HOW WSANA WAS FOUNDED

In 2001 Mr. Joel Sheffel, the founder and now the Executive Director of WSANA, with the help of a Center for Independent Living reintergrated back into the community after being in a nursing home for over 18 months. Mr. Sheffel was appaled at the lack of information for individuals who either live in the community or are entering the community to make them aware of services,programs and changes in laws which will allow them to be independent. Because of this problem WSANA was founded.

WSANA began in 2001 by sending out monthly newsletters via mail to its members. Also in 2001 WSANA became a non -profit organization.

WSANA’s ACHIEVEMENTS 

WSANA has grown to a respected organization serving individuals with disabilities and has established a working relationship with local and state legislators and organizations which advocate for individuals with disabilities.

In April of 2008 WSANA was honored by H.R. 1196 sponsored by State Representative Deborah Graham and co-sponsored by State Representative Karen Yarbrough on the occasion of the 100,000 th visitor to this website and the services and programs which WSANA has provided.

In 2009 WSANA was able to work with State Senator Don Harmon and see Public Acts 96-0477 and 96-0650 become law,these Acts will assist individuals with disabilities. In 2009 Mr. Sheffel was awarded the Advocate of the Year award by Progress Center for Independent Living.

In 2010 WSANA conducted a seven week Police Roll Call Training for the Village of Oak Park concerning First Responders and individuals with disabilities. WSANA expects to do more of these trainings during 2010 in different Cook County suburbs.

In 2010 Mr. Sheffel, the Executive Director of WSANA, was appointed to Oak Park’s Universal Access Commission. Mr. Sheffel is also a member of the Illinois ADA Committee.