skip to main content

525 Mineral Springs Drive
Sylva, NC 28779

(828) 631-1167
Fax: (828) 631-1169

Directions to the Sylva Office

Sylva Office Location

Serving Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Cherokee, Graham and Clay counties

Disability Partners formerly Pathways for the Future was formed in 1991 as a tax exempt, non-profit, charitable organization to advocate for issues that concern persons with disabilities.

Our mission in the beginning was directed primarily toward the development of the Balsam Lake Lodge Recreation Area in the Roy Taylor National Forest in Jackson County. Pathways For The Future was responsible for coordinating thousands of hours of volunteer labor in addition to a significant amount of donated materials and funding to develop this model project.

Due to the efforts of Pathways For The Future, the lodge and recreation area are totally accessible and allows persons with various disabilities to enjoy the beauty of the rugged national forest.

Since then, DisAbility Partners has grown and evolved into an organization with a far broader focus of providing services to individuals with disabilities by becoming an Center for Independent Living (CIL). Consistent with the definition of a Center, as cited in Section 702 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pathways is a consumer managed and controlled, community based, cross-disability, non-residential, non-profit organization. The core services of Information and Referral, Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Counseling, Transitions, and Advocacy are provided to the far western counties of Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Clay, Cherokee and Graham.

As a Center, Disability Partners Board of Directors and staff are required to consist of a majority of individuals who have significant disabilities.

Events and InformationClick links below to download more information about each event:
Pathways Thrift Store Entrance

Thrift Store

Looking for a bargain? Shop our
Thrift Store for a few of the
excellent bargains to
save you money.

Visit the Thrift Store

Core Services

information
Information & Referral

Provide information about disability related issues and referrals to community resources. Information is provided to individuals, businesses, schools, state and local government.

independentliving
Independent Living Skills

Disability Partners’ staff will assist you in developing new skills needed to live independently

peersupport
Peer Support

Staff members with disabilities are role models, assisting people with disabilities in achieving their independent living goals.

advocacy
Advocacy

People with disabilities are taught to be self-advocates who understand their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Disability Partners advocates at local, state and federal levels for system changes to increase independent living services and equal access.

transitions
Transitions to Community-Based Living

Facilitates the transition of individuals with disabilities from nursing homes and other institutions to home and community-based living. Provide assistance to individuals with disabilities who are at risk of entering institutions. Facilitate and transition youth with disabilities into higher education, the workforce and the community.

 

 

 

Other Services

ada
ADA Consulting

Assessment of ADA compliance for individuals and businesses in the community in areas of accessibility, employment and equal accommodations.

cyberpals
CyberPals Program

Places affordable donated, refurbished computers in homes of people with disabilities. Basic computer training is provided.

social activities
Social Activities

Activities to develop and support peer relationships between people with disabilities.

person first
Person First Services

Offers Innovation Waivers services including supported Employment and Alternative Family Living. We serve individuals in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Graham, Cherokee and Clay counties.

home care
Home Care Partners

Provides individualized assistance with daily living activities through MEDICAID CAP,PCS In-home aide services, Private Pay, Respite, and Veterans Administration.

home care
Jackson County Home & Community Block Grant

Provides services for residents 60 years and over.

thrift store
Pathways Thrift Store

Looking for a bargain? Shop our thrift store. Furniture, household items, baby items and clothing are a few of the excellent opportunities to save money. Volunteers are always welcome. Donations are tax deductible.

 

 

 

 

In accordance with Federal law and the US Department of Agriculture policy, this Organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, familial status, sexual orientation and reprisal.

ADA Complaint Form