater offers dinner and a show to up to two adults (usually the parents or a parent and significant other). Other options (as available) may include meals at local restaurants, tickets to sports or cultural events, etc.

UCPAGI also pays for the "respite care" worker of the family's choice to stay in the home with the child/adult with cerebral palsy.

Eligibility and Selection

Any care-taking parent of a child or adult with cerebral palsy is eligible to enter the pool for RESPITALITY® services. Applications are selected randomly each August according to the number of RESPITALITY® "slots" available. Those families for whom there is not currently an available opening are placed on a waiting list and are notified if there is a cancellation.

Application for funding for respite care is processed through UCPAGI's Specific Assistance Committee. UCPAGI will pay up to $50 per 24-hour period or up to 100% of the actual cost of in-home respite care, based on a sliding fee scale - whichever amount is smaller.

Related Outcome

The families of persons served by UCPAGI will attain their respite goals.

The Speakers Bureau

United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana has speakers available to discuss issues relating to cerebral palsy, including:

Diagnosis, causes and prevention research
Treatment and Services available
Aging with Cerebral Palsy
Disability Awareness (for children)
Parents of children with Disabilities

Presentations are customized the audience and may include videotaped information, enlarged photos of UCPAGI clients (for display and discussion), various hand-outs and resource information.

Appropriate audiences include:

Disability professionals (school, medical, case managers, service providers)
Parents of children/adults with cerebral palsy
Nursing home, group home staff
Other caregivers
Children (especially those considering entering our “Attitude” essay contest)
General populations (service groups, etc.)

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact:

Donna Roberts, Executive Director
(317) 632-3561 or (800) 723-7620
e-mail: donnar@ucpaindy.org

Documents Available for Download:

1. Respitality Application Form