ACCESS/ABILITIES was founded by Ellen Lieber in 1984 to address the needs of people with disabilities and businesses. Besides specializing in packaging design, accessibility assessments and trainings, and courses in the Americans With Disabilities Act, ACCESS/ABILITIES   has   compiled   a comprehensive databank of information, resources and products available for businesses and people with disabilities.

Ms. Lieber was a successful chemist before developing rheumatoid arthritis. The disease eventually forced her to retire from the laboratory when she lost most of the function in her hands and knees. With knee and knuckle joint replacements, she has regained function, along with limited strength. Her experiences and frustrations as a person with a disability and as a wheelchair user led Ms. Lieber to become an advocate for barrier free mobility for people with disabilities. ACCESS/ABILITIES was launched as a result of these activities.

During the past seven years Ms. Lieber has served as Director of the Disabled Access Program at the Exploratorium, a science-art-perception museum in San Francisco, directed a major accessibility study of The City's Fine Arts Museums and delivered numerous workshops and speeches on accessibility, packaging design, the ADA and many other topics.

Ms Lieber has worked with many other businesses, professional associations, museums and universities. She has been trained in the ADA Regulations and Federal 504 Regulations for program and facility accessibility.