Disability Connection

Our Mission is to create a connected community to inform, assist, and participate in collaborations that engage people with disabilities to fully participate in their communities—eliminating barriers, and fostering cooperation and understanding.

Using a variety of interconnected programs, we are dedicated to:

PROVIDING resource information to people with disabilities through the Disability Connection Resource Center, Community Forums, and Community Events.

CONNECTING the resources individuals with disabilities need and the organizations that provide them through a database/search engine, monthly network meetings, Community Forums, and inclusive events.

SUPPLYING educational tools for professionals to increase opportunities for, and awareness of solutions to issues concerning health and wellness.

CREATING a social networking site, Cfriends, to enable open dialogue, manage a community event board, and post current news and information for those with disabilities and their providers.

HOSTING and participating in health & resource fairs, sports clinics, art fairs, community presentations, forums, and other community events that promote disability awareness and resources for those with disabilities, and that provide a network for service providers.

FACILITATING client services for those with disabilities. Primarily, referrals are made, but services provided include housing repairs, job placement, volunteer opportunities, and emergency services as funding allows.

Estimated Yearly Results

• 4,500 community members benefited from Disability Connection programs
• 60 families receive direct Client Services
• 350 volunteers yearly give over 3,000 hours of service through Disability Connection

Past Additional Accomplishments

• Built the Disability Connection Community Playground, Bruce Ladner Memorial Park, Highway 53, Gulfport, MS
• Produced ”Destination: Gulf Coast,” a film featuring the three Gulf Coast counties
• Produced “Hello, I’m alice Moseley,” a film produced to honor Alice and retain the heritages of folk art and storytelling

Community Education (Current and Past Programs)

• Sports Clinics (Sailing, Fishing, Basketball, Hockey) – 2012 Booking Charter Trips for Veterans with disabilities.
• Community Forums & Workshops: Recovery & Resiliency following Katrina, Truth about Epilepsy, Transition into the Work Force, Chronic Disease Self-Management, especially for seniors, Coping in Today’s World, Disaster Preparedness, Employment Incentives for Medicaid Recipients, and more
• Distribution of Safety & Disaster Preparedness Products & Materials to those with disabilities/ seniors.
• Community Network Meetings to host speakers, share upcoming events, discover needs of and solutions to issues impacting the community, and provide an open forum. The meeting is usually held regularly and is open to providers, clients, their family and friends.
• “Feel Special” Clinic: Hair, Nails, Grooming, Massage, Jewelry – A session for those with disabilities (including mental illness) to feel special, learn grooming techniques, & possibly prepare for employment.
• Community Presentations and Displays promoting resources and events for those with disabilities.
• Canine Companions for Independence - Presenting information on service  dogs for persons with paralysis, visual impairment, and disabilities
• Sled Hockey Forum & Clinic – two days of the on-ice thrill, trying the sport at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum
• Medicaid vs. MississippiCAN (Mississippi Coordinated Access) An informational meeting for providers and parents to discuss the new plans
• Human Trafficking - National speakers present solutions for Human Trafficking. Hosted by Advocates for Freedom and Disability Connection
• Community Resource Guides- to assist those at-risk; distributed to Veterans, Parents, and the Community. Available the Disability Connection Resource Center.