AccessAbilities

For Immediate Release:  July 29, 2010

            Greensburg, PA - The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted into Congress in 1990, and signed into law on July 26, 1990 by President George H. Bush. The ADA is a wide-range civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability, under any circumstances.  Disability, according to the ADA, is defined as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.”  The ADA is the only civil rights law in place for people with disabilities and prohibits discrimination against people in employment, public spaces, transportation, and other parts of community life and is not limited to race, color, sex, national origin, age or religion.  This Act brought to life an awareness of the individuals who are being excluded because of a disability.  The ADA also brought about a set of mandatory guidelines, known as the ADA Accessibility Guidelines, that must be followed for easy, reliable access in relation to housing, pedestrian access, building access, transportation, cultural and recreational venues, healthcare, and employment.

Throughout July, groups across the country celebrated this landmark anniversary by hosting forums, parties, festivals, community awareness events and more.  accessAbilities, Inc. was proud to celebrate the 20th Anniversary by participating in the ADA Rally, hosted by the Westmoreland County Disabilities Task Force, held at the Westmoreland County Courthouse on Friday, July 16. At this event, accessAbilities and other local agencies celebrated by promoting awareness of the monumental Act and how it has impacted the nation. They also shared how the agency’s programs and services empower individuals to have whatever supports they need to live in their homes and to enable them to participate in the community to whatever extent they would like.
 

accessAbilities, Inc. is using this special occasion to reflect back on how the agency has grown over the past 20 years to serve more than 1,800 consumers annually.  In addition to the growing number of services and supports offered by the agency, accessAbilities is proudly celebrating their advance into social media. The agency now maintains a Facebook page, has a video available on YouTube, and is monitoring trends on Twitter and Yahoo Groups.  As the online interactive world of social media grows, so will the agency’s efforts to reach and serve individuals with disabilities on the networks they use. 

Recent research done by the agency, in relation to a Stigma and Public Education grant funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council, shows a significant increase in the use of online networks by those with disabilities. The disabled community is using social media platforms for entertainment and socialization as well as to connect with others, find support groups, advocate, and gain access to relevant information. Online networks and communities provide the opportunity for people to make friends, build social skills, increase self-esteem, have fun and learn new things.

accessAbilities is a voice for those with disabilities and is excited to be a participant and resource for the online community.  The agency values the benefit of being able to communicate with clients, supporters, friends, and staff on a consistent and interactive basis. The agency works to provide information users are seeking including links to valuable resources, answers to questions asked by consumers and friends, updates on agency news and events, and more.  accessAbilities strongly believes the internet and social media networks are creating a positive power for the disabled community, and may be a gateway to creating greater awareness and understanding.  The use of online tools and social media is just one of many ways that accessAbilities is working to build more welcoming communities where everyone can participate. 

accessAbilities, a United Way partner agency and the 2009 Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year, provides in-home services for more than  1,800 children, youth, adults, and seniors with developmental delays or disabilities in Armstrong, Indiana, and Westmoreland counties.  For more than 55 years, the agency has been committed to giving consumers with physical and/or cognitive disabilities the supports they need to live in their homes, enabling them to participate in community life to the extent that they choose.  Visit www.accessAbilities.org for additional information.  accessAbilities provides equal opportunity in employment and services and is licensed as a Home Care Agency by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.