I have had the good fortune of working at Abilities United for 10 years. I have found Abilities United to be an inclusive, mature organization that values the individuality of each person it serves.
The staff of Abilities United are very caring and provide services with integrity, wisdom, creativity and compassion.
There is also a vision at Abilities United that strives to evolve and enhance current client services / programs.
Abilities United provides valuable and critical programs and services for folks with developmental disabilities. The programs are run by skilled, knowledgeable and caring staff. Abilities United is efficient and a good steward of funds and resources raised in the community. As a former Board Member I am proud to support this organization.
My granddaughter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, profound deafness and moderate to sever brain injury due to an illness as an infant. Her dad moved with her to Palo Alto when Amber was just 8 years old. She had never taken a step on her own and relied upon the use of a wheelchair and a walker to get around. When Amber stepped into the warm water at the Betty Wright Swim Center, she walked on her first for the very first time - or more appropriately, she RAN through the water unassisted. Eventually she was able to repeat that experience on land Amber is now 16 and continues to be served by the Betty Wright Swim Center as well as the After School Socialization Program at Abilities United. Abilities United has made a profound difference in our lives!
The success of Abilities United is seen best through their clients. Youngsters playing together in the preschool unaware of who has disabilities. Adults who are employed by local corporate partners and have learned how to deposit their paycheck. Elder adults who have benefited from the therapy available in the warm waters of the swim center. It is a privilege to help this outstanding team of committed managers and staff as they fill such a critical need in our community.
My journey to Abilities United began over six decades ago when my parents had a baby boy, my brother. Shortly, before he turned on, he was diagnosed with congenital brain damage, a fluke of nature, the doctors advised. Two years later another baby boy arrived and,sadly, nature repeated itself. The boys lived short lives, succumbing to pneumonia. Looking back, I cannot imagine how my parents managed without the warm embrace and skilled services of a Chicago-based Abilities United, But there was no such agency. Little did my husband and I know that Abilities United would be standing by when our daughter delivered our first grandchild , three months prematurely. Fortunately, that tiny boy swam early on at the agency's Betty Wright Swim Center. Now he is a strapping 18 year old freshman in college! Our family will remain involved with Abilities United forever.
I have worked at Abilities United for the last 14 years and have found the entire journey both highly rewarding and personally satisfying. The core value of including people with developmental disabilities in all life has to offer is evident throughout the agency. I now number quite a few of the people I have met here among my close friends and colleagues.
There can be no non-profit organization with a more highly skilled, compassionate staff, and exceptionally effective leadership, than that of Abilities United.
I am an ex Board member and continue to volunteer to this organization that provides services to those with disabilities who automatically should be absorbed naturally into our community. Often they aren't due to the ignorance or fear of people who don't understand those with disabilities. Clients have so very much to offer. I continue to strive to get this message out there. I suggest you come by one day; talk to the Staff; learn about all the programs; perhaps meet some clients; only then will you appreciate about what I am talking. Abilities United is one of the warmest places one could be. I would encourage any of you who read this to learn more. Also contribute. We are now looking to replace our vans that take clients to work. They are old and don't have wheelchair access. This holiday season, think of what you can do for someone else who is contributing to our society despite his or her disabilities. And, get to know Abilities United!
I love this organization. My son, who has Down Syndrome, has been receiving services here since he was a year old. The infant development program helped him and our entire family in so many ways. Cole is now thriving in their integrated precshool. I'm very grateful for all they've done and all they continue to do!
