Today is an exciting day for our organization. On October 1st, 2015, our name officially changed from Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) to Ability360. I am so excited to make this announcement as we embark on this new chapter in our history. For nearly 35 years, our organization has empowered people of all abilities in our community to be more independent and lead fuller lives. From an organizational perspective, none of our core beliefs and grassroots advocacy tradition will ever change. We will always be true to the heart and soul of our mission.
However, the change to Ability360 is a step toward redefining our organization to the community. We believe that Ability360 will better project our mission and values to the larger community, especially as it relates to the concept of disability. It’s not that we are ashamed of the word disability, but is about changing attitudes and perceptions about who we are as people first, and what we are capable of achieving. It’s about continuing our progress toward obtaining greater dignity and respect, while at the same time portraying a more positive image that focuses on our abilities. We believe Ability360 will move us in that direction.
I hope you share our excitement about this change to Ability360! I look forward to seeing you sometime at one of our many fabulous events held at the Ability360 Center and the Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center.
In the coming months our buildings will begin to take on some of the changes. Below is a few examples of what we have planned.
