Though many view having a disability as a disadvantage, Ability Connection only sees opportunity.
Ability Connection has been around for nearly seventy years and was originally started solely for people who have Cerebral Palsy. Over the history of their organization, they expanded operations to include people of all disabilities and therefore changed their name from United Cerebral Palsy of Dallas County in 2011.
Ability Connection states that “Today, through our experienced team of employees and volunteers, Ability Connection’s passion is to provide the highest quality of care and support to the community we serve. We empower individuals to live the best life possible by removing barriers that inhibit independence and autonomy. Our core values [are] Compassion, Respect, and Results”.
They currently help over seven hundred people suffering from a variety of conditions. They know that help is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ system, so the helpers at Ability Connection specifically tailor their approach to every individual to achieve maximum results.
The rich history of Ability Connection dates back to 1953, where people with Cerebral Palsy were their only service group. In 1986, they opened their first home for residents to stay. By 2008, they had six different group homes.
The latest renovation to Ability Connection took place last year when they developed a new program called Camp Connections. It is aimed at teenagers ages twelve through seventeen who struggle with various disabilities. It acts as a summer retreat for those who cannot attend a typical summer camp. Just like a traditional summer camp, attendees at Camp Connections can build lifelong relationships and realize the power of community.
“Today, through our experienced team of employees and volunteers, Ability Connection’s passion is to provide the highest quality of care and support to the community we serve. We empower individuals to live the best life possible by removing barriers […] Our members reflect our community. Our members are individuals with skills, passions, interests, humor, creativity, dignity, and determination. Today, one in five people have a disability – which is why our organization and its services are so critical to the community.”
To learn more about Ability Connection, the services it offers, or volunteer opportunities, please visit: https://abilityconnection.org/