From Cohome Inc.:
July is abuzz with celebrations of independence.
Thirty-three years ago, history was made when The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) declared that disability rights are civil rights. Anytime you see a sign language interpreter at an event, accessible parking spaces, and service animals in businesses, that is the ongoing work of the ADA.
On July 26, 2023, National Disability Independence Day, the celebration of this victory will continue with a fundraiser gala in Morristown, hosted at the exciting new restaurant 1776 by David Burke.
This special event will benefit Cohome, a not-for-profit organization committed to creating radically inclusive housing and programs for adults with disabilities.
Drawing inspiration from the principle of mainstreaming, where students with special needs are educated alongside their peers in regular classes, Cohome’s inclusive housing embodies integration, acceptance, and equal opportunities for all individuals. Events like this gala are extremely important in creating awareness and providing funds to the ongoing mission.
“This will be a pivotal event for us, both in what it stands for and what it allows us to do” says Julie Diskint, associate director of Cohome.
“Proceeds will help us grow our Residential and Social programs by enhancing the physical spaces, improving staffing capacity, and expanding our curriculum.”
1776 has proven to be dedicated to the idea of disability inclusion. Jeremy, a resident of Cohome, has worked in the kitchen of this world class restaurant for over a year, helping to create dishes and learning the ropes.
Celebrity Chef David Burke has even visited Cohome.
“I cooked in their flagship home and I think what they do is fantastic,” said Chef Burke.
“Cohome is clearly beneficial to the people who live there and to the Morristown community. Their work in providing a supportive, welcoming home that allows the residents to reach their potential, to be independent, to be included and not isolated is very touching and inspirational. It should be applauded and supported.”
The event is being sponsored by Circle Squared, Claremont Companies, SESI Engineering, Spinella Electrical Contracting, Godby Realty, Morgan Stanley, Sills Cummis & Gross P.C., FCi, Walsh Company, and Eric Legrand Whiskey.
Legrand, a disability advocate and former Rutgers football player, will be honored at the event, as will Sills Cummis & Gross, P.C. attorney Frank Vitolo, who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Cohome community.
“Like most people, we have a close family member who is a person with disabilities,” Frank says. “The work of Nate (Diskint) and Cohome is critical to creating family and independent living opportunities for my cousin and people like her.”
For information about the event and to purchase tickets visit here. To sponsor and learn about other ways to get involved, visit our website or follow Cohome on social media @mycohomelife.
