Pediatric Therapy Network is now of the Momentum organization and we couldn’t be more excited.   This is an immense opportunity to expand the options available to children, adults, and families. With that said, you can rest assured we are committed to continuing the same high-level of quality care. While the addition of these services expands the array of supports and resources we provide, existing programs will not change. This expansion will…

For over 75 years, United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles has provided services and resources to people with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Earlier this year the organization changed its name to better reflect the array of services and choices it provides people across five counties in Southern California. The organization, now branded Momentum, announced Pediatric Therapy Network ha…

By Mark Hagen A short time ago, Gov. Gavin Newsom formally signed the FY2021-22 California state budget agreement between his administration and the legislature. The voices of disability advocates were heard loud and clear in Sacramento and helped secure a historic investment in our state’s disability support system. The budget includes $89.9 million in State General Funding to begin a five-year phase of rate models proposed in the 2019 Depart…

Post after post. Story after story. Parents and families of students with disabilities tell their heartbreaking experiences. Last week, David M. Perry, a father of a soon-to-be high school student who is diagnosed with autism and Down syndrome, wrote an opinion piece detailing the struggling of full inclusion. Perry talks about his son’s love for choir and performing in front of people. Yet in second grade, Nico wasn’t included in his school’s…

By Rafael Magaña  When you have a loved one with special needs (a disability or chronic illness), planning for them becomes the right thing to do. You want to protect them at all costs and ensure they have all they need even when you are no more.    But get this – if you plan to leave money or assets for a loved one with special needs, you will need to do this carefully. Otherwise, you can disqualify them from being eligible to receive governm…

By Dustin Klemann As we move toward reopening, the latest iteration of Blank Canvas gave our team at Momentum Creative a chance to do a hybrid approach to the eighth exhibit. While all of the artwork could be viewed online, people could visit locations around Los Angeles to see certain pieces in person. Over two live panels, we spoke to curators about how art has shifted forever in the last year, the excitement to bring in-person collaboration…

In May, the Momentum Wheels for Humanity team held a Q&A with two of the most inspiring disability activists in Indonesia, Sri Lestari and Bahrul Fuad. Hear about our work in Indonesia and what life is like there for wheelchair users.   This was the first event in our new discussion series, “Incredible People in Amazing Places”, which spotlights disability changemakers from some of the world’s most dynamic countries. You can watch the eng…

Here at Momentum, we care deeply about inclusion for all people. Throughout the pandemic, Asians have become a target for hatred and violence. We denounce all forms of hate and violence at any level. Aragna Ker, Momentum’s Curatorial and Adaptive Designs Manager, spoke with artist Julianne Huang about their perspective on the issue, growing up as Asians in America, and what people need to do to help. Watch the conversation below. https://youtu…

Momentum’s Public Policy Push Is Getting A Boost, Meet Mark Hagen   We’re dedicated to influencing public policy to include the inclusion and rights of people with disabilities. That concept is a monumental task at times as people with disabilities are placed on the backburner of policy transformation. We are changing that and helping lead the charge to make policy prioritize people with disabilities — to include their needs and interests in…

At Momentum, we’re dedicated to influencing public policy to include the inclusion and rights of people with disabilities. That concept is a monumental task at times as people with disabilities are placed on the backburner of policy transformation. We are changing that and helping lead the charge to make policy prioritize people with disabilities — to include their needs and interests in how the future of their community and our country is sh…

Art is cool enough by itself, but adding the time-lapse feature enhances a masterpiece like this one made by Lililana Hernandez. “Lily’s Flowers” is one of her many pieces of artwork that  features flowers, animals, and people. Artist Spotlight: Lililana Hernandez is a El Salvador native who has created art since 1998. Her love for painting large-scale representational pieces with bright colors, especially pink, is represented in her work. S…

This week, we celebrated Global Accessibility Awareness Day While so much more work needs to be done, we are inspired and grateful by the innovation and ideas brought to life to make accessibility a priority for everyone. We hope you’ll join us as we continue to push for accessibility awareness to be year round. Let’s lead the way!   As always, you can find more on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube for more great content.   …

A Note from the CEO… The COVID-19 crisis has cast a bright light on the vital role direct support professionals play in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. DSPs provide the services and supports that allow people with disabilities to live more independently and fully participate in their community. This month, advocates have a unique opportunity to support the efforts of our elected officials in Washington and Sacramento …

Make sure you add a visit to Venice Beach to your summer plans this year! The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors installed a new mat on Venice that allows for people who have difficulty crossing the sand, the opportunity to get a close view of the whipping waves.   The mat is made of a fine nylon mesh that allows for the sand to fall through making it easier for wheelchair users to navigate on the path. We spoke with Pu…

It has proven to be a very busy two weeks to kick off May. As we round the corner to even warmer temperatures and pandemic news becomes more positive, it’s hard not to smile these days. The team at Momentum Creative has given us another reason to find joy with the new pieces of impressive artwork now on display both virtually and physically, plus we have news of the anticipated state recognition of Direct Support Professionals’ heroic work. Re…

Barbra always knew she wanted a career that involved helping people. “It’s my natures,” she said. “Growing up, I always liked to help. And now that I am old and able to help, I usually think every time I get an opportunity, it’s good to use it to help others.” When Barbra began higher education at the University of Phoenix after moving to the United States from Uganda with her husband in 2007, a conversation with her counselor helped find the …

It is that time of year again! Blank Canvas 8 is a community celebration of artistry and an opportunity to build connections. This annual event allows for established artists and those who dabble in art as a hobby to explore and express their creativity to the world. The initiative wouldn’t be possible without the hardworking and passionate minds behind it all. We sat down with the curators of the exhibit to have an in depth conversation that …

Accessibility is fundamentally a civil right and while we have made significant milestones in making the physical world a more accessible place, online accessibility has been for the most part woefully neglected. With the new brand and redesign of the website, we have partnered with the organization accessiBe. Their vision is to make the Internet accessible to people with disabilities by 2025. “By using automation rather than labor, the notion…

We are surrounded and powered by incredibly gifted staff including Direct Support Professionals. They have worked tirelessly in the last year to keep the people we support happy and healthy during the pandemic. In our Heroes Work Here series, we highlight Bert, who has been with Momentum for 6.5 years. He started as a shared DSP in Thousand Oaks, working both at the Day Program and in the homes. He has held many positions such as lead, house m…

A mother shares her journey of her son’s diagnosis Written by Barbara Chiodo Momentum’s Chief Financial Officer The day my son was diagnosed with autism was actually a decent day. I had been struggling for a while to understand what was “wrong with him.” Now I had the answer. Alex was diagnosed at age 2 years and 4 months with a severe form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It was a decent day because I’d finally found out what was afflicting…