Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL), Arizona’s largest center for independent living serving people with disabilities, presented its annual “Spirit of ABIL” award to Ezward (Ez) Bachand of Phoenix during its annual Spirit of ABIL Awards luncheon on Sat., March 15, 2008. The Spirit of ABIL award honors a local consumer who exemplifies the independent living philosophy, which states that people with disabilities should have the same civil rights, options and control over choices in their own lives as do people without disabilities.

Click here to read full story ---> ABIL Reaches Out to Arizona Children in Need

Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL), Arizona’s largest center for independent living serving people with disabilities, presented its annual “Personal Assistant Services Employee of the Year” awards at the Spirit of ABIL Awards luncheon on Sat., March 15, 2008. The Personal Assistance Services Employee of the Year award went to Ronald Griffin of Phoenix, and honorary awards were presented to Suzanne Ned of Mesa and Cedric Braxton Allen of Phoenix.

Click here to read full story ---> ARIZONA BRIDGE TO INDEPENDENT LIVING PRESENTS PERSONAL ASSISTANT SERVICES EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL), Arizona’s largest center for independent living serving people with disabilities, presented its annual “Peer Mentor of the Year” and “Volunteer of the Year” awards at the Spirit of ABIL Awards luncheon on Sat., March 15, 2008. The Peer Mentor of the Year award went to Grace Radoycich of Mesa, and the Volunteer of the Year award went to Eva Proa of Phoenix.

Click here to read full story ---> ARIZONA BRIDGE TO INDEPENDENT LIVING PRESENTS ITS VOLUNTEER AND PEER MENTOR SERVICES AWARDS

The Disability Empowerment Center of Arizona (DEC) is the future home of Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) and seven other non-profit organizations that serve people with disabilities. Each organization shares a common history and vision for the future. The 65,000 square-foot center, located at 5025 E. Washington St. in Phoenix, broke ground in early 2007 and is expected to be completed this August.

Click here to read full story ---> DISABILITY EMPOWERMENT CENTER OF ARIZONA TO OPEN IN AUGUST 2008

The most important challenge a person with a disability can have in finding a job is not overcoming a potential employer’s reluctance. It may be overcoming the person’s own misconceptions and lack of confidence.

n Metro Phoenix’s tight job market, many employers see major advantages to hiring willing workers. And many programs, both government-run and non-profit, are available to provide training and support.

Click here to read full story ---> Training. Encouragement. Assistance. Programs help those with disabilities return to workforce

ABIL is giving Arizona children a Valentine’s Day gift this year. On Feb. 14 ABIL, joins other business, community, education, faith-based and healthcare organizations to participate in Love Your Kids, a statewide KidsCare project that will provide information and enrollment assistance.

ABIL is proud to be part of this project, which will make a positive difference in the health of children throughout Arizona,” said Phil Pangrazio, ABIL Executive Director

Click here to read full story ---> ABIL Reaches Out to Arizona Children in Need

56 year old Carolan Quenneville has rheuamtoid arthritis. When she was 11 she started showing signs and she's lived with it ever since. The disease has restricted the use of her arms and legs so driving is more difficult. In fact, it's impossible to do in a normal car. She needs a special ride. That's where Driving to Independence and Jenny Nordine comes in.

Click here to read full story ---> Back Behind the Wheel full story

3 On-Your-Side: Paralyzed at the Pump

Being confined to a wheelchair creates a variety of challenges for people. It makes things most us take for granted -- things like gassing up the car – difficult. The Americans Wit Disabilities Act is a law that's supposed to help people, but are businesses like gas stations complying?