African American company launches
disability awareness training and inclusion programs

“We help companies open more doors through maximum inclusion of  persons with disabilities.”
Ellen L. Shackelford
President, Connections Access Consulting Services, LLC (CACS)

Ellen Shackelford, President of Connections Access Consulting Services, motivational speaker and columnist, is well aware of the many challenges people with disabilities face daily. As a person who has sustained a disability in July 1983 caused by the negligence of a truck driver, she has had to adjust to life using a wheelchair for mobility.. She soon learned how people with disabilities are often overlooked in social situations and activities. With encouragement and determination, she decided to play an active role in society by focusing her adversity into action moving toward positive change by the formation of her company, Connections Access Consulting Services, LLC (CACS) and pursuit of her motivational speaking.
      With her knowledge of disability awareness she acquired as a counselor for the Independent Living Center in Hampton Virginia, she is now using this knowledge to provide education to communities at-large regarding disability issues. As founder and president of CACS, she is dedicated to a service which will enhance the awareness and unconscious injustice of the aging population and Citizens with disabilities, so all will be included in social situations.
        CACS’ team goal is to serve as advocates by providing education through training and disability awareness programs necessary to address the importance of inclusion in an aging society. CACS programs are designed to enhance communities knowledge of the disabled and aging population, and how savvy companies desiring to create an inclusive work environment, can develop ways to foster programs while incorporating them into their business. These programs will include:

• Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
• Sensitivity Training
• Disability Etiquette
• Presentations (schools, universities, colleges, organizations….)
• Workshops/Seminars
• Architectural Compliance Review

CACS – designs all programs/trainings to be participatory and interactive.

In addition, Ellen does motivational speaking on the following speech titles:
-Diversity and Women Issues
-Disability in the Workplace
-Inclusive Communities
-Story of Adversity and Acceptance

Previously employed as a Youth Transition Coordinator at Insight Enterprises, Inc. Peninsula Center for Independent Living, has enlightened Ellen on the many facets of life the community was totally unaware in regards to people with disabilities. In addition, attendance at leadership programs: Partners in Policy Making, sponsored by Virginia Board for People with Disabilities; The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services of the U. S. Department of Education Rocky Mount Technical Assistance & Consulting Center and Dan Hopkins & Associations, Inc.

Ellen is active in the disability community and holds several leadership roles. She is the Vice Chairperson for the Hampton Mayors Committee for People with Disabilities; Chairperson for Accessibility; Victims Advocate (trainee) M.A.D.D.; Peninsula Literacy Council Tutor volunteer. She is also a member of other committees, such as: State Wide Independent Living Council (SILC); Toast Masters International; Unity Diversity Commission, as Liaison; Diversity College/Facilitator; Age & Abilities Expo (Secretary); Quality of Work Life training certificate(s) in RGB & Team Facilitation.

Ellen writes columns of disability awareness articles as an educational tool as well. If you would like more information about her articles, you may view them at www.hotelexecutive.com ; www.hamptonneighbors.com ; in addition, she has done a web seminar which may be viewed at www.lettgroup.com .  To add to her advocacy for people with disabilities and to educate communities; Ellen has participated in the Ms. Wheelchair Virginia Pageant (2007-2008) held in Fishersville, Virginia, where she received 1st runner up. She lives in Hampton, Virginia and has a daughter in college and three grandchildren by her late son Jason R. Freeman.

Ellen L. Shackelford may be reached at (757) 827-0783 or ln@cacsllc.info