Disability Connection

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Disability Connection now has a full time ADA Coordinator on staff

janie-o-keefeJanie O’Keefe, the Executive Director of Disability Connection, has completed the ADA Coordinator Training Certificate Program.  The ACTCP is offered through the University of Missouri, College of Human and Environmental Services, School of Architectural Studies and the Great Plains ADA Center.

Twenty-five years ago, through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), our nation committed itself to eliminating discrimination against people with disabilities.  Disability Connection is proud to play a role in working towards a future in which all the doors are open to equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, integration and economic self-sufficiency for persons with disabilities.

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

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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Stay Tuned for Next Event Date

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!

Latest Event Video


 

National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month 2014

In Honor of Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month,

here are a few related resources that have impressed us!

NSCIA's Free Publications
NSCIA’s Free Publications

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Rolls On Inspirational Videos
Life Rolls On Inspirational Videos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center

 

 

 

 

 

@Spinalinjury on Twitter
            @Spinalinjury on Twitter
LASCI Facebook Page
LASCI Facebook Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shriner's Hospitals Spinal Cord Awareness and Prevention Page
Shriner’s Hospitals Spinal Cord Awareness and Prevention Page
Disability Connection WXXV Jackson County

Ocean Springs Pairs Up with Disability Connection

We are incredibly thankful for our partners, volunteers and supporters. Together, we are creating a connected community. This week, the city of Ocean Springs has partnered with our organization in support of our  Community Assist  program.

Connie Moran, Ocean Springs Mayor, says, “In order to provide information and resources for people with mental and physical disability, veterans, and for the elderly, a disability staff member will be available 20 hours per week at the new office starting next month.” (Via WXXV)

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If you’re an employer who may have positions available and would consider interviewing our applicants, please contact Deborah Snyder:
office@disabilityconnection.org or (228)-870-7775.

By Knight Foundation (Knight-Crane Convergence Lab) [CC-BY-SA-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

2014 Senior Fraud Prevention & Wellness Expo

Harrison County
Senior Resource Agency & SMPDD

Present:

Senior Fraud Prevention and Wellness Expo 2014

This is an event designed to compliment the lifestyle and needs of the older adult.

September 24, 2014 9:00AM – 2:00PM

Door Prizes and Giveaways You Won’t Believe!!!

• Extra Help – application assistance to Medicare beneficiaries • Games
• Special Entertainment
• Nutritious Lunch & Snacks

• Specialized Health Screenings
• Flu & Pneumonia Shots
• Shredding Available on site for Sensitive Documents

Lyman Community Center

13472 Highway 49

Gulfport, MS 39503
For more information on how to become a vendor or to register your organization

Please Call 228-896-0412

 

Download the 2014 Senior Expo flyer

Download the 2014 Expo Registration

Hero Community Volunteers Help Veteran

Community Volunteer HeroesDC is extremely proud of these hero community volunteers that have come together to help a fellow neighbor after a fire destroyed her home.

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“I just feel blessed, you know, just blessed, blessed, blessed, blessed,” Silva said.

“We need to all come together and support our friends and neighbors because none of us know when it might be ourselves,” Founder of Disability Connection Janie O’Keefe said.

Quote and Photo Via WLOX News

July 2014

View the local news stories below:

Volunteers  help a woman who lost everything in a fire – WLOX

Disability Connection helps out Local Veteran – WXXV-25