5 Organizations Providing Helpful Services To People With Disabilities
From developmental disabilities to lost limbs to Deafness, there are a number of disabilities that affect people around the world. With the right tools and a society that is willing to accommodate them and accept them as they are, people with disabilities can reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. The organizations listed here work to offer helpful services like interpreters, prosthetics, and educational opportunities. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
Groups Working To Support & Empower People With Disabilities
| Name | Mission |
|---|---|
| Horizons | Work in partnership with families and communities to expand opportunities for individuals with, or at risk of, developmental disabilities |
| Deaf Access Services | Respond to the interests of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals by promoting communication access, awareness, and opportunities in the greater community |
| Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence | Inspire change and promote access to opportunities for people with disabilities |
| Range of Motion Project | Provide high quality prosthetic care in underserved populations, which enhances mobility and unlocks human potential |
| Visions Global Empowerment | Develop global citizens to realize their unique aspirations and make a positive contribution to their communities |
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Disability Facts
- 1 in 4 adults in the United States have some type of disability
- 2 in 5 adults age 65 years and older have a disability
- 1 in 3 adults with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 44 had a health care need that went unmet within the past year because of the cost
- 37% of U.S. civilians with disabilities aged 18 to 64 have a job, compared to 77.2% for people without disabilities
- The median earnings over a 12-month period for the civilian non-institutionalized population aged 16 and over with earnings and a disability is $23,006
- 15% of school-age children have some degree of hearing loss
- Roughly 8 million people in the US have an intellectual disability, including 425,000 children
- There are more than 4 million veterans living with a service-connected disability
- Workers with a disability are more concentrated in service occupations (19%) than those with no disability (17.2%)
What Is The Americans with Disabilities Act?
Signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush, the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else when it comes to employment, commerce, and government participation. The ADAAA, or Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, was signed into law in 2008 to further clarify the definition of "disability" as it pertains to the law. Title I of the ADA protects employees and job seekers from discrimination by private employers, labor unions, and state and local governments. However, the ADA states that these provisions regarding hiring only apply to employers with 15 or more employees. Other sections of the law deal with transportation, public accommodations, and telecommunications.
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In Depth
Approximately one billion children and adults around the world experience some form of disability, with many of these individuals facing additional difficulties accessing education, healthcare, and other resources. Here, in no particular order, are several organizations working to create opportunities and improve conditions for people with disabilities.
Up first, in the #1 spot, we have Horizons. Created in 1975, this organization provides a community-based alternative to institutionalized care. It offers programs for children and adults with developmental delays and cognitive disabilities across northwest Colorado. Individuals enrolled in these programs are treated with dignity and care.
Horizons provides early intervention for infants and toddlers who have a developmental delay or disability, as well as support for families. For adults, Horizons offers an array of residential and supported living services based on individual need. It also provides opportunities for fun community outings and activities.
Horizons provides early intervention for infants and toddlers who have a developmental delay or disability, as well as support for families.
Next up, #2 on our list is Deaf Access Services. This not-for-profit organization was established in 1983 to meet the needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. This group works to promote communication access, awareness, and opportunities. DAS is the only agency of its kind serving the eight counties of Western New York.
DAS programs can assist Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in obtaining employment and navigating social service programs. This organization supplies qualified ASL interpreters, CART, and VRI services. Community sign language classes, support groups, and other outreach opportunities are also available, as well as education and resources specifically designed for Deaf refugees and immigrants.
Coming in at #3, we have the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence. OCALI works to inform public policy and to develop practices grounded in research to improve life for people with disabilities. This group provides online learning opportunities. It is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for all.
It is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for all.
Each year, OCALI hosts a conference where it shares research, best practices, and resources to support individuals with disabilities. This group works to ensure that all learners have access to equal and effective educational opportunities. Its other services include promoting Universal Design for Learning, and assistance for young children.
In the #4 spot is the Range of Motion Project. This non-profit healthcare organization is dedicated to providing prosthetic care to those without access to these services. ROMP utilizes a model of high-quality, low-cost prosthetic care to deliver hundreds of devices to individuals in the U.S., Guatemala, and Ecuador each year.
In order to treat patients around the globe, ROMP works on innovative projects, such as the scan-to-print digital fabrication technique. This group also collects new or gently-used prosthetic components to treat patients in need. Its strategy includes quality clinical care, local investment and advocacy.
In order to treat patients around the globe, ROMP works on innovative projects, such as the scan-to-print digital fabrication technique.
And finally, #5 on our list is Visions Global Empowerment. This nonprofit organization serves communities affected by poverty, conflict, and disability. Since 2003, Visions has worked to enable social change through education, leadership development, and technology. It operates in Sri Lanka, India, Ethiopia, and Nicaragua.
Visions' work with the Deaf community is focused on Ethiopia, where a lack of services and opportunities make daily life very challenging for people with hearing impairments. In 2015, this organization established the first comprehensive service center in the country specifically focused on the empowerment of the Deaf community.
