Nikki Sanger- MEC Disabilities
NOMINEE
Nominated by
Jessie Lee
September 20, 2024
This is why I think Nikki Sanger is amazing! Not only did she start an incredible nonprofit helping children with disabilities nationwide... she helps so many and volunteers her time to make the world a better place for all. She is amazing even if she doesn't get this award, I think every one should know her and what she does. Here is what was said at her recent local talk and what is on her website.
MEC Disabilities, founded by Nikki Sanger in 2021, is a national nonprofit organization based in Southern Oregon that has quickly become a national leader in fostering inclusion and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Through their tireless dedication to improving lives, MEC Disabilities has launched groundbreaking initiatives that serve communities across the United States, creating lasting impacts for individuals with diverse abilities. Their National Community Service Impact initiative, launched in 2023, is an exemplary model of how an organization can uplift marginalized groups and transform entire communities.
Description of Service:
MEC Disabilities’ National Community Service Impact program is a nationwide initiative that is reshaping how businesses, schools, and community organizations approach accessibility and inclusion. MEC Disabilities recognizes that barriers to inclusion exist in every corner of our society, and their mission is to help communities eliminate those barriers.
Through the National Community Service Impact initiative, MEC Disabilities offers a range of vital services that include:
1. Accessibility Audits & Assessments:
MEC Disabilities conducts in-depth assessments of buildings, websites, and workspaces, providing clear, actionable feedback to ensure compliance with ADA standards and improving the overall accessibility of these spaces. These audits are vital to ensuring that people with disabilities have equitable access to physical and digital environments.
2. Inclusion Training Workshops:
The organization offers customized workshops that educate businesses, schools, and local governments on disability inclusion, unconscious bias, and accessibility best practices. These workshops have been pivotal in helping organizations create environments that foster respect, dignity, and full participation for individuals with disabilities.
3. Inclusive Technology Consulting:
In the digital age, ensuring technological inclusivity is crucial. MEC Disabilities provides expert consulting on assistive technologies and teaches organizations how to create accessible websites and digital content, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can participate in the digital world.
4. Volunteerism & Community Engagement:
MEC Disabilities has mobilized thousands of volunteers across the country to engage in community projects, from accessible playground builds to inclusive public events. Their commitment to fostering inclusive volunteerism has deepened community connections and provided a sense of belonging to many people with disabilities.
5. Inclusive Acres:
Coming soon is one of the organization's most innovative projects, Inclusive Acres, is a fully ADA-compliant petting zoo and farming initiative. This unique space serves as an educational and therapeutic environment where individuals of all abilities can interact with nature. Produce grown at Inclusive Acres is donated to local schools, exemplifying how the organization integrates environmental sustainability with inclusive practices.
6. Mentorship & Job Placement Program:
To address the high unemployment rates among people with disabilities, MEC Disabilities has partnered with ASPIRE to create a mentorship and job placement program, connecting individuals with disabilities to inclusive employers nationwide. This program empowers participants with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive in the workforce.
7. National Awards & Recognition Program:
MEC Disabilities also seeks to inspire change in others by hosting a national awards program to honor businesses, schools, and organizations that are making strides in creating accessible environments. This program has sparked a movement toward more inclusive practices in communities across the country.
Impact on Communities:
The National Community Service Impact initiative has already touched thousands of lives. Over the past year, MEC Disabilities has:
- Conducted over 50 accessibility audits, resulting in measurable improvements in physical and digital access for people with disabilities.
- Trained more than 15,000 employees, educators, and community leaders in disability inclusion and accessibility best practices.
- Partnered with local governments and organizations to ensure that at least 30 public spaces are fully accessible, including parks, libraries, and schools.
- Mobilized a volunteer force that has contributed over 10,000 hours of community service, building inclusive spaces and hosting sensory-friendly events across the country.
- Given more than 350 pieces of adaptive equipment to children across the nation that is not covered by insurance or has been denied.
Dedication to Inclusion:
MEC Disabilities' approach to community service is built on the foundation of empathy, empowerment, and action. Their services address the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities, creating environments where everyone can thrive. The organization is committed to a future where inclusion is the standard, not the exception, and where individuals with disabilities are recognized not for their limitations, but for their boundless potential.