Add has launched a unique Web site for people with developmental disabilities in Central Ohio

Feb. 13, 2012 - PRLog -- The nonprofit, based in Columbus, worked with 2Shea Creative to design a brand new site that directly supports people with developmental disabilities in Central Ohio. Whether someone needs a place to live, work, learn or connect,http://www.addohio.org makes it happen for them by “embracing innovation to improve the quality of life, one person at a time.”



Whether someone has autism, Down syndrome or another disability, many can use this site to access clear content, stay informed and sign up for activities – even if they have difficulty reading, seeing or comprehending. Before launching, Add tested this site with a wide range of individuals the nonprofit supports, plus their parents, family members and guardians. They said it was well organized, simple and unique.



“Great new site,” one of Add’s parents said. “Easily navigable. Fun and exciting. (Add does) phenomenal work.”

When people first visit Add’s home page, they see a house, a crate, a whiteboard and a TV. As they move their mouse over each icon, the images spring to life. People wave from the windows. A man mows the yard. Children write on a board. Friends hug each other from the screen.



If they click on those 4 main images, they are taken to separate pages that will help them find a place to Live, Work, Learn or Connect in Central Ohio. Maybe they’re looking for an apartment, a job that offers great benefits, an evening class, or just a fun place to hang out with friends on the weekend. Each time, they are asked what they want to do, who they want to become.



This approach is working. As of Feb. 8, the site received 1,694 unique visitors, according to Google Analytics. More than one-third are returning visitors, and people have spent an average time of at least 2 minutes on the site. Many people have already contacted Add to volunteer, get a job, and sign up for activities – all through http://www.addohio.org.



While the statistics are insightful, the main accomplishment of this project is that it creates an increased understanding and acceptance of people with developmental disabilities. This Web site shows them in a positive, socially-valued light in community with other people who do not have disabilities.



In fact, people at Add are jealous of all the opportunities they have to Live, Work, Learn and Connect.