accessiBe’s Nonprofit Partnership Program collaborates with hundreds of disability-focused organizations to spread awareness and knowledge regarding people with disabilities and their community. For December, we're honored to highlight these 5 organizations that are making a real change:
Introducing: United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania
Mission: United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania (UCP) is on an impactful mission to empower people of diverse abilities to live meaningful lives through innovative support and services. By putting the interests of the people they support first, UCP can prioritize these innovative services, including assistive technology, early intervention, employment opportunities, and community participation.
Partnership Takeaways: Through our partnership with UCP, we learned that one-on-one support and training with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities encourages them to live as independently as possible. This type of independent living results in greater quality of life due to the home environments created and professional accomplishments reached by anyone with a disability, ultimately instilling a greater sense of confidence in their everyday life.
Visit their site to learn more about UCP’s amazing work >>
Introducing: AccesSurf
Mission: AccesSurf, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, builds an inclusive community that facilitates accessible beach and water programs. Through the arts of adaptive water sports, ocean recreation, and therapeutic instruction designed for people with disabilities, the organization creates a sense of belonging, excitement, and empowerment for those who participate in the activities available.
Partnership Takeaways: We learned that across 2022, AccesSurf helped hundreds of people with physical and cognitive disabilities enjoy the ocean with the assistance of 937 dedicated volunteers who consistently aim to create unforgettable experiences for everyone involved in adaptive ocean activities. The volunteers themselves are extremely appreciative to be working alongside Accessurf and are focused on continuing to develop strong community relations that serve a greater purpose and motivate change.
Visit their site to learn more about AccesSurf's amazing work >>
Introducing: Défi Sportif AlterGo
Mission: Défi Sportif AlterGo works wholeheartedly to promote healthy lifestyles and contributes to the universal accessibility of sports facilities, as well as activities and sporting events, to encourage the participation of people with disabilities. The organization raises awareness throughout Quebec and is recognized for its ability to organize high-level athletic competitions in conformity with international standards.
Partnership Takeaways: Collaborating with AlterGo has shown us the importance of annual sporting events that bring together thousands of athletes at the elite level. Sporting initiatives such as these truly shed light on the capacities and talents of people with disabilities, shattering stereotypes and assumptions that once impeded awareness and education.
Visit their site to learn more about Défi Sportif AlterGo’s amazing work >>
Introducing: Outdoor Mindset
Mission: Outdoor Mindset prioritizes the support of people with neurological disabilities by providing an outdoor-focused community for those who feel passionate about nature and getting outside. Meetups are hosted for those who seek connection with others who share similar interests, and scholarships are available for those who require funding to experience an adventure of their choosing.
Partnership Takeaways: Our partnership and conversations with Outdoor Mindset taught us about the importance of community and recreation for those with disabilities, as well as how prevalent depression and anxiety are for those experiencing symptoms of neurological disorders. This insightful organization has found that being outdoors is crucial to community support and well-being as both impacts the healing process of participating individuals. Watch our most recent conversation with Kyle Martin, the Founder and President!
Visit their site to learn more about Outdoor Mindset’s amazing work>>
Introducing: Step Up For Mental Health
Mission: Step Up For Mental Health supports, educates, and provides services to families living with mental health disorders or challenges. To do this effectively, the organization offers safe spaces for individuals to share stories and find guidance or comfort for others who are either coping with mental health challenges or caring for a family member with a mental illness. Valuable resources such as mental health helplines, podcasts, and peer support networks are made readily available.
Partnership Takeaways: We partnered with Step Up For Mental in 2021, and over time, we have understood more about the importance of supporting families who live with mental health disorders or challenges; as we’ve come to realize from this partnership, safe spaces and gatherings provide a sense of togetherness amongst those with mental health disorders which positively affects their mental health management and recovery in the long-term. Watch our most recent conversation with Adrienne McCue!
Visit their site to learn more about Step Up for Mental Health’s amazing work>>
While each of our partners' missions and communities is different, they all are working towards a common goal of inclusivity and accessibility. We believe that by working together, we can make the world a more accessible place!
Join accessiBe’s Nonprofit Partnership Program to join the community and start your accessibility journey with us today!