Adith’s journey with The Coordinating Center began in 2018, when he became a client through the REM Program, which supports people with complex living with complex medical needs. At the time, he was seeking assistance with coordinating overnight caregiving services, a critical piece of his independence. His first care coordinator, Melissa, was instrumental in building a trusting relationship, ensuring that Adith felt supported and empowered in managing his care.
That relationship didn’t end with services, Melissa recognized Adith’s passion for advocacy and suggested he apply for an open position on The Coordinating Center’s Board of Directors. Encouraged by her confidence in him, Adith embraced the opportunity to contribute his unique perspective as both a client and an advocate.
Serving on the Board allowed Adith to share his lived experiences with decision-makers, helping shape programs and services that align with clients’ real-world needs. His dual role, engineer by profession and advocate by experience, brings a valuable lens to the work of the organization. As a Project Engineer with the City of Salisbury, Adith is no stranger to problem-solving. His ability to identify barriers and design solutions translates seamlessly into his advocacy efforts.
As a young adult, Adith was determined to make systems more accessible for everyone. During his time in college, Adith identified accessibility gaps on his campus and compiled a comprehensive report outlining the issues and proposing solutions. This report ultimately led to significant improvements, from sidewalk repairs to accessible restrooms and doorways, enhancing the experience for countless students and visitors.
After graduation, Adith stayed connected to his alma mater, mentoring students through the advisory group he helped establish and continuing to champion accessibility. He also began guest lecturing on engineering ethics and inclusive design, ensuring that the next generation of engineers considers accessibility from the very beginning of every project.
In his role at The Coordinating Center, Adith remains committed to the same mission: empowering individuals to advocate for themselves while providing the support they need to reach their goals. “I want to help people help themselves,” he says. “I don’t want to do things for them, I want to show them the path and be there to support them.”
Adith’s story is a powerful reminder that true advocacy is about creating systems that listen to the people they serve and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive. As both a client and a Board Member, Adith embodies that mission every day, showing that lived experience is a vital part of driving meaningful change.
