Nonprofit Spotlight: Advocating For Human Rights, Not Special Rights

Independence knows no bounds.

With steadfast dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities and fostering full participation in community life, disABILITY LINK offers support and resources to facilitate the journey towards independence.

Who They Are

Founded in Georgia, disABILITY LINK is a Center for Independent Living (CIL) organization that aims to help people with disabilities achieve their independent living goals.^[1]  Centers for Independent Living are community-based, cross-disability, non-profit organizations that are designed and operated by people with disabilities. CILs are unique in that they operate according to a strict philosophy of consumer control, wherein people with all types of disabilities directly govern and staff the organization. Centers for Independent Living provide peer support, information, and referral, Advocacy, independent living skills training, and transition services from high school to adult life and from long-term institutions to communities of their choice.

Run by and for people with disabilities, all efforts are dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering full participation in community life.

As a recipient of the GuideStar Gold Seal of Transparency, the organization is committed to helping individuals with disabilities navigate personal paths, make informed choices, and lead fulfilling lives by providing the necessary support and resources to facilitate empowerment.

Their Mission & How They Fulfill It...

disABILITY LINK’s mission is clear: to promote choice and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.

As a grassroots and peer-led organization, they prioritize the voices and experiences of individuals with disabilities.

Their Value Statements:

1. Advocates for human rights, not special rights.
2. Values the inherent worth of each individual, all of whom deserve dignity and respect.
3. Promotes the inclusion and recognition of the talents and abilities of all individuals.
4. Supports self-determination and choice.

Their Programs...

Employment: disABILITY LINK offers a range of programs focused on employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. As an Employment Network (EN) participating in the Ticket to Work program, employment support services are provided to Social Security disability beneficiaries who are interested in working. Employment services include career counseling, assistance with job placement, and guidance on how work may affect benefits; weekly classes and other employment skills training are provided.

Health and Wellness: The Health and Wellness program at disABILITY LINK is dedicated to promoting overall well-being and providing individuals with the tools and knowledge to live healthier and more active lives. A wide range of classes and opportunities focus on various aspects of health and wellness, such as fitness, nutrition, or stress management; the programs are designed to cater to the needs of each individual, regardless of disability

Assistive Technology: Focusing on increasing access to technology solutions can enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. With a goal of finding technology solutions that suit unique needs and lifestyles, there are many options including low-tech assistive devices like styluses, grabbers, and bendable forks, to higher-tech solutions such as CCTVs, tablets, and software.

Mobility Management (Travel Training Services): disABILITY LINK offers comprehensive trip planning assistance and travel training for individuals with disabilities. The program is designed to empower individuals to take control of travel plans and lead more independent lives. 

Peer Support: Peer Support at disABILITY LINK is individuals with disabilities empowering others with disabilities by sharing life experiences. With over at least 51% of the staff at disABILITY LINK being people with disabilities, nearly every interaction within the organization offers peer support. Staff members have undergone training to develop the necessary skills for providing effective peer support.

Empowering our Youth (EOY): disABILITY LINK’s Empowering Our Youth program is designed to support youth with disabilities from the ages of 14 to 29. The group is designed to support youth with disabilities as they transition to adult life.
The Empowering Our Youth program focuses on advocacy, life skills development, mentorship to others, and having fun.

“Young People Are Not the Problem, We Are the Solution”

Find out about more of their many other programs and workshops by visiting disabilitylink.org or signing up for their newsletters by subscribing to the mailing list.

What's Next? How You Can Get Involved...

Board Meetings: disABILITIY LINK has board meetings open to the public, staff, and consumers which are held the third Wednesday of each quarter from 12:00 – 2:00 PM.

Find more information on applying to the Board of Directors here.

Volunteering: Connect with your community – for more information about volunteering, check their website, here.

Donate to disABILITY LINK directly.