This year marks the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It’s the landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life. InnovAge celebrates the purpose and promise of this important act. We are deeply committed to making sure people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
For our staff, disability rights are essential to our inclusive culture. Last month, InnovAge Chief Talent Officer Denise Triba was a guest on Disability Matters. The national radio program is hosted by disability rights advocate Joyce Bender. Denise discussed ways the company works to create a supportive, equal-opportunity environment for all staff. One of those is the introduction in 2019 of an Inclusion Education Council. The staff-led group advises the company on policies and programs that foster a sense of belonging and opportunity for all.
For seniors enrolled in InnovAge’s Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, our comprehensive and personalized approach to care ensures their diverse needs are addressed. In her conversation with Denise, Joyce Bender told a story about asking a senior at an InnovAge center how he liked it there. He responded, “At the hospital, they didn’t see me. At InnovAge, they see me.” We dedicate ourselves to making sure every participant feels the same.
Much has been accomplished through the ADA. However, there is still work to be done to remove barriers to equal participation in public life for those with disabilities. InnovAge is proud to stand with the disability community in increasing accessibility and inclusivity for all.