Voices & Stories Consumer, Jheng-Han, talks about how working with ACC has helped him
By Anonymous • Posted on February 11, 2021
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[0] => Array
(
[id] => 16
[date] => 2021-02-03
[status] => Active
[new] =>
[title] => Consumer shares how receiving a Chromebook has changed her life
[author] => Anonymous
[article] => The COVID-19 Pandemic has shifted most services, appointments, and social gatherings to take place virtually, and having access to a computer has become more important than ever. In the above video, one of our consumers talks about how essential having access to a computer is for her and how receiving a Chromebook through ACC has benefitted her.
)
[1] => Array
(
[id] => 4
[date] => 2025-11-30
[status] => Active
[new] =>
[title] => Tips for Being an Ally to People with Disabilities
[author] => Jacob Lesner-Buxton
[article] =>
1. Listen and believe our experiences.
When we say something is inaccessible or that we’ve experienced discrimination, believe us. Avoid minimizing or questioning our experiences; access barriers may not be visible to you, but they are real to us.
2. Ask how to offer support before stepping in.
If you want to help, start by asking if and how we’d like your support, especially in public situations. Respect our preferences, even if they differ from what you expect.
3. Be honest, respectful, and direct.
Treat people with disabilities as equals. Communicate honestly and avoid being overly cautious or performative; authenticity builds trust.
4. Learn with us, not about us.
Attend disability-related events, trainings, and celebrations. Support disability-led organizations, amplify our voices, and encourage others to do the same.
5. Understand that disability experiences are diverse.
Disability intersects with race, class, gender, sexuality, and culture. Recognize that no single person represents all disability experiences.
6. Respect boundaries around questions and privacy.
If you’re curious about someone’s disability, ask respectfully, and be okay if they prefer not to discuss it. No one owes an explanation about their body or experience.
7. Use inclusive language and honor preferences.
If you’re unsure about what terms to use (e.g., “disabled person” vs. “person with a disability”), it’s okay to ask what someone prefers. Language matters, and being flexible shows respect.
8. Be comfortable being uncomfortable.
Allies make mistakes; what matters is listening, apologizing when needed, and continuing to learn. Don’t let fear of imperfection stop you from showing up in solidarity.
)
[2] => Array
(
[id] => 19
[date] => 2021-02-03
[status] => Active
[new] =>
[title] => We are a preparedness team!
[author] => Nathan Lungu
[article] => “Moving into my own place for the first time in two years I may have forgotten the importance of being ready for any possible disaster that may arise and unfortunately a little unprepared. The teachings of safety and preparedness from my own parents went over my head as I was more focused on moving into my place than the dangers that can always come up unexpectedly. I was thankful to have ACC with a team of well-prepared and knowledgeable staff to help cover the things I had forgotten. Lauren Utterback went out of her way to bring me extra face masks and gloves during this uncertain time amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. With her help I was able to leave my home with a feeling of being better prepared to stay safe and healthy. Also, her help with putting together a list of emergency contacts and doctor information is now easily readable and hangs on my fridge for anyone that may need it in a hurry. Her suggestions for putting together an ‘emergency preparedness kit’ and the items to include helped me tremendously through a process I started to feel overwhelmed by. I now know I have a team I can go to for anything relating to preparation and safety among a list of other services they provide.
"Thank you, Lauren, and thank you ACC”
-Nathan Lungu, Consumer of Lauren Utterback, Independent Living Advocate
)
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