Air Date July 29, 2021

Title:  Celebrating, Learning, and Sharing – Americans with Disabilities

In this episode of Emily Tells All, during the 31st anniversary of the ADA Act of 1990, Emily meets with leaders in the ADA community celebrating the progress that has been made and learning about the work ahead.

The Collage Companies, President – Rob Maphis

Center for Independent Living, Marketing and Public Relations Manager – Chance Marrow

Orange County – A Community that CARES

One out of 4 adults in the United States suffers from some sort of disability (CDC). To ensure these Americans have access to public areas, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was established in 1990. Some organizations go above and beyond in advocating for Americans with Disabilities. For example, Collage Companies, “a design build [and] integrated services firm”, works mindfully to make their projects accessible to those with disabilities.

During our interview on Emily Tells All, Rob Maphis shared that Collage Companies regularly works alongside Amtrak to modify their transportation systems to meet ADA standards. As a more recent project, Collage Companies was contracted to improve and renovate the historical Lake Lorna Doone Park. Through this project, they have plans to make the park thoroughly accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Lake Lorna Doone Park is being enhanced to include elements for multi-generational families and individuals with a spectrum of abilities. The park includes playgrounds, playing fields, chess tables, splash pads, walking trails, and even fitness devices. All these elements are developed with rails, ramps, and any other features needed to ensure full accessibility to all residents.

In addition to companies taking meaningful steps to advocate for Americans with disabilities, there are a variety of programs available nationwide to help those in need. I’ve done the research, so you don’t have to! Check out these excellent programs for people with disabilities:

Center for Independent Living

According to the Administration for Community Living, Centers for Independent Living (CIL) are “designed and operated by individuals with disabilities. CILs provide independent living services for people with all types of disabilities.

Chance Marrow, a marketing manager for CIL, discussed the various programs offered by the organization during an interview with me on Emily Tells All:

Community Inclusion

Mr. Marrow explained the Community Inclusion Program as “matching people with disabilities to resources within our communities.” He provided the example of matching someone who is deaf with a professional who can help them successfully complete their taxes or finding accessible transportation for an individual in a wheelchair. Essentially, this program anticipates the needs of those with disabilities within our world and discovers ways to make daily processes more accessible.

Step Ahead

This program for Americans with disabilities was designed to help youth and young adults graduating from high school determine their post high school plan. Whether they want to further their education or enter into a career path, the Step Ahead Program provides resume-building assistance and even interview skill-building and practice.

Foundations to Freedom

Committed to assisting those with physical disabilities achieve easy access to their homes, the CIL created the Foundations to Freedom Program. This program recruits volunteers to build ramps and even modify baths and showers so that those with disabilities can access their homes and easily bathe themselves.

Aspire to Higher

Finding reasonable employment and maintaining a job can be difficult for Americans with disabilities for a variety of reasons. Aspire to Higher was established to assist those with disabilities in overcoming roadblocks and difficulties when it comes to landing a job and traveling to work. In addition, Aspire to Higher provides advice to youth and young adults with disabilities seeking fulfilling career paths.

Centers for Independent Living can be found in, or within range of, any community around the United States. Taking advantage of what this organization has to offer can be a life-changer for Americans with disabilities! Furthermore, volunteering your time at your local Center for Independent Living is a great way to give back to your community while building relationships. For more information about your local Center for Independent Living, please visit the Administration for Community Living.