Page 93 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

GIVING BACK connected community
Arbor Day Run/Walk/Roll-the 1⁄4 Mile Start
Art Ability Fair Pottery Station Disability Connection Beach Community Playgrounds Wheelchair Mat
story by Lynn Lofton
photos courtesy of Disability Connection
The Disability Connection has a mission of Creating a Connected Community to provide social support, ensure healthy futures, eliminate barriers, and foster cooperation
and understanding for people with disabilities with priority for seniors, veterans, and children.
“Disability Connection (DC) is recognized for programs that network and strengthen the community,” Executive Director Janie O’Keefe
said. “These include the Employment and Entrepreneur Connection (eliminating barriers to employment), and Community Assist (direct service solutions and referrals).”
DC also hosts a popular educational and service driven website for
Gulfport Main Office
700 Pass Rd. Monday-Friday
By Appointment: 228.604.4020
individuals to get assistance in these areas. One of the newest programs is Read-Up, reading classes for 55 adults with intellectual disabilities.
In 2013, DC produced the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Resource Guide to network the nonprofit community in assisting individuals with identifying free services. The guide is produced in print and digital forms and showcases more than 200 Coast resources within the southern six counties.
The organization creates inclusive play spaces. In 2012 they built the Disability Connection Community Playground, and every year DC
hosts the “I Love My Playground” party for 500 individuals to clean-up,
picnic, and play. They are currently partnering with Ocean Springs to provide new accessible playground equipment for Little Children’s Park, and partnering with Coast leaders to purchase wheelchair rollout access mats for the beaches.
Gov. Phil Bryant said, “We enthusiastically recommend the Disability Connection Resource Center, community events and workshops and the development
of the Disability Connection Community Playground. I recognize your additional commitment to
also provide referrals and hands-on assistance and understand the value that Disability Connection is to the communities of South Mississippi.”
Jackson County Office in Ocean Springs City Hall
1018 Porter Ave. Monday-Friday
By Appointment: 228.870.7775
www.DisabilityConnection.org | Office@DisabilityConnection.org
Proud Supporter of Disability Connection
www.bradfordokeefe.com
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