Upper Peninsula

Cerebral Palsy Resources in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

In this section, we will discuss the cerebral palsy resources available in and around the largest cities in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Upper Peninsula offers numerous resources for those with cerebral palsy. Residents of the Upper Peninsula who have been affected by CP can reach out to their local communities and nearby cities for a variety of cerebral palsy services, programs, and medical offerings.

Care, Finance, and Insurance

1. Financial and Cash Assistance/Grants

• The Networks Northwest Traverse Bay Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI) attempts to alleviate poverty in the Traverse Bay region.

2. Health Care

• The Upper Peninsula Medical Center in Marquette provides comprehensive medical and dental care.
• The UP Health System in Marquette provides world-class comprehensive medical care, including a Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) center.
• The Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center and its partners provide health care for the entire family.
• The Upper Peninsula Association of Rural Health Services provides community healthcare to rural residents of the Upper Peninsula.

Lifestyle Resources

1. Education

• The Michigan HeadStart program provides early learning opportunities for children between the ages of 3 and 5.

2. Employment

• The Upper Peninsula Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL) help people with disabilities and their families find and retain gainful employment.

3. Housing

• The Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing Initiative seeks to provide affordable housing options and mental health support for individuals with mental health issues.

4. Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Technologies

• The CP Family Network’s Upper Peninsula Assistive Technology Center provides assistive technology resources and equipment to disabled individuals to help them maximize their independence.

5. Accessible Playgrounds and Camping

• Accessible Camping can be found in many of the Upper Peninsula’s state parks, including Burt Lake State Park, F.J. McLain State Park, Indian Lake State Park, Van Riper State Park, Fort Wilkins State Park, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, J.W. Wells State Park, Twin Lake State Park, Fayette Historic State Park and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
• The Watersmeet Township School has a specially-designed accessible playground with smooth surfaces, allowing disabled individuals in wheelchairs to access the area.

Organizations, Support, and Awareness Information

1. Disability Organizations

• The Disability Network provides information regarding general resources for accessibility, independent living, employment and recreation to members of the disabled community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula.

2. Support and Informational Groups

• The Aging and Disability Resource Collaborative of Northwest Michigan Provides information to those requiring long-term care due to aging or disabilities.

3. Family and Parent Resources

• The CP Family Network provides a Parent Training and Information Center for parents of cerebral palsy-affected children to get information, referral services, and training. Their Upper Peninsula division is located in Munising.

Treatment and Therapy Resources

1. Art Therapy—music, dance, visual

• VSA Michigan allows individuals with motor disabilities to take art classes and excel in self-expression. They have outposts in Copper Country, Genesee County, and Northeast MI.

2. Special Needs Camps

• The Bay Cliff Health Camp provides summer camp for children with motor, hearing and visual disabilities, as well as year-round adaptive and therapeutic activities.