Celebrating Independence in July
National Disability Independence Day is celebrated annually on July 26 to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. The ADA is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability and affirms the inherent dignity of all people.
At LifeBridge Partnership, we know that people with disabilities have opinions and dreams to follow, and they should have the freedom of choice in doing so. We believe a disability should NOT be a barrier to independence but an opportunity to partner with others to follow one's path in life. Our mission is rooted in the conviction that everyone deserves the chance to live a fulfilling and independent life, regardless of their abilities.
This mission began in the early 1900s when children with disabilities in St. Louis faced significant barriers in their pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. They did not have the opportunity to attend school with other children, and orthopedic equipment to help with mobility was not widely available. In response to these challenges, a group of dedicated individuals came together in 1927 to form what is now LifeBridge Partnership. Their goal was to create opportunities for people with disabilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives. Over the years, our organization has evolved, but our commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities has remained steadfast.
Today, we focus on cultivating social well-being and a sense of belonging for youth and adults with disabilities through a variety of community-based recreation and enrichment activities. Our programs are designed to provide support, encouragement, and assistance, helping individuals develop socialization skills, navigate the community safely, and have fun.
Our work is about more than just recreation; it’s about building bridges to a life of social well-being. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and pursue their dreams. We are proud of our history and the positive impact we have made in the lives of countless individuals and families.
As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we also celebrate the independence and achievements of those we serve. We are committed to continuing our mission and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the opportunities they need to live meaningful and independent lives.
Join us in this mission! Your support and involvement make all the difference. Together, we can build a future where everyone has the freedom to follow their dreams. For more information about working for or volunteering with LifeBridge Partnership, contact us at info@lifebridgestl.org or visit our website at https://www.lifebridgestl.org/volunteer
Karen Schuster, CEO