News
Celebrating the ADA Anniversary and the Strength of Our Community
Every July, the disability community pauses to mark an important milestone: the ADA anniversary. The Americans with Disabilities Act didn’t just change laws — it changed lives, opened doors, and reminded the country that people with disabilities deserve access, opportunity, independence, and respect (ADA.gov). At Abound Health, this ADA anniversary is a moment to celebrate progress, honor the families and advocates who came before us, and recommit to the work still ahead.
Why the ADA Anniversary Matters
The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990, but as our leadership shares below, the real story began long before that — with families who wanted better for their children, and small, community-rooted agencies built by people who saw a need and stepped up. The ADA anniversary each July gives us a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come, and how much of that progress was built one relationship, one advocate, and one family at a time.
A Message From Our Leadership
A message from Dennis Lally, CEO, and Jenna Whigham, President
To Our Abound Health Community,
This July, we are proud to recognize the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and what it continues to mean for the individuals and families we serve.
The ADA was an important step forward. It helped open doors, protect rights, and remind our country that people with disabilities deserve access, opportunity, independence, and respect. But like so many important things, the heart of this work started long before any law was signed.
It started with families. With parents who wanted better for their children. With small agencies, many started around kitchen tables and in local communities, built by people who saw a need and said, “we can do better.”
That spirit is still very much alive at Abound.
As brother and sister, we are grateful we get to do this work together. As leaders, we are even more grateful to be part of an organization that brings together this community. Abound has grown because of the legacy that precedes us — from the many small, family-led efforts to create better services and better lives that have come together to create Abound. We do not take this legacy lightly.
Today, Abound is growing, but we never want to lose the heart that made this work possible in the first place. We want to be a strong, reliable organization rooted in the communities we serve.
While we have come a long way since the ADA became law, we know there is still work to do. Families still face barriers. Individuals still must advocate for opportunities others may take for granted. And in many ways, the climate around disability services can feel uncertain.
But what gives us hope is our community.
We see resilience every day. In the clients reaching new goals. In the families who keep pushing forward. In the DSPs, nurses, clinicians, and team members who show up with care, creativity, and commitment. In every small victory that may not make the news, but changes someone’s life.
That is what the ADA means to us. Not just access on paper, but real belonging. Real opportunity. Real community.
Thank you for trusting us, growing with us, and allowing us to be part of your story. If you ever feel that Abound can be better in realizing our mission to empower people, please never hesitate to reach out.
With gratitude, Dennis, Jenna, and the Abound Team
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this year’s ADA anniversary, Abound Health remains committed to the families, individuals, and team members who make this community strong. There is still work to do, but with a community this resilient, we’re confident in what lies ahead.
Have questions about our programs, or want to learn more about the services Abound Health offers in your community? Reach out to the Abound Health team — we’d love to hear from you.
