San Mateo, CA – Sarah Verity, Director of Board Relations and Legislative Affairs for AbilityPath, has been elected to the California Disability Services Association (CDSA) Board of Directors. Her three-year term officially begins on July 1, 2023.

CDSA is a statewide advocacy association representing more than 110 community-based organizations that support and empower people with developmental disabilities and their families.

“We are delighted to welcome Sarah Verity to the CDSA board,” said Barry Jardini, CDSA Executive Director. “With almost 16 years of advocacy experience in the disability sector, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and deep understanding of the complexities of California’s unique disability services system.”

Sarah joined AbilityPath in 2007 but says her connection to people with disabilities and the community goes back decades. “My greatest teacher in life had a diagnosis of Down syndrome, lived to be eight, and changed my life forever,” Verity said. “After that, I wanted to dedicate my life to mission-based work and have never looked back.”

At AbilityPath, one of the largest and oldest nonprofits providing support services to people with disabilities and their families in the greater Bay Area, Verity oversees three boards, multiple committees, and facilitates the CEO Advisory Council and represents AbilityPath constituents as the Director of Legislative Affairs.

Since 2016, Verity has been an active member of CDSA and serves on the Public Policy Committee and is the Chair of the Legislative Subcommittee. CDSA plays a significant role in working with California’s state legislature, Governor’s administration, Department of Developmental Services and the Department of Finance to develop policies that improve the system of services and supports for the disability community.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Sarah to share her expertise in Board governance and play a bigger role as an advocate for one of California’s most underserved populations,” said Bryan Neider, AbilityPath’s Chief Executive Officer. “One of our core values as an organization is collaboration. Collaboration adds incredible value to the programs and services available to Californians with disabilities and it is one of the most valuable benefits of the CDSA membership.”

Verity’s civic involvement includes appointments to the San Mateo County’s Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee, Service Provider Advisory Committee for Golden Gate and San Andreas Regional Centers, State Council on Developmental Disabilities Disparity Task Force, San Mateo County Paratransit Coordinating Council, and the Coalition for Dementia Care Services.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to continue doing the work I am passionate about and hope my contribution will improve the quality of life for people of all abilities, and advance acceptance, respect and inclusion in our communities,” Verity added.

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About AbilityPath:

AbilityPath has been a cornerstone of our community for more than 100 years, providing a lifespan of support services to individuals with developmental disabilities in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to achieve their full potential through innovative, inclusive programs and community partnerships. With educational, therapeutic, vocational, and family support services, we are distinctive in providing support to an individual throughout their lifetime. We are focused on creating a world where people of all abilities are fully accepted, respected, and included in all aspects of life – in the classroom, the workplace, and in our communities. Join us in “Inspiring Inclusion.” For more information visit abilitypath.org

About California Disability Services Association:

CDSA is a statewide association representing more than 110 community-based organizations that support and empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. CDSA members create choices and opportunities that help clients lead the lives they choose and reach the goals they set. Their programs help clients develop skills, engage in meaningful activities, participate in community life, and live independently. Their services also help family caregivers balance life’s demands. For more information, visit cal-dsa.org

Contact: Julia Ballantyne
julia@ballantynemediaconsulting.com
916-390-4671