A graduate degree in public affairs followed and was enhanced by what Rodriguez calls “Potomac Fever,” the urge to spend time in Washington, D.C. There, he lobbied for the disabled community on a national level. “But I realized that working on a state level, you actually see more laws passed than at the national level,” he said. That’s when his second act began. For Rodriguez, every career move has put him in a dream job. Austin, Tex., Lansing, Mich., and Los Angeles, Calif. have all benefited from his knowledge and experience as a caregiver for someone with IDD. He says he thrives on new challenges but always wants to be positioned where he can have the most significant effect. The Valley of the Sun became brighter when he arrived at Ability360 in June 2021. Founded more than 40 years ago, the organization offers programs to empower people with disabilities to achieve or continue independent lifestyles in the community. “It’s a culture of innovation that embraces the philosophy that no project, no idea is too large as long as there are resources to cover them,” Rodriguez said. Disabilities come in many forms, and Ability360 strives to serve all spectrums and all ages. Their 45,000-square-foot sports, fitness and aquatics center is the first of its kind in the western United States. Competitive sports programs for persons with disabilities, fitness, health and wellness are all here. Their Center for Independent Living assesses client needs, helps them develop goals, offers independent living skills instruction, and provides a home modification program for lower-income individuals. E-gaming is extremely popular among those with disabilities, so Ability360 makes sure their clients have access to computers and the Internet, too. Ability360 advocates personal responsibility — by, and for, people with disabilities — as a means to independence. A 2ND ACT 48 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE

SSOM2022 CC/PDR Silverstone, L.L.C. is the sole entity responsible for the performance of the continuing care contracts at Vi at Silverstone. 23005 N. 74th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85255 480.896.1200 • Silverstone.ViLiving.com It is, at Vi at Silverstone. This is where world-class amenities and warm, welcoming people who make you feel like you’re always among friends add up to 33 acres of exceptional retirement living. A community that appreciates the arts and the art of living well. Learn how all that, plus a continuum of care should the need arise, can be yours. C Ca an n r re et ti ir re em me en nt t l li iv vi in ng g b be e e el le eg ga an nt t a an nd d i in nv vi it ti in ng g? ? Last year, they took on a youth-in-transition program to help young clients move into education or employment. And next, they’ll be preparing to add a veteran specialist. The “360” in the name refers to the organization’s goal of supporting the whole person, empowering them to live as independently as possible — and that’s reflected in all of their programming. Sometimes it’s as simple as speaking with someone “who’s been there,” so Ability360 provides peer-to-peer mentoring. Other times, a louder voice is necessary, and advocacy takes a front seat. Ability360 offers advocacy training, from a volunteer level and personal level to a governmental level. As president and CEO, Rodriguez says one of his (and the organization’s) biggest challenges is getting the word out. “We’re always looking for ways to educate the public about the variety of support we have,” Rodriguez said. “So often we hear, ‘I wish I had known about Ability360 years ago.’” Well, now you know. Help spread the word. To learn more, visit ability360.org .