This is an exciting time to work in the field of disabilities services.

Never before have Americans with disabilities enjoyed the opportunities that have been created over the past generation. From integrated education to handicap-accessible buildings, those with disabilities are able to live and to learn with increased freedom.

It’s also an exciting time because technology allows the opportunities for those with disabilities to navigate their world like never before. The phrase, “there’s an app for that!” is especially true in this field.

Between smart phone apps and GPS systems, those with intellectual disabilities can let family know where they are or if they’re in trouble at just the touch of a button. Smart apartments sense when a person has left, monitoring stove tops or space heaters that may have inadvertently been left on. Smart phone apps can now tell individuals how to walk to the nearest bus stop, which bus to board, and when they should signal to get off.

But…

But with all these new-found freedoms of navigation and communication, there is still so far to go. Many in society are still not used to seeing people with disabilities in the places they frequent – work, restaurants, even their neighborhood. There is no app that magically makes you and I more comfortable around people who seem different than us. That’s something that simply takes time. Time and intentionality.

This is an area where I feel the Village of Progress has worked so diligently over the past couple years. Every day of the week, the Village is encouraging the men and women it serves to be involved in the community. Eating out at restaurants for lunch, working alongside people without disabilities, enjoying the parks and libraries and bowling alleys along with others.

This past year, the Village conducted a shared story time with a half dozen lower-elementary school children. They read together a book about disabilities. How good it feels to be included; and how sad it can feel to be excluded. My hope is that this experience plants a seed for them to be more courageous in befriending someone not quite like them. Then finding out how much like them their new friend truly is.

It’s an exciting time. There is much still to do. The Village of Progress is privileged to not only serve in the present but work toward the future.

Thank you.

Jeffery E. Glen
President, Village of Progress Board of Directors