Mr Romero received his computer in January and has been using it for a month. Before COVID 19, he did not have a use for a computer, just his phone. He could go and meet people in person. Now, he uses the computer to join meetings with other veterans and join classes with other service providers. He called his computer my ’best friend.’ Mr. Romero is so grateful that he is able to share this life experience with friends. He suggests our programs to other people with disabilities in need. Because of this program, he feels his overall well-being has drastically improved; he now has a connection with the outside world that he did not have prior to receiving his computer.
Testimonial from M. Romero, a Simi Valley resident and consumer of Jaydon Gaines - Community Living Advocate
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[id] => 24
[date] => 2021-02-24
[status] => Active
[new] =>
[title] => Connection to Technology is Essential
[author] => Anonymous
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[date] => 2022-10-12
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[title] => What Disability Pride Means to Me
[author] => Emily Bridges
[article] =>
With the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990, the month of July is Disability Pride Month. It's hard to imagine sometimes, but that was 32 years ago! Each ADA Anniversary allows self-advocates to reflect on how their conditions bring them strength. It also allows for calls to action in improving accessibility across the country and the world.
The first word I thought of while writing this piece is "intergenerational." This word means relating to people in different age categories. Whether you are Gen Z or a Baby Boomer, everyone will probably experience disabilities in one way or another. The chance of getting a disability increases as we age. So, people in each generation should learn lessons from those before and after theirs.
An event with valuable insights was when Judy Heumann spoke at the University of Georgia (UGA) a few years ago at the 2019 Georgia Disability History Symposium. The discussion happened while I attended UGA. As someone who lives in both pre-and post-ADA worlds, Judy highlighted the benefits it brought when signed while also recognizing the struggles that still exist long after. This is particularly the case for people with disabilities in other minority groups (race/ethnicity, LGBTQ+, etc.). One final thing that Judy discussed is switching words like "special needs" or "different abilities" in favor of using "disability" to help erase the stigma of having a condition. It's a natural part of living that should be embraced, not feared.
Judy Heumann may not remember me from everyone she has met at all her public speaking events, but I certainly will remember the lessons I've learned from her and so many powerhouses that have come before. I will also work to pay it forward to future generations of self-advocates by both sharing views and learning about new perspectives. We all travel this road called life, and it's wonderful sharing it with others. Community connectedness is a huge part of Disability Pride. It is something to celebrate each July and always!
My name is Ann and I am writing to tell you how deeply grateful I am to the Access Central Coast, Inc for first their loan of a Samsung Chromebook and now the gift of the same. Their generous loan and trust in me literally saved my life. It allowed me to reach out and stay connected with people and my long time Recovery 12 step meetings during the horrible loneliness and isolation of self quarantine for over a year. I am at high risk as a 72 and a half year old Lesbian with chronic PTSD Survivor of multiple sexual assaults and a hate crime and still suffering from life long ramifications of the abuse along with blocked airway disease from being evacuated in the Woolsey Malibu fires in 2018. Having this Chromebook has empowered me to apply for emergency covid grants of food, help with dental bills, gas and drs bills. It also helped me to keep learning by attending zoom meetings in film theatre art and television. The ACC puts their efforts where their organization’s vision and goals are...helping persons with disabilities. They helped me stay alive and gave me hope.
God Bless Jaydon Gaines and her Associates.
I will forever be grateful for their kindness, support and generosity.
With the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990, the month of July is Disability Pride Month. It's hard to imagine sometimes, but that was 32 years ago! Each ADA Anniversary allows self-advocates to reflect on how their conditions bring them strength. It also allows for calls to action in improving accessibility across the country and the world.