Accessibility Bridge Corporation 4660 Crain Hwy #1622, White Plains, MD 20695
The Guiding Light for Our Organization
The Guiding Light for Accessibility Bridge
Dee Sapp, Founder and Executive Director of Accessibility Bridge, is the parent of a son with an intellectual disability and autism. Throughout his high school education, her son encountered numerous barriers resulting from insufficient empathy, resources, and expertise within existing systems and programs dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities who aspire to greater inclusion and independence.
The "one size fits all" approach to services and assistance proved more detrimental than supportive for her son. Through Dee's research into programs, schools, employers, therapists, and other resources, she discovered numerous inclusive communities that could benefit her son. However, it would require her to embrace the idea of him leaving the comfort and perceived security of his current community to experience these opportunities.
The standardized model of service provision proved more harmful than helpful to her son. Through Dee's comprehensive research into various programs, educational institutions, employers, therapists, and other resources, she identified several inclusive communities that could potentially support her son's needs. However, taking advantage of these opportunities would require her to consider transitioning him away from the familiarity and perceived security of his existing community.
Individuals with disabilities may sometimes experience limited awareness of available opportunities. Inclusive communities facilitate access to improved housing, employment, education, athletics, and social engagement for people with disabilities. The Accessibility "Bridge" serves as a conduit linking people with disabilities to these essential resources, thereby fostering their overall success and well-being.
Accessibility Bridge distinguishes itself through its steadfast commitment to its mission and the sustained leadership of its founder within the inclusion movement. The organization is dedicated to ongoing growth and advancement, supported by the active engagement of community members.
As Dee provides support in partnership with her son, who is now a 2-time Team USA Paralympian, she continues to set new standards and showcase achievements for those pursuing comparable opportunities or experiences.