EMPOWER
Opportunity exists in being a voice for those who are oftentimes seen for their difference, not their potential. Through education and awareness, we all become empowered, that is the ultimate goal. Peers become empowered to accept one another as they are. Employers see the value of hiring those with disabilities and acknowledge the skills they bring to the job. Society recognizes the similarities before classifying the differences.
​
Find your path to get involved!
All people want to be valued and given an opportunity to contribute in their community!
Take the next step and get involved in one of the many organizations shown below that supports differently-abled individuals!
BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.
NIGHT TO SHINE
Night to Shine is a complimentary event for people with special needs hosted by local churches around the world. The event is open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older.
​
Night to Shine requires the help of thousands of volunteers across the globe and is a wonderful way to connect with and serve your community of people with special needs! From serving as a guest’s buddy or member of the red carpet paparazzi, to keeping the enthusiasm up on the dance floor or serving food, there is something for everyone.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability. We are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place—one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.
​
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
EASTER SEALS
Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services.
​
Through our national network of affiliates, Easterseals provides essential services and on-the-ground support to more than 1.5 million people each year — from early childhood programs for the critical first five years, to autism services, to medical rehabilitation and employment programs, to veterans’ services, and more. Our public education, policy, and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of the one in four Americans living with disabilities today.
​
Together, we’re empowering people with disabilities, families and communities to be full and equal participants in society.
THE ARC
Promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
With your help, we are working every day to build a future of inclusive work, play, worship, community, travel, and more.
​
Over 600 local chapters, over 1,000 national and community programs, servicing our citizens for over 70 years.