Our Story

The Need

In 1994, a young man dealing with an unexpected visual impairment tried to commit suicide.  He could accept his loss of vision and the loss of everything he enjoyed – reading, sports, driving and being with his girlfriend. The “kicker” was the loss of his job. His mind was racing with the questions “How can I live this life?” and “How do others live this life?” Because of confidentiality policies and distance, he couldn’t be introduced to the people he wanted to meet. His family, friends and teachers asked, “How can we help?”  He, and his family, wanted a multimedia resource they could access at any time in the privacy of their own home. Something they could share with others, so they didn’t have to answer the questions from their support networks.  He was not the first, nor was he the last, to desperately seek answers but he was the catalyst to the founding of A Life Worth Living.

Meeting that Need

Founded in 1994, The Year of the Family, A Life Worth Living answers those three questions by sharing life stories and practical solutions of people who live with disabilities, as well as their families, employers and the public.  Though the production and distribution of multi-media resources, we show how accessibility and inclusivity can unlock opportunities, drive innovation, and create environments where everyone feels valued and included.

Our Focus

1. To meet the educational needs of families.
2. To keep professionals abreast of evolving research and effective application.
3. To promote public awareness of the interdependence of community members and individuals with disability.

Our Dream