MEET THE STAFF of United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana.

DONNA ROBERTS, Executive Director

In 1966, Donna’s first child, Kimberly Ann, was born with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Since that time, in New Hampshire and (since 1987) in Indiana, she has dedicated her life to making life easier for people with disabilities and their families. Shortly before Kimi’s death, Donna founded a small, non-profit school for children with disabilities. That center (eventually named the “ Kimi Nichols Center” in honor of Donna’s daughter) gave birth to one of ten regional agencies funded by the state to serve people with disabilities. During her twenty years in New Hampshire, Donna also served as the primary lobbyist for New Hampshire’s law mandating public “special” education for children with disabilities and she served as an expert witness and monitor for the closing of Laconia State School – an institution housing children and adults with disabilities.

Donna moved to Indiana and, in 1990, became the Executive Director of United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana. In addition, she has served on numerous state and local task forces and commissions dealing with laws and services for people with disabilities. She has also authored chapters for two books for parents of children with disabilities and numerous other articles. Donna holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree from New Hampshire College.

BETH ALLISON, Case Manager

A lifelong resident of Indiana, Beth came to United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana in 2003, after having served in a similar position with Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation in Indianapolis for five years. Prior to that, Beth worked at Goodwill Industries, also in Indianapolis. Beth claims her inspiration has been her mother who worked with people with disabilities in schools, day programs and group homes. Beth’s experience as the sister of a woman with multiple sclerosis also contributes to her determination to help each person who calls our office. She is knowledgeable about Indiana resources for people with disabilities and with both the medical and social aspects of living with a disability.

Beth is solely responsible for UCPAGI’s resource and client databases, for enrollment in the Respitality and Bradford Woods camp programs and as staff to the agency’s Program Committee. She has made numerous presentations at national conferences for people with disabilities. Beth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies from Lockyear College.