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2014-Ocean Springs announces a Disability Connection office in City Hall

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS (WLOX) –

DC logo For Upload_Download_4PiecesThe city of Ocean Springs will pay the owners of Psycamore nearly half a million dollars as part of a settlement with the psychiatric counseling clinic.  The 437,500 settlement covers Psycamore’s damages and costs associated with the case. The city will also provide additional training for a current employee to serve as the city’s ADA Compliance Officer. That person will, most likely, be a senior official in the Building Department. City elected officials, selected staff and members of the Planning Commission will also undergo several hours of training on the city’s obligations under the ADA, according to a plan approved by United States Department of Justice.  Ocean Springs city leaders have partnered with Disability Connection, a Gulf Coast advocacy organization for people with mental and physical disabilities, to provide office space in the Mayor’s Office for an outreach resource manager to counsel citizens in Jackson County when they have complaints or are in need of services.  Phone # (228) 870-7775.  Please click link below for full story:

http://www.wlox.com/story/27480991/ocean-springs-settles-with-psycamore-owners

 

2015 – Art Ability Fair Success

Thank you to all who participated!

If you are missing pictures, please contact us : office@disbabilityconnection.org

Below is the FB Album showing all the portraits that we have.

Thanks!

-DC Team

Portrait pics from the Art Ability Fair 2015 – Feel free to tag and share! More to come.

Posted by Disability Connection on Sunday, April 19, 2015

2014-Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, “The Big Idea”

 

The Big Idea
The Big Idea

 

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation launched a campaign that will redefine what it means to live with SCI. This initiative, called The Big Idea, will support the next phase epidural stimulation research and recruit 36 new candidates to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention in restoring autonomic functions, movement below the injury level, as well as the ability to stand. Please click the link for more information:   www.reevebigidea.org

 

 

 

 

2014-Veterans Virtual Career Fair

Veterans Virtual Career Fair
Veterans Virtual Career Fair

MEET LIVE WITH RECRUITERS ONLINE More than 81,000 veterans hired since September 2011 Chat live with recruiters in their virtual booths View/apply for jobs in real time Win great prizes like IPad and Visa gift cards

2014-Special Needs Halloween Costume Ball

Special Needs Halloween Costume Ball
Click to enlarge

    2014-Special Needs Halloween Costume Ball! 

 

  •     Oct. 17, 2014–6pm-10pm
  •     Sponsored by the City of Biloxi
  •     Dr. Frank Gruich Sr. Community Center (591 Howard Ave.)
  •     Free Admission & Free Food
  •     Costume Contest
  •     RSVP to Director’s office @ 228-388-7170

 

Volunteers Help Veteran Build Ramp

Volunteer Helping
Volunteer Helping

 

Veteran Gets Ramp for Wife
Veteran Gets Ramp for Wife

GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) – A Navy veteran was moved to tears Monday when volunteers showed up at his home on 36th Street in Gulfport. John Walker desperately needed a wheelchair ramp for his wife, who’s coming home from the hospital in a few days. He didn’t ask for help. But several organizations decided to team-up to get the project rolling. Volunteers unloaded a pile of lumber as they prepared for a project that will take several days.  Mr. John Walker didn’t expect to see the outpouring of support. “Oh, it’s great!” he said with a big smile. His wife of more than 50-years, Kathleen, recently broke her leg. Realizing she needed a wheelchair ramp, the 85-year old man decided to build one himself. “To get her inside easier, and I was even going to put a chain to it to pull it in,” said Walker. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Harrison County (RSVP) heard about Mr. Walker’s situation and contacted Disability Connection. “We came and inspected it and it did not look like it was as safe as it should be. It did not look like it would survive long term, so we agreed to basically start over and give him a fresh brand, new ramp,” said Disability Connection Executive Director Janie O’Keefe. The Home Depot donated the materials. Volunteers, like U.S. Army Specialist Kegan Wood, signed-up to help.  Disability Connection also offers emergency home repairs and home weatherization for veterans, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and low-income families. Veterans get priority. For more information, you can call the organization at (228) 604-4020 or (228) 870-7775.

 

 

2015 Arbor Day RUN/WALK/ROLL SUCCESS

Donations over the run fee can be made to Disability Connection, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation.

to the Arbor Day Run/Walk/Roll (If the button is not working in your browser, please try this direct link) ***
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The Arbor Day Run/Walk/Roll is a one day event promoting healthy lifestyles to individuals of all ages, with and without disabilities.

This event has 3 goals:

  • to promote health lifestyles
  • to encourage people with disabilities to be active community participants and join the fun of a run
  • to share information on community resources for people with disabilities and the under-served

Those paying the registration fee will wear their t-shirts and meet at the tree at Town Green, Biloxi, to participate in the Arbor Day 5k-1 mile- 1/4 mile Run/Walk/Roll. This event is brought in partnership with the Gulf Coast Running Club, the most respected running club in South Mississippi. The race includes a 1/4 mile challenge so that everyone, including wheelchairs, can participate in the healthful benefits of a run with awards following. Run/Walk/Roll participants receive a tree, and those with challenges to running receive a medallion from the City of Biloxi.

The Registration Fee is $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Registration includes a t-shirt and a tree, and those with challenges to running receive a medal. Caregiver/volunteers do not need to pay to accompany a walker. TEAMS are encouraged to participate. Contact the Disability Connection office for a TEAM packet. Donations gladly appreciated!

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