Twenty-five years ago on September 14, 1994—just four years after Congress passed the Americans With Disabilities Act—Walton Options for Independent Living opened its doors.

And the doors to opportunity for people with disabilities just keep opening.

Walton Options is recognizing its quarter-century of equality, inclusion and independence for people with all types of disabilities with a ribbon cutting and awareness celebration on September 26, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at its Georgia office at 948 Walton Way.

The celebration is open to the public, featuring food by Roux’s Catering; a self-guided tour, “Doors to Options”; and speakers, including leaders from the Augusta Chamber of Commerce and Augusta’s disability community.

Longtime employees and patrons at Walton Options, including those who were there at its founding, will also attend.

At the event, Walton Options will celebrate its core services, which are the foundation for the development of many programs. These include peer meeting groups; home access through assistive technology and home modifications; employment services; Georgia Vision Program for Adults 55+; nursing home transitions; STAR or Southeastern Technology Access and Reuse program; and youth and young adult programs. Specifically, the event will highlight:

·      Its new mobile assistive technology lab. The lab travels to local senior centers, libraries and other locations to demonstrate equipment that can help people live more independently, along with resources on where people can obtain equipment. Walton Options is currently fundraising for a dedicated van to house the lab.

·      Pre-employment transitions for youth. Walton Options offers programs to help young people with disabilities navigate “what’s next” when it comes to applying to college or getting a job.

·      Accessible voting. Over the past year, Walton Options has worked closely with local election officials and people with disabilities to provide education on the right to voting accommodations.

“Our passion is our community,” said Tiffany Clifford, executive director at Walton Options. “We believe everyone can be a part of a community that is accessible and welcoming for people regardless of disability. For the past 25 years, we have been working on a vision for the CSRA and into the South Carolina Low Country—to give anyone with a disability a resource like Walton Options that can work with you so you can grow to meet your goals as you maintain or regain your independence.”

The celebration event on September 26 will also kick off a full year of activities to recognize 25 years of all the activities that Walton Options provides.

The Walton Options for Independent Living 25th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting and Awareness Celebration is September 26 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at its Georgia office at 948 Walton Way.

To RSVP, learn more about future events, make a donation to support Walton Options’ mission or to register to volunteer, call 706-724-6262 or visit www.waltonoptions.org/25years. You can also follow Walton Options on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.