ABILITY Awareness is committed to increasing awareness about the skills and talents of people with disabilities, providing meaningful volunteer opportunities to people with disabilities and promoting visitability and accessibility as features that should be included in all new homes.

Building a World of Inclusion

Laughter and friendly chatter punctuated by saws buzzing, hammers slamming down on nails, and drills whirling – these were sounds heard on Bush Street in Santa Ana.   This cacophony of sound was the result of the hard work by volunteers from the ARC of Orange County the newest members of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County’s (HFHOC), volunteer work force.

The volunteers from ARC, all persons with a variety of disabilities, were busy every Wednesday, beginning in February, for eleven weeks to help HFHOC create a home that meets the needs of six-year old Marian Usman. Marian was diagnosed with cerebral palsy before her first birthday.

“We are delighted to have this opportunity to show that everyone can volunteer and help make a difference in our community,” said Sharon Ellis, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. “Our partnership with ABILITY Awareness will help us move forward with our mission of ending substandard housing and building strong communities in Orange County, while also advancing their mission of building a world of inclusion for people with health conditions or disabilities.”

By providing an opportunity for people with disabilities to volunteer, not only were stereotypes shattered, but two very different types of organizations were brought together and have shown by example what can be done. 

ABILITY Awareness thanks Habitat for Humanity of Orange County for this opportunity and the volunteers from the ARC of Orange County for their hard work and dedication.. 

Stay tuned as we continue our partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County in their Homes for Heroes development in San Juan Capistrano.