JULY ARTICLE: Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month, observed each July, commemorates the 1990 enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark law that extended vital civil rights protections to people with disabilities.
The ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. Not all disabilities are visible. The ADA protects people with mobility, vision, hearing, intellectual, cognitive, and other disabilities.1
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in four adults in the U.S. have a disability.2 Disability Pride Month recognizes the value of people with disabilities and raises awareness about the importance of disability culture and inclusion.
"We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay" is this year’s Disability Pride Month theme that has been selected by The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates to promote inclusion and convey the important message “people with disabilities are a vital part of every community.” 3
Empowering Individuals
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is dedicated to removing barriers and creating equity for all by empowering individuals and communities to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential in their homes and communities.
OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in the southeastern part of Massachusetts. Below are just a few ways OCES supports people with disabilities.
Home-based Care
Also known as “homecare” services, help people with disabilities remain safe and independent at home. Homecare options include but are not limited to care management, personal care, homemaking, and transition support upon discharge from hospital or nursing facility. Transportation coordination for medical appointments and procedures is also part of homecare services. Whether for short-term needs or for ongoing support, homecare encompasses a wide range of supports and may be provided in an individual’s own home or that of a family member or friend.
Nutrition Services
OCES provides home-delivered meals, also known as “Meals on Wheels” to individuals with disabilities who are unable to shop for groceries or prepare meals on their own. A delicious, nutritious meal is delivered to their homes Monday through Friday. The OCES monthly menu is planned by a registered dietitian and includes medically-tailored meals with a doctor’s approval and also meals for those who have special diets. In addition to Homecare and Nutrition services, OCES offers Behavioral Health, Adult Family Care, Community Housing programs and more.
OCES supports everyone without exception. Join us in celebrating people with disabilities and honoring the history, culture and achievements of the disability community.
Sources:
1ADA.gov. U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. (n.d.) Introduction to the Americans with Disability Act. https://www.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/
2CDC Disability and Health. (2025, April 14). Disability Impacts All of Us Infographic. https://www.cdc.gov/disability-and-health/articles-documents/disability-impacts-all-of-us-infographic.html#
3 The Arc. (2025, May 19). Why and how to celebrate Disability Pride Month [Blog post]. https://thearc.org/blog/why-and-how-to-celebrate-disability-pride-month/
Recent News
by Kerry Zingaro
JULY ARTICLE: Maintaining and Celebrating Independence as We Age
As we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, it also reminds us of another meaningful form of independence, one that is deeply valued across all cultures and communities, including the Cape Verdean and Asian communities, where older adults are honored for their wisdom, resilience, and important role within the family. Maintaining independence while aging is not only about remaining at home safely, but also about preserving dignity, cultural connections, and quality of life.
Read more … JULY ARTICLE: Maintaining and Celebrating Independence as We Age
by Kerry Zingaro
Beat the Heat: Find a Cooling Center Near You
As temperatures rise, it's important to take steps to stay safe and prevent heat-related illness. Older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.
To help you stay safe, OCES has provided a list of cooling centers throughout our service area to make it easier to find a location near you. You can also dial 2-1-1 anytime for free assistance in locating the nearest cooling center or other community resources.
by Kerry Zingaro
March Against Elder Abuse in Brockton and Plymouth. Local marches held in June raise awareness of elder abuse.
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and to raise awareness, local “March Against Elder Abuse” events will be held in Brockton and Plymouth, MA.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), in partnership with the Brockton Council on Aging, Plymouth Center for Active Living, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, and Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office will hold two FREE one-mile marches to raise awareness of elder abuse in June.
by Kerry Zingaro
Alexandra Strangis of OCES Named “40 Under 40” Honoree
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and to raise awareness, local “March Against Elder Abuse” events will be held in Brockton and Plymouth, MA.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), in partnership with the Brockton Council on Aging, Plymouth Center for Active Living, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, and Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office will hold two FREE one-mile marches to raise awareness of elder abuse in June.
Read more … Alexandra Strangis of OCES Named “40 Under 40” Honoree
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES is expanding to serve more and Welcomes New Talent – Expansion to 11 South Shore Towns Drives Job Growth
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts with offices in Brockton and Plymouth, is growing.
by Kerry Zingaro
JUNE ARTICLE: Celebrating Pride Month and Honoring Diversity
June is Pride Month, a time to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, an event that sparked a global movement for the rights and recognition of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community. Join OCES in remembering this important time in history and in celebrating Pride Month.
Read more … JUNE ARTICLE: Celebrating Pride Month and Honoring Diversity
by Kerry Zingaro
Honoring Volunteers - OCES Presents Awards to Local Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon
Read more … Honoring Volunteers - OCES Presents Awards to Local Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon
by Kerry Zingaro
MAY ARTICLE: May is Older Americans Month
In May, we celebrate Older Americans Month which is led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Older Americans Month is a time to recognize older Americans contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in our communities.
by Kerry Zingaro
APRIL ARTICLE: Get Involved. Volunteer on Earth Day during National Volunteer Month
Earth Day, Wednesday April 22, is a day to raise environmental awareness and take action to preserve and protect our planet.
Ensuring clean air, clean water and a healthy environment is essential. Everyone has a role to play and can make a difference. There are many ways to get involved on Earth Day. Attend an event, gain a better understanding about Earth Day and share that knowledge with others.
Read more … APRIL ARTICLE: Get Involved. Volunteer on Earth Day during National Volunteer Month
by Kerry Zingaro
"March for Meals" highlights the importance of the Nutrition Program for older adults
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) announced its participation in the 20th annual March for Meals Campaign. The month of March was recognized nationwide as the time when local Meals on Wheels programs come together to raise awareness and help demonstrate the importance of this vital program.
Read more … "March for Meals" highlights the importance of the Nutrition Program for older adults
