In November of 1946, a small group of parents formed The Forgotten Child's Club. In 1949, they organized under the name of The Cerebral Palsy Parents Council and in 1951 affiliated with United Cerebral Palsy of America as United Cerebral Palsy of Vigo County.

In September 1955, the Beacon School was opened and many applicants were from outside Vigo County and the name was subsequently changed to United Cerebral Palsy of the Wabash Valley.

UCPWV quickly expanded to include Sullivan, Clay, Parke, Vermillion and Greene counties. Beacon School no longer exists, but the goal of those founding parents, that their children not be forgotten, is still being realized.

UCPWV provides services to children and adults with disabilities.