“This is everyone’s award. It is a tribute to all staff members who work and support UCP/NYC,” said Linda Laul, UCP/NYC Assistant Executive Director, as she accepted the Daniel Wieder Award for Professional Leadership on October 27, 2004 at the annual awards banquet of the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State.
The highly coveted award recognizes an individual whose high level of professional leadership has set a standard for others to follow and whose dedication has improved the quality of life for people with disabilities.

During her 14-year tenure at UCP/NYC Linda has helped transform services available to New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. Residential services have more than doubled, and the Family Support Services department was established. Linda was also responsible for creating the Article 28 Clinics at UCP/NYC. These health programs continue to expand, providing the highest quality health care services for people with developmental disabilities. Linda oversees over 1,200 employees at 60 program sites serving more than 11,000 individuals and families. She came to UCP/NYC in 1990, after 20 years with the New York State office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD).

Presenting the award to Linda, Idajean Windell, Vice President of Cerebral Palsy Associations of NY State, said, “Your colleagues at UCP/NYC have nominated you for this prestigious award because you are an extraordinary leader who inspires those you work with to strive for excellence in support of the mission and goals of UCP/NYC. Your insight and leadership have helped develop a strong and effective operations team, overseeing essential services and supervising the 1200 dedicated employees who deliver those services. The collaborative and supportive work environment you have created motivates staff to give maximum effort and produces outstanding results.”

“This is a special honor, of which I am very proud,” said Linda. “”What was most special is that so many people thought enough to nominate me. We are a leader in this field! We provide exciting opportunities for our families, consumers and staff. Thank you for all that you do every day.”

Congratulations Linda, on this well deserved honor.