Educational and social programing for people with disabilities.
DisabledCommunity.Org (DCO) is an educational and social program designed to help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, their friends, caregivers and social service agencies.
Keywords: disability, disabilities, independent living, ADA, wellness, health, accessible technology, assistive technology, mental health, diseases, accident, allergies, blind, deaf, pain, accommodation, rehabilitation, handicapped, accessibility, library, information, clearinghouse, directory
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
DisabledCommunity.Org (DCO) became a California nonprofit in October 2007
What is your primary product or service?
We are a social and educational network for people with disabilities.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Lori Guidos, DCO's Executive Director, became interested in making information available online for people with disabilities after she was in a car accident. Lori's background was in libraries and information services. She knew if she was having difficulty finding information about disability on the internet then others with more complex disabilities where having an even a harder time. DCO has received a few small grants from the Society for Community Work and through a State of California Department of Aging Aging and Disability ADRC grant in collaboration with the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services and the Independent Living Resource Center. DCO is also funded by book donations which her teams of volunteers from ToolWorks and Hope Services help to sell online.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
DCO's programs support people with all types of disabilities. Some volunteers have never been employed before. Others volunteers are highly skilled but are unable to be employed currently and want to continue to be useful.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
DCO is located in the Renaissance Entrepreneurship building located South of Market. We would like to grow our training sites. If you have a room with wireless or direct connect internet access available for a 3 hour period please let us know.
Provide detailed directions to your location
DCO is at 275 Fifth Street, Suite 419 near Folsom. We are a short walk from Bart or Muni.
Please make an appointment before coming to our office.
What type of payments do you accept?
We receive donations through cash, check, Visa or Master Card.
Which areas do you service?
The DCO information clearinghouse is available at our home page. DCO's educational and social events are scheduled in San Francisco and photographs and video of some of these events are available at www.DisabledCommunity.Org under "Events".
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
DisabledCommunity.Org is organized completely by volunteers. We currently have 3 shifts of volunteers helping with the Online Bookstore. DCO also has a Board of Directors: Sam Alicia Duke, President, Rick Appleby, Secretary, Sandhya Gurung, Treasurer, Tori Smythe, Information Technology. Lori Guidos serves as the Executive Director.
What are your hours of operation?
DCO can be reached via email at admin@disabledcommunity.org or by telephone at 415-508-6130 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday through Fridays.