After nearly 35 years as Arizona Bridge to Independent Living, or ABIL, the nonprofit organization that provides services, resources and support to the Valley’s disability community has changed its name and brand to Ability360 to better reflect its mission to empower people with all types of disabilities.
“Ability360 puts the focus on the word ‘ability’ and not ‘disability’,” said Ability360 President and CEO Phil Pangrazio. “The all-encompassing 360-concept demonstrates more inclusiveness of people with all types of disabilities and the new name helps clear up confusion that has existed for many years about who we are and what we do.”
The new logo, designed by Phoenix-based graphic design firm P.S. Studios depicts the word “Ability” in gray, sans-serif capital letters and “360” in light blue with the “0” designed as an arrow pointing upward.
“The new logo with the upward-pointing arrow, is more modern than our previous logo, promotes positive and forward-moving energy in a very simple design that, most importantly, replaces the previous logo that conveyed a stereotypical image of disability with a wheelchair at its core,” Pangrazio said. “We’re thrilled to be moving forward under a new, streamlined and highly effective name and brand.”
Beginning this month, signage will be changing on Ability360’s two signature structures, the Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center (formerly SpoFit) and the Ability360 Center, formerly the Disability Empowerment Center (DEC) that serves as the headquarters for Ability360 and a range of organizations and agencies serving people with disabilities. The Ability360 Center is located at 5025 E. Washington St, the same campus where the sports and fitness center is located.
“The rebrand process began nearly a year ago and we are deeply grateful to the consultants who provided guidance and the community members, supporters and advocates who were deeply involved in the effort,” Pangrazio said. “Their input, feedback and support have been essential in ensuring that our new brand is effective, efficient and meaningful.”
The new website, www.ability360.org, includes comprehensive information about the organization and its services as well as complete information about events, activities and news relating to the Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center. Visitors to the former web pages will be automatically directed to the new site.
