50 Years, 50 Stories - Via Mobility Services

This week’s “50 Years, 50 Stories” installment comes from Mary Cobb, writing on behalf of our good friends at Via Mobility Services. Via’s mission is to promote independence and self-sufficiency for people with limited mobility by providing caring, customer-focused transportation options. The is a great deal of overlap between the populations that we serve, and I’m proud to say that our relationship with Via is one that continues to be beneficial not only to both of our organizations but, more importantly, to our community.

Thanks Mary, for the kind words, and thank you Via, for all you do to provide a bridge to the community for some of most vulnerable citizens.

 

Via Salutes Imagine!’s 50 Years

By Mary Cobb, Director of Communications, Via Mobility Services

 

 

There was a time in the recent history of this country when people with disabilities, regardless of the nature or degree of disability, were housed in institutions. This long era of shame and hidden family secrets destroyed lives through guilt and broken human bonds. When someone lives in an institution, whether due to disability, mental illness, or simply lack of family to provide care, even if that person receives visitors, at the bottom of her heart, this human being knows that she is not loved, not wanted. I am not talking about dangerous criminals or people who pose a serious threat to society. I am talking about people who are striving to find a home and place to belong and may need special accommodations to be able to do so.

During the last few decades, primarily due to dedicated organizations such as Imagine!, major civil rights developments have occurred, including one called self-determination, which defines the principle that people with disabilities have the right to choose how to live their own lives. For self-determination to be successful, four factors are essential—loved ones, friends in the community, professionals, and community services such as Imagine! and Via. While Via has not been on the “road” as long as Imagine!—50 years versus Via’s 34—both organizations are committed to true inclusion and choice for older adults and individuals living with disabilities.

There is enormous human and societal cost in institutionalizing human beings. This era of lost human beings is not completely over. While tremendous progress has occurred, Imagine!’s work will never be done. I say this not to deter enthusiasm, but to encourage determination to achieve the goal of helping to realize the potential of every person living with a disability in our community.

When you go to the supermarket and there’s the guy with Down syndrome who is bagging your groceries, do not look at this person as disabled. Look at him as someone with a story worth knowing. It's so incredibly important that if you are somebody who feels a passion for people with disabilities because you have a loved one who has a disability or you have a larger faith that every human being has a purpose on earth that may not be known to you, you need to go out and you need to fight for their rights and for services that support self-determination. That’s what Imagine! has been doing for 50 years. We at Via salute you. And with deep honor, Via will be right by Imagine!’s side in the drive to give all people the opportunity to live their dreams, have a sense of purpose, and find their own unique place in the community.

“50 Years, 50 Stories” bonus! Mary and the good folks at Via submitted the above story as guest editorials that appeared in both the Daily Camera and the Longmont Times-Call. Words can’t express how appreciative we are of their support.

Are you interested in sharing your story for “50 Years, 50 Stories?” If so, contact Caroline Siegfried at caroline@imaginecolorado.org or 303-926-6405. We’d love to hear from you!