Peer Action Disability Support
PADS is a unique group based in Linn County, Iowa, devoted to improving the lives of people with disabilities.
Welcome to PADS
01
What Guides Us
Vision
PADS envisions a world where people with disabilities are empowered to live the lives they choose.
02
What Drives Us
Mission
PADS is dedicated to the empowerment of people with disabilities by people with disabilities through peer support, community education, advocacy and action.
03
Why We Care
Purpose
PADS is committed to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities throughout Linn County.
Urgent Update
Due to COVID-19, member and peer support meetings are not being held in-person at this time.
Virtual Meetings, via Google Meets, are being held the 1st Monday of each month from 5-6PM. For more information about these meetings please contact us at 319-431-7843.
Our Three Tenets
Working for a Cause
Peer Support occurs when people who share common experiences or face similar challenges, come together as equals or “peers” to give and receive help.
Solve Community Problems
Community Education provides opportunities for citizens to address challenges and solve community problems through learning and collaboration.
Influence Policy Making
Advocacy involves the “act” of speaking on behalf of one’s self and / or other people to influence a particular cause, social service or policy.
Why Is PADS So Important?
PADS shares information on services and supports for people facing physical, mental or psychological barriers.
PADS brings together diverse groups of people who are at risk of being excluded from society and provides opportunities to identify and communicate shared values and priorities to influence positive systems change.
PADS, which is led by peers, seeks to elevate leadership within its membership to impact and improve the lives of local citizens.
PADS advocates change within local business and government to eliminate barriers experienced by persons with disabilities.
Our Dedicated Team
Meet Our Board
Peer Action Disability Support (PADS) is currently governed by a 9-member VOLUNTARY Board of Directors, more than 50% of which is comprised of persons with disabilities.
PADS has no paid staff, only dedicated volunteers who care about persons with disabilities.
The existing Board of Directors and its officers include:
Ingrid Wensel
President
Mark Cross
Vice President
Ann Hearn
Secretary
Tom Hardecopf
Treasurer
Catherine Hafsi
Past President
Robert Bacon
Board Member
Lisa Gavin
Board Member
Marilyn Hayes
Board Member
Patrick Williams
Board Member
Garret Frey
Board Member