Looking back as we look ahead – A note from our Executive Director
“Twenty five years ago in September, Walton Options was incorporated as an organization created to support goals of people with disabilities in living independently and having opportunities to be included in our community. Twenty years ago, on October 1, 1999, I was hired by the Board of Directors to be the Executive Director. I still remember the advertisement published in the paper ‘the board seeks a director to lead Walton Options into the new Millennium’.
That sounded like a daunting responsibility of which I was not sure I was the person for that, but having recently moved to the area, I submitted an application in consideration of a position with the organization, and next thing I knew I was being called to accept an interview for the ED. The board saw something in me that I didn’t know I possessed. That is very similar to how many consumers approach us. So often use to hearing what they can’t have or can’t be that Walton Options is like a surprise to them when they come in and see people like them working, hanging out, going to school…making goals and living their life their way.
When I was offered the position, I was placed in a unique position to experience more than I could comprehend at the time. During the last twenty years, Walton Options has brought me in the presence of other leaders from local, state, and federal including Vice Presidents of our country and Secretaries to the President. It has allowed me to interact with people from across our nation and beyond our borders. We have had staff that sat at the table as part of the conversations that formulated the ADA, staff that have visited other countries with the message of liberty, justice, and inclusion for all.
We have experienced great growth in programs, staff, and resources. At the same time, we have had times where we were concerned about loss of rights and loss of funding. We have quietly worked behind the scenes on issues of change for some major works, and we have been very public about other things. But whatever we are doing, we are promoting our belief that all people with disabilities should have the same rights as any other human and that our communities should be welcoming and inclusive, that a disability is not a reason to punish someone and deny their access to a full life.
Every mission has to have a vision. Now, here we start our next chapter with an expanded vision. We know there is still advocacy work to do in some of the same areas we could identify 25 years ago…housing, transportation, healthcare, and employment. And while many still do not have the same opportunities and many still struggle, we cannot fail to recognize the growth and changes that have happened that have expanded opportunities for so many.
Think just how technology alone has impacted us. New virtual jobs, and many new jobs that do not require the same level of physical activity now exist. New tools like smart phones that allow us to order groceries, receive and make payments, navigate, and use voice recognition help us. Universal Design that incorporates access into construction and landscape for ease of participation is in the planning of many communities. Technology and construction will be our primary corporate goals in the next few years.
We hope that our 25 year anniversary campaign will kick off the funds to our mobile technology and independent living lab. Last year we received the funds to buy new items for demonstrations and this year we hope to add them to an accessible traveling lab where we can get out more into those rural counties. Technology and construction will be part our primary corporate goals in the next few years as we look to creating more access and space to better serve our area. We are excited as we start a new year of planning for Walton Options and the next 25 years.”
~ Tiffany Clifford, Executive Director
If you are interested in donating to the Walton Options’ Mobile Van, you can visit our Donation Page or text ATVAN25 to 44-321.