disABILITY LINK Wins Dana & Christopher Reeve Foundation Grant

disABILITY LINK has been selected as one of 32 nationwide recipients of a Direct Effect Quality of Life Grant by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center.

disABILITY LINK is a 501(c)3 center for independent living (CIL) led by and for people with disabilities. The non-residential center for rights and resources serves 12 metro-Atlanta counties’ residents with independent living skills training, advocacy, peer counseling and transitional services.

The Dana & Christopher Reeve Foundation Direct Effect Grants fund organizations up to $25,000 to support a wide range of projects and activities. This year’s recipients sought funding from among projects including employment programs, playground projects and adaptive sports programs.

“This grant provides support to continue our mission of promoting choice and full participation in community life,” said disABILITY LINK executive director Kim Gibson. “Funding from the Reeve Foundation Grant allows our organization to focus on a younger, under-served population to provide skills needed in gaining meaningful careers and not just a job.”

The Dana & Christopher Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information, and advocacy. Grants are possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, are designed to impact individuals living with paralysis and their families.

“The ultimate goal (of the grant funds),” said Gibson, “is to provide support to young adults with disabilities to develop a career path which will provide sustainable employment and financial independence for their future. It is truly exciting to have been selected to do this project which is meant to increase the independence of young adults,” she said.

In fiscal year 2018, disABILITY LINK provided informational and referral services to over 3,874 individuals and provided 10,852 individual services to people with disabilities.

“We are thrilled to award Quality of Life grants to organizations directly serving people living with paralysis to enhance their independence and engagement in their communities,” said Maggie Goldberg, Vice President of Policy and Programs, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. “These projects will have a tremendous impact on those who benefit from their services.”

disABILITY LINK 2018 Program Highlights

• relocating 14 individuals from institutions to the community of their choice
• hosting the first Empowering our Youth Locating Employment Avenues through Peer Support (EOY LEAPS) summer program with six students with disabilities graduating
• assisting voter registration for over 100 individuals with disabilities
• provided vocational and employment services to over 1,068 individuals with disabilities seeking career options and employment.