HASL

01/16/2026

Accessibility isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention.

This store is in an older building, and yes, there are stairs. But they also had a wheelchair lift. They didn’t ignore accessibility just because the building was old or because it would have been easier to do nothing.

That lift told me something important. It let me know that I was welcome too.

So often, accessibility is treated like an afterthought. But when businesses make the effort, even when it’s not simple, it makes a powerful statement. Inclusion isn’t always flashy. Sometimes it’s just a lift beside a staircase, quietly making sure no one is left out. 💙

01/16/2026

Together, we can make a difference! 🌟 This list of essential donations will help WCST continue its vital work in ending domestic and sexual violence, a mission our community has proudly supported since 1977. Our survivors and their families are forever grateful! 💕 For more information, call 541 476-3877. Thank you for being part of the change! 🙏

01/05/2026

AN NPR survey finds that people with disability still find hotels unaccommodating, even 35 years after passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

12/31/2025

12/28/2025

For anyone who has never seen this part of air travel for wheelchair users, this is how I get to my seat on the plane. It’s called an “aisle chair” because it’s thin enough to roll down the narrow aisle of the plane. It is not glamorous or comfortable, but it is the reality for so many of us who love to travel.

One tip I have learned after years of flying like this: some aisle chairs do not have armrests or enough support to keep you stable. I always pack plenty of Velcro so I can wrap it around myself and the chair as an extra seatbelt when needed. It has saved me from slipping or sliding more times than I can count, so if you fly and use a wheelchair, bring Velcro. It is a game changer.

I am grateful for the assistance I get, but I will never stop advocating for better. I want to roll onto a plane in my own wheelchair one day. I want accessibility to be standard, not something we improvise with straps and Velcro. Until that day comes, I will keep traveling, keep sharing, and keep pushing for change so that we can move through the world safely and confidently.

12/21/2025

Michaela Benthaus, a paraplegic engineer for the European Space Agency, became the first wheelchair user in space Saturday. 🔗⬇️

12/12/2025

Did you know about our ramps program?

We believe that safe and affordable access to home starts at the front door. 🏡💚

Through our A Brush With Kindness (ABWK) / Small Repair program, Habitat for Humanity Rogue Valley builds ramps so low– to moderate–income homeowners in Jackson County can stay safely in the homes they love.

Projects are completed with volunteer labor and are income-based on a sliding scale—some very low-income homeowners may not be asked to repay the cost of repairs.

👉 Know someone who needs a ramp or minor accessibility support to stay safe at home?
Learn more and see if you qualify: https://www.roguevalleyhabitat.org/repair-programs

For questions, contact us at 541-779-1983 or bthoms@roguevalleyhabitat.org.

12/11/2025

David’s Chair is receiving more than $11,000 to help expand outdoor access for people with mobility challenges. The grant was awarded by AllCare Health’s Community Advisory Councils.

https://kobi5.com/news/top-stories/allcare-health-awards-11k-to-davids-chair-289364/

12/06/2025

Women’s Crisis Support Team is hiring

🌟 We’re Hiring! Join the WCST Team! 🌟

Full-time positions at WCST don’t open often… but today, we’re excited to share that we are hiring a Full-Time Advocate!

If you—or someone you know—has a heart for community, strong people skills, and a desire to make a real difference, this might be the perfect opportunity.

At WCST, we’re a small but mighty nonprofit built on mutual support, collaboration, and compassion. We lean on each other, listen to each other, and celebrate the impact we make together. Our advocates help survivors of domestic and sexual violence find safety, resources, and connection. It’s meaningful work… and it matters.

Why work with us?
💛 A supportive, community-centered team
💛 Competitive pay
💛 Generous PTO + holidays
💛 Health, dental, and life insurance
💛 Retirement plan
💛 A workplace where you truly belong
💛 A chance to make an immediate difference in people’s lives

We’re looking for someone who:
✔ Has strong customer service or human-service experience
✔ Works well in a team
✔ Communicates with empathy and respect
✔ Feels passionate about supporting our community
✔ Wants to grow, learn, and contribute to a mission that saves lives

➡️ A cover letter is REQUIRED and must accompany your resume. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

📩 Apply by sending your resume and cover letter to:
contact@wcstjoco.org

Please share this post to help us find the right person. With your help, we’ll welcome a new team member into this work that means so much. 💜

WCST is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Former candidates encouraged to re-apply.

12/06/2025

⚠️ Important update for our community! After Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill this summer, states across the country are facing Medicaid funding challenges, and Oregon is no exception.

This isn't Oregon's fault—but it is our responsibility to make sure people with disabilities have a voice in what happens next.

We need YOUR story. If you or a family member rely on Medicaid, or if you work in disability services, advocacy, or healthcare, please take a few minutes to share your experience. Decision-makers need to hear the real impact of these services on people's lives.

👉 Fill out our form here: tinyurl.com/bdhke6hv >

Your story can make a difference. Our community cares and deserves to be at the table!