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
OCTOBER ARTICLE: How Can We Be More Age-Inclusive?
October 9th is Ageism Awareness Day, an opportunity to bring attention to ageism in society and its impact on individuals and communities. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) joins the American Society on Aging (ASA) in recognizing Ageism Awareness Day and promoting age-inclusion.
Read more … OCTOBER ARTICLE: How Can We Be More Age-Inclusive?
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Announces Expansion to Serve More - The organization now serves 34 communities across Plymouth County and the South Shore
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, has expanded its territory to serve 11 additional towns in the South Shore.
by Kerry Zingaro
Putting the Spotlight on Local Caregivers During National Family Caregivers Month – OCES Encourages Caregiver Nominations through October 12th
National Family Caregivers Month, celebrated every November, recognizes the dedication and compassion of family caregivers in our communities.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP’s Caregiving in the US 2025 report, one in four adults, 63 million Americans, are family caregivers. A significant number of family caregivers care for adults with complex medical conditions or disabilities, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
by Kerry Zingaro
For the Fourth Consecutive Year, OCES Recognized as one of “Best Places to Work”
For the fourth consecutive year, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County, the South Shore and surrounding areas, has been named as one of the “2026 Best Places to Work” by Cape & Plymouth Marketing.
Read more … For the Fourth Consecutive Year, OCES Recognized as one of “Best Places to Work”
by Kerry Zingaro
SEPTEMBER ARTICLE: Making it Grand. 5 Tips for Transitioning Routines to Support Back-to-school Schedules.
National Grandparents Day is a special day dedicated to honoring grandparents and recognizing the important roles they play in our families and communities. It is celebrated each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day, which falls on September 13th this year.
by Kerry Zingaro
AUGUST ARTICLE: Spotlight on Self-Care during National Wellness Month
Did you know that it’s National Wellness Month? This month, we celebrate physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
It’s all about making self-care a priority, fostering healthy habits and reducing stress.
Read more … AUGUST ARTICLE: Spotlight on Self-Care during National Wellness Month
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Announces Upcoming LGBTQ+ Brunches for Older Adults
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities throughout Plymouth County, the South Shore and surrounding area, has announced the schedule for the South Shore LGBTQ+ Brunch for Older Adults program.
The monthly Saturday brunch program, operated and supported by OCES’ Nutrition Program, is for LGBTQ+ older adults who live on the South Shore and in the greater Plymouth County area.
Read more … OCES Announces Upcoming LGBTQ+ Brunches for Older Adults
by Kerry Zingaro
Hundreds participate in local marches to raise awareness of elder abuse.
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in June, two Marches Against Elder Abuse events brought hundreds together to raise awareness about elder abuse.
Read more … Hundreds participate in local marches to raise awareness of elder abuse.
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
Community Options Ep. 322 - July is National Minority Mental Health Month
A conversation with Armindo Rocha, Volunteer & Healthy Living Program Manager, Michelle Fontes, Adult Family Care Intake & Assessment Supervisor and Tremeda Martin, Home Care Transition Support Supervisor from OCES about National Minority Mental Health Month.
Read more … Community Options Ep. 322 - July is National Minority Mental Health Month
