Real change starts at the grassroots!
That’s why we’re proud to partner with hundreds of disability-focused organizations through our Nonprofit Partnership Program, spreading awareness and knowledge regarding disability communities and initiatives for a more inclusive world. July was a busy month for so many incredible organizations.
Here are 5 organizations that we connected with in July that are making a real change:
Best Buddies International
Mission: Best Buddies International is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As a global organization, they established a volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living.
Partnership Takeaways: Best Buddies International makes great strides in positively impacting the lives of people with IDD and shows us the power of community. Today, they have over 3,000 chapters across 49 different countries, and their volunteers are involved in activities from elementary school to college and beyond. As a web accessibility company, we were thrilled to learn about their virtual friendship programs that extend to the online world and through our collaboration learned about the value of engaging diverse communities. Check out our recent Spotlight Session with Joseph Canty, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Visit their site to learn more about Best Buddies International >>
Hear Entendre Québec
Mission: Hear Entendre which means Hear Hear is on a mission to improve the well-being of those affected by hearing loss and help prevent hearing loss in future generations. It is the only non-profit registered charity serving the anglophone community affected by hearing loss in Québec. This dedication to see improvement in the quality of life of those with hearing loss is what gave birth to this organization. Hear Québec strives to bring about awareness within the community and shed light on the invisibility of hearing loss. They offer an array of programs including, multiple speech-reading (lipreading) classes, Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) Programs, one-on-one support services, and Outreach (awareness) Programs.
Partnership Takeaways: We learned that many of the staff members, Board of Directors, and volunteers are affected by hearing loss which helped to build the community they have today. One of the more special activities they host is Access Comedy, a hearing-accessible comedy show not only to share laughter but also, this event will empower decision-makers to create more accessibility for their events. By showcasing the power of inclusivity, Hear Quebec hopes to inspire and encourage the integration of accessibility measures across a wide range of events.
Visit their site to learn more about the Hear Entendre’s >>
Winter Growth Inc.
Mission: Winter Growth offers community-based services including Adult Day, Memory Care, and Assisted Living Programs, that empower seniors and adults with disabilities to live their best lives. With over 40 years of experience, Winter Growth Inc. is proud to be known as the place where friendships grow and care is extraordinary.
Partnership Takeaways: We love to see Winter Growth Inc. partner with local organizations to create a wider impact for their recipient communities. They also stand out for having caregiver resources on their website which includes access to a support group and empowering family members through laughter and joy. This summer they are posting a series of pictures featuring dogs that brighten up their residents' day and using the hashtag #DogDaysOfSummer.
Visit their site to learn more about Winter Growth Inc >>
Friendship Circle San Diego
Mission: The Friendship Circle of San Diego is a non-profit that promotes friendships between children, teens, and adults with disabilities and their typically developing peers by providing social, recreational, vocational, and educational experiences in an inclusive environment.
Partnership Takeaways: We were happy to learn that Friendship Circle, which is a national nonprofit, refers to its community members with disabilities as ‘friends’ because friendships are a necessity. The San Diego chapter in particular offers free training to schools and agencies in their county on how to make their communities more inclusive. They offer a variety of workshops catered to different audiences in their community and encourage their adult friends to volunteer at local Senior-Living Homes and create a sense of purpose for all involved.
Visit their site to learn more about Friendship Circle’s San Diego Chapter >>
OPARC
Mission: OPARC is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization established in 1950 when a group of five parents answered an ad placed by a family whose child was not qualified for public school because of their disability. The ad invited other parents in a similar position to meet with them. Today, OPARC exists to make training, employment, and social opportunities available and to be the champion for thousands of people with disabilities in the Inland Empire and Los Angeles County.
Partnership Takeaways: OPARC was born out of a need to create education, services, and employment that were not available to people with disabilities. Today they celebrate their uniqueness by holding quarterly themed dance parties in their large warehouse, along with decorations, a DJ, food, and fun, showing the long way they have come as a community. Check out the Spotlight Session with Claude Foster, Director of Program Operations.
Visit their site to learn more about OPARC >>
While each of our partners' missions and communities is different, they all work towards a common goal of inclusivity and accessibility. We believe that by working together, we can make the world a more accessible place!
Are you part of a not-for-profit organization making a change for disability communities? Check out our Nonprofit Partnership Program today.