Access 2 Independence
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Access 2 Independence is a non-profit organization lead by people with disabilities serving people wi
Access 2 Independence is a non-profit organization lead by people with disabilities serving people with disabilities. This unique non-residential center for independent living was created to provide people of all ages and all types of disabilities with information and referral services, peer support, advocacy, independent living skills training and transition assistance.
09/27/2026
Warner Walter Holcombe Obituary Sep 23, 2026 - McMullen Funeral Home & Crematory View Warner Walter Holcombe's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.
Adaptive Cross-Country Drive-a-Thon Reschedules Departure to October 4thCOLUMBUS, GA — Disability advocate, musician, and Access 2 Independence Assistant Director ORee Crittenden has announced a revised timeline for the upcoming CIL Coast-2-Coast Drive-a-Thon. Originally scheduled to depart on September 20th, the historic 2,500-mile endurance trek from Columbus, Georgia, to the University of California, Berkeley, will now officially launch on Sunday, October 4th. [1] (https://www.facebook.com/access2independencega/), [2] (https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/columga-pubu/MEET-Agenda-c8cfc5f1c23f4b1ea32c7755c081d896.pdf)The two-week postponement stems from sudden, unforeseen scheduling conflicts. Organizers emphasize that the core mission remains entirely unchanged, and the adjusted timeline will offer valuable extra time to fine-tune logistical arrangements and mechanical preparations for the cross-country route."While we regret having to push the date back, ensuring that every element of this journey is flawlessly aligned is our top priority," said Crittenden. "This milestone marks 25 years of pushing physical boundaries, and a minor scheduling shift won't slow down our momentum. We are completely focused on hitting the highway safely and effectively come October." [1] (https://www.facebook.com/access2independencega/)The Drive-a-Thon honors Crittenden’s 25th spinal cord injury anniversary by showcasing true adaptive independence as he pilots a heavily modified 2005 Dodge Magnum RT equipped with custom Sure Grip drive-by-wire hand controls. The initiative serves as a vital fundraiser for Access 2 Independence, a 501(c)(3) non-profit delivering crucial advocacy and independent living services across regional communities. [1] (https://www.facebook.com/access2independencega/)Host organizations, media partners, and followers along the route are advised to update their calendars for the new departure date. Corporate sponsorship opportunities, fuel-card donations, and per-mile tracking pledges continue to be actively accepted through the official campaign channels.Media Contact:Organizer / Driver: ORee CrittendenPhone: 706-315-6617Email: [email protected]: access2independence.com | odogrollin.comSocial: on Instagram
09/02/2026
📻 Thank you, Foxie 105 & Praise 100.7! 💙
A huge thank you to Foxie 105 and Praise 100.7 for welcoming Access 2 Independence and giving us the opportunity to share more about the work we’re doing in our community!
We loved having the chance to talk about Access 2 Independence (A2I) and our Bridging the Gap (BTG) program, which helps young adults with disabilities build the skills, confidence, connections, and resources they need as they transition into adulthood and greater independence.
Community partnerships and opportunities like this help us reach individuals and families who may not know these resources are available to them. We are incredibly grateful to Foxie 105 and Praise 100.7 for helping us spread the word and amplify our mission! 🎙️💙
Thank you for giving us a platform to advocate, educate, and connect our community to opportunities!
https://www.k927.com/episode/sunday-conversation-8-30-26-guest-jennifer-lang-program-director-youth-outreach-coordinator-access-2-independence-topic-bridging-the-gap-program/
SUNDAY CONVERSATION 8/30/26 GUEST: JENNIFER LANG PROGRAM DIRECTOR & YOUTH OUTREACH COORDINATOR ACCESS 2 INDEPENDENCE TOPIC: BRIDGING THE GAP PROGRAM SUNDAY CONVERSATION 8/30/26 GUEST: JENNIFER LANG PROGRAM DIRECTOR & YOUTH OUTREACH COORDINATOR ACCESS 2 INDEPENDENCE TOPIC: BRIDGING THE GAP PROGRAM August 31, 2026 Uncategorized Sunday Conversation Subscribe on these platforms RSS Embed Download Go to Podcast SUNDAY CONVERSATION 8/30/26 GUEST: JENN...
08/07/2026
Driven to Inspire: Quadriplegic Advocate Marks 25th Injury Anniversary Behind the Wheel of 2,500-Mile Cross-Country Drive-a-Thon
COLUMBUS, GA — This September 9th marks exactly 25 years since disability advocate, musician, and community organizer ORee Crittenden sustained a life-altering spinal cord injury resulting in tetraplegia. Instead of looking back, Crittenden is marking this milestone milestone by looking forward at the open road ahead—announcing that he will personally pilot a heavily modified, adaptive 2005 Dodge Magnum RT for the historic CIL Coast-2-Coast Drive-a-Thon.
This grueling 2,500-mile endurance journey will take Crittenden directly from the Access 2 Independence Center for Independent Living (CIL) in Columbus, Georgia, to the historical birthplace of the independent living movement at the University of California, Berkeley. [1]
"Twenty-five years ago, my life changed instantly, but my drive to push boundaries never stopped," says Crittenden. "This milestone isn’t just about looking back at survival. It’s a real-world demonstration of adaptive independence. By driving across the country using custom hand controls, I want to prove what individuals with physical disabilities can accomplish when given access to the right tools and supportive frameworks."
The cross-country trek serves a vital dual purpose: raising critical operational funds for Access 2 Independence, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit providing essential physical, social, and advocacy services for the regional disability community.
As a former professional 12V mobile electronics installer, Crittenden has personally overseen the construction of his custom Dodge Magnum wagon. The vehicle utilizes sophisticated, electronic Sure Grip drive-by-wire hand controls, heavily modified with a rugged BMX-style handle tailored to his unique driving style.
Corporate sponsorship slots, fuel-card donations, equipment partnerships, and individual per-mile tracking pledges are actively being accepted to fuel this journey.
Media Contact:
* Organizer / Driver: ORee Crittenden
* Phone: 706-315-6617
* Email: [email protected]
* Websites: access2independence.com | odogrollin.com
* Social: on Instagram
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25 YEARS ON WHEELS. 2,500 MILES TO FREEDOM. ♿️💨
September 9th marks exactly 25 years since the spinal cord injury that changed my life forever. A lot of people might look back at a milestone like that with mixed emotions—but I’m looking straight down the highway. [2]
To mark a quarter-century of rolling forward, I am officially taking the wheel as the driver for the CIL Coast-2-Coast Drive-a-Thon!
I’ll be piloting my custom-built, adaptive 2005 Dodge Magnum RT on an epic 2,500-mile endurance trek from Columbus, Georgia, all the way to the birthplace of the independent living movement at UC Berkeley.
This isn't just a road trip. It's a mission to:
✅ Prove that physical limitations don't dictate your personal boundaries.
✅ Showcase adaptive driving tech (shoutout to my custom Sure Grip hand controls!).
✅ Raise critical operational funds for Access 2 Independence to help others in the disability community get the tools they need to live independently.
The open road belongs to everyone. I survived 25 years of paralysis to prove exactly that. [3]
How you can back the drive:
* Follow the build and the journey: on Instagram
* Donate or Partner: Hit the links below for per-mile pledges, corporate sponsorships, or fuel-card donations.
🔗 odogrollin.com
🔗 access2independence.com
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Would you like to adjust the tone of either version, or should we create a specific short text to send directly to local TV news anchors?
[1] [https://www.instagram.com](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbETg4UJBV_/)
[2] [https://www.instagram.com](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaN7Or_qMLx/)
[3] [https://www.instagram.com](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbJvdYClDTj/)
Home | Access 2 Independence Access 2 Independence aims to provide members of the disabled community with service, support, and advocacy to empower them to participate in their community and live independently.
🎉 We’re on WRBL! 🎉
We are excited to share that Access 2 Independence (A2I) was recently featured on WRBL to talk about our organization and one of our favorite programs, Bridging the Gap (BTG)!
If you know a young adult ages 18–22 with a disability, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!
🌟 BTG is completely FREE and helps participants build the skills they need for greater independence, employment, and future success.
Participants receive:
✅ Life skills and employment skills training throughout the year
✅ A FREE week of summer camp at Roosevelt Warm Springs (RWS)
✅ Access to scholarship opportunities and post-secondary education and career resources
✅ Individual guidance and support as they transition into adulthood
✅ A $250 gift card upon successful completion of the program
Whether you’re exploring college, employment, vocational training, or simply building the confidence to live more independently, BTG is here to help, and there’s no cost to participate.
📢 If you or someone you know could benefit from BTG, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to Access 2 Independence to learn more or to enroll.
Please help us spread the word by sharing this post! Together, we can help more young adults with disabilities discover opportunities, build independence, and achieve their goals. 💙
CIL Coast-2-Coast Drive-a-Thon
CIL Coast-2-Coast Drive-a-Thon.
It's been an up-and-down journey but we hoping and planning for a little fundraiser.
More details to come. Remember, you're only as independent as you want to be.
Ninja Camp 2026
Today, our students learned valuable lessons about self-advocacy, bullying prevention, peer pressure, situational awareness, and personal safety. They also practiced practical self-defense skills, including basic punches, kicks, blocks, escapes from grabs, and using a strong voice to get away from danger and seek help.
The highlight of the day was our board-breaking ceremony, where every participant had the opportunity to demonstrate their courage, determination, and confidence.
At Access 2 Independence, we believe that everyone can be a ninja. No matter your ability level, disability, diagnosis, challenge, or exceptionality, you are capable of learning, growing, and accomplishing amazing things. Today, these students proved that strength comes in many forms, and we couldn’t be more proud of them.
A special thank you to our incredible volunteers, supportive parents, and Cascade Hills Church for allowing us to use their Student Building and helping make this event possible.
Remember: Being a ninja isn’t about being the strongest person in the room. It’s about having the courage to keep showing up, keep learning, and keep believing in yourself.
No matter who you are or what challenges you face, you can be a ninja. 💪🥋❤️
06/02/2026
Just a few days left to get your tickets for the A2i Road to Independence at Synovus Park on June 14th! Come cheer on the Columbus Clingstones and the A2i youth program as they play the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Tickets are on the 1st base line and include all you can eat buffet.
https://www.gofevo.com/event/Access22?r=7
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Address
703 20th Street
Columbus, GA
31904
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
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