UCP of Western Massachusetts

What UCP of Western Massachusetts does

UCP of Western Massachusetts is a nonprofit disability services organization founded in 1961, headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and serving Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties. It provides a broad portfolio of programs for children, adults, and families with disabilities, structured around four core lines: Programs for Children (Early Intervention, Social Sprouts, ABA Services, Autism Waiver Program); Programs for Adults (Adult Family Care, Shared Living, Supported Living, Agency with Choice, Community-Based Day Programs, Customized Employment); Programs for Families (Family Support Center, Intensive Flexible Family Support, DESE); and Assistive Technology (AT) services delivered across all programming. The organization operates five physical locations plus a mobile AT roadshow and the Berkshire Talking Chronicle radio reading service.

Core technology and service assets include the AT Lending Library, the AT Membership Program ($75/hour clinical sessions, $35/hour IT support), Augmentative and Alternative Communication services, the Sensory Assistive Technology Lending Library (launched 2025 with Feigenbaum Foundation support), the AT Regional Center & Roadshow, Remote Support Monitoring Services (in partnership with Safe in Home and NOSS), a portable ramp lending program, and a Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Program with REquipment Inc. Berkshire Talking Chronicle broadcasts 24/7 on WRRS 104.3 LPFM and via web stream, phone, and Echo Dot devices. The organization holds a Council on Accreditation family-centered accreditation and offers free 3D printing of custom assistive devices.

The business model is primarily government-funded: the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and MassAbility act as both referral sources and payers for AT evaluations, program services, and supported living. Supplementary revenue comes from charitable donations (Life without Limits Campaign, autism appeals, Lisa Jacobs Memorial Scholarship), workplace giving (Federal Combined Campaign #39198, United Way), vehicle donations, and fee-for-service AT training sessions. Distribution is community-led via state agency referrals, healthcare provider partnerships, schools, and the AT roadshow; the website (ucpwma.org) is multilingual (English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese).

Name

UCP of Western Massachusetts

Legal name

UCP of Western Massachusetts

Website

https://ucpwma.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1961

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

UCP of Western Massachusetts is a Pittsfield-based nonprofit, founded in 1961, that delivers disability services — including assistive technology, supported living, family support, and early intervention — to children, adults, and families across four Western Massachusetts counties, primarily funded through state agencies DDS and MassAbility.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability and Social Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Educational Support Services (61171), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Assistive Technology (AT) & AAC Services (EDAJAKAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource) (EDAKAKAC), Autism 1:1 Paraprofessional / Aide Support Services (EDAKAKAD)

Keywords

• Disability services
• Assistive technology
• Community living supports
• Early intervention programs
• Family support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Pittsfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Government-Funded Program Services: Primary revenue through state-funded programs including Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and MassAbility. These agencies fund evaluations, assistive technology solutions, and equipment for eligible individuals.
2. Charitable Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations supporting the Life without Limits Campaign, autism programs, and general operations.
3. Assistive Technology Membership Program: Fee-for-service sessions for AT training and support: $75/hour for clinical services (OT, PT, Speech) and $35/hour for IT support.
4. Vehicle and Property Donations: Vehicle donation program allowing donors to contribute automobiles as another giving option.
5. 3D Printing Services: Free 3D printing services for assistive technology devices including pill crushers, bottle openers, adaptive holders, signature guides, and reading guides.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

UCP of Western Massachusetts provides direct programming, assistive technology, and advocacy services for people with all types of disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy and autism. Core offerings span programs for children (Early Intervention, Social Sprouts, ABA Services, Autism Waiver), adults (Community Living, Community Inclusion, Customized Employment), and families (Family Support Center, Intensive Flexible Family Support, DESE program), with assistive technology services integrated across all programming. The organization also operates the Berkshire Talking Chronicle, a 24/7 radio reading service for visually impaired individuals.

Product overview

UCP of Western Massachusetts is a nonprofit disability services organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs for children, adults, and families with disabilities. The agency's offerings span four core areas: Programs for Children (Early Intervention, Social Sprouts, ABA Services, Autism Waiver Program), Programs for Adults (Community Living through Adult Family Care and Shared Living, Community Inclusion via Agency with Choice and Community-Based Day Programs, Customized Employment), Programs for Families (Family Support Center, Intensive Flexible Family Support, DESE program), and Assistive Technology Services. The AT services function as the unifying platform across all programming, providing assistive technology evaluations, equipment loans, demonstrations, and training. Key AT sub-products include the AT Lending Library, AT Membership Program, Augmentative & Alternative Communication services, Sensory Lending Library, AT Regional Center & Roadshow, Remote Support Monitoring, Ramps & Resources, and the Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Program (via REquipment partnership). The Berkshire Talking Chronicle radio reading service supports visually impaired individuals. All programs are designed to advance the agency's mission of enabling a 'Life Without Limits' for people with diverse abilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Berkshire Talking Chronicle: Radio reading program serving people with visual disabilities or print reading difficulties in the Berkshires, broadcasting 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on WRRS 104.3 LPFM.

Products and services

• Assistive Technology (AT) Services Comprehensive assistive technology services offered across all agency programming to boost performance of daily living activities for people with disabilities, including evaluations, equipment loans, demonstrations, and training. Integrated across all UCP programming.
• AT Lending Library Equipment lending library offering short-term loans of assistive technology devices including low-tech solutions (adapted pencils, long-handled shoe horns, calendars), intermediate technology (Alexa, smart home devices), and high-tech solutions (eye control, OrCam reader, robotic arm).
• AT Membership Program Personalized training program with assistive technology professionals offering one-on-one sessions with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and IT specialists for device training and basic tech skills. Priced at $75/hour for clinical and $35/hour for IT support.
• Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Communication support services including no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech AAC options such as gestures, communication books, sign language, voice-generating computers, tablet apps, and eye-tracking systems.
• Sensory Assistive Technology Lending Library 30-day loan program for sensory self-regulation technologies including fidget tools, weighted items, noise-canceling headphones, comfort animals, and sensory room equipment, sponsored by the Feigenbaum Foundation.
• AT Regional Center & Roadshow Regional center providing free AT demonstrations, equipment loans, and mobile unit services bringing technology to schools, healthcare facilities, and community locations throughout Western Massachusetts.
• Remote Support Monitoring Services Remote monitoring technology services using tablets, geolocation devices, and sensors for daily check-ins, social connections, and health coordination, in partnership with Safe in Home and NOSS.
• Ramps & Resources Portable suitcase ramp lending program (4-foot, 8-inch rise capacity) for short-term use, plus connections to funding resources including Amramp, Mobility Works, Medicare, MassHealth waivers, and VA housing grants.
• Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Program Partnership with REquipment providing free refurbished medical equipment including electric and manual wheelchairs, transfer lifts, scooters, walkers, standers, and rollators to Massachusetts residents with disabilities.
• Berkshire Talking Chronicle 24/7 radio reading service broadcasting on WRRS 104.3 LPFM for people who are blind or have visual impairments, featuring local news, interviews, fiction, and non-fiction content as part of the Massachusetts Audio Information Network.
• Early Intervention Programs for young children with developmental delays or disabilities, providing services from birth through early childhood.
• Social Sprouts Social development program for children helping build peer relationships and social skills.
• ABA Services Applied Behavior Analysis services for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
• Autism Waiver Program State-funded program providing specialized supports and services for individuals with autism.
• Adult Family Care Community living support providing family-based care arrangements for adults with disabilities.
• DDS Shared Living Department of Developmental Services program matching individuals with shared living providers for residential support.
• Supported Living Program DDS/MassAbility funded program helping individuals with disabilities live independently in their own homes.
• Agency with Choice Community inclusion program giving individuals more control over their support services and employment.
• Community-Based Day Program Day services supporting community participation and meaningful activities for adults with disabilities.
• Autism Only Program Specialized program providing targeted services for individuals on the autism spectrum.
• Customized Employment Employment support program helping individuals with disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment.
• Family Support Center Family-centered support centers in Pittsfield and North Adams providing housing assistance, benefits navigation, educational advocacy, transportation, and AT referrals.
• Intensive Flexible Family Support 6-12 month crisis intervention program connecting families with community resources including food, fuel, Social Security, insurance, and financial assistance.
• Department of Elementary Secondary Education (DESE) Program State-funded program for children up to age 22 helping them live safely at home with goals of social integration, life skills, and community inclusion.
• Lisa Jacobs Memorial Scholarship Annual $1,000 scholarship established in 2019 for Berkshire County college students demonstrating commitment to community service, with preference for those studying human services.

Quantifiable outcome

• Scholarships of minimum $1,000 awarded annually to Berkshire County college students
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• The Berkshire Benevolent Association for the BlindminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1984Original founding partner for Berkshire Talking Chronicle radio reading service in 1984.
• Safe in HomecoreTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration partner for remote support monitoring services, providing care coordination and health monitoring technology including tablets, geolocation devices, and sensors to enable independent living for people with disabilities.
• Night Owl Support Services (NOSS)coreTechnology or IntegrationPartner for remote support monitoring services providing overnight and extended support monitoring for individuals with disabilities in their homes.
• REquipment Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to provide free refurbished durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, hoyer lifts, etc.) to adults and children with disabilities and seniors across Massachusetts.
• American International College (AIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with AIC Occupational Therapy Master's Program to expand AT Regional Center satellite services to the Springfield area, broadening service reach in Western Massachusetts.
• Massachusetts Audio Information Network (MAIN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerkshire Talking Chronicle is part of the Massachusetts Audio Information Network, providing audio information services statewide.
• Massachusetts Commission for the BlindminorOthersSponsoring agency for Berkshire Talking Chronicle radio reading service.
• WRRS 104.3 LPFMminorOthersRadio station broadcasting Berkshire Talking Chronicle programming 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Easterseals Massachusetts: Massachusetts Bay affiliate of Easterseals, providing a comparable multi-program portfolio (early intervention, adult day services, employment supports, AT) for people with disabilities across the state. Most directly comparable in scope and mission to UCP of Western Massachusetts.
• The Arc of Massachusetts: State chapter of The Arc, focused on intellectual and developmental disability services, advocacy, and family support. Comparable in mission, advocacy-led operating model, and reliance on state DDS funding streams.
• Bay Cove Human Services: Large Greater Boston disability and human services nonprofit offering community living, employment, behavioral health, and AT-related supports. Comparable in DDS/MassAbility funding model and adult disability program mix.
• Aspire Health Alliance: Massachusetts nonprofit providing developmental services, mental health, and community-based supports. Comparable on adult community inclusion, day services, and state-contracted disability program delivery in Eastern Massachusetts.
• May Institute: Massachusetts-based nonprofit providing ABA, autism services, residential programs, and day habilitation for children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Direct overlap on ABA Services, Autism Waiver Program, and adult community inclusion offerings.
• Perkins School for the Blind: Massachusetts nonprofit serving people who are blind or have visual impairments, including AT training, distance learning, and assistive media services. Most directly comparable to UCP's Berkshire Talking Chronicle radio reading and visual impairment AT services.
• Viability, Inc. Massachusetts and Connecticut disability services nonprofit providing employment, community living, behavioral, and recreation supports for people with disabilities. Direct peer on Customized Employment, community-based day programs, and DDS-funded service delivery.
• Riverside Community Care: Massachusetts-based nonprofit providing mental health, developmental disability, and family support services. Comparable on family support, intensive flexible supports, and DDS-funded community programs in the region.
• Cardinal Cushing Centers: Massachusetts nonprofit providing residential, day, employment, and clinical services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. Comparable in supported living, adult day programming, and DDS-funded operations.
• United Cerebral Palsy (national): The national UCP federation of which UCP of Western Massachusetts is an affiliate. Operates an analogous mix of disability services, AT, and advocacy programming through regional affiliates across the country.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/UCPWMA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ucp-of-western-massachusetts

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about UCP of Western Massachusetts