Picture it.
People of every ability, realizing their potential. All of us, making a living and making a life, together.
That’s the future we want to live in.
We think you might, too. Inclusivity can make this possible. It’s the key to changing how people think about disabilities.
We can make inclusivity our reality.
Let’s rewrite the rules of equitable inclusion. Let’s rethink accessibility. Let’s reshape our communities.
Inclusivity Philosophy
The promise of possibility.
They say the future holds great promise. When it’s the promise of a more inclusive world for people with disabilities, we say give that future a nudge. Recognize the potential in us all. Create opportunities for people of every ability to contribute. Inspire others to educate, support, and empower those around us. This is the definition of boundless inclusivity.
Unfortunately, many people with disabilities still don’t feel like they belong.
8 in 10
8 in 10 people with disabilities are unemployed
Too few employers recognize that everyone has value to add.
85%
85% of people with disabilities live in poverty
We must rethink how our communities set people of all abilities up for success.
We believe we can create a future where people of every ability live, work, and succeed—and do it together.
Vision & Mission
Our vision is to build an inclusive future for everyone.
Aspire’s mission is to connect people with disabilities to ever-greater possibilities for learning, jobs, and safe places to call home.
Recognize
Recognize: Every one of us can make a difference in a boundlessly inclusive world.
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Respect
Respect: We welcome all perspectives. Common ground is the key to working better and working together.
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Refresh
Refresh: There’s always more we can do to improve accessibility, rewriting the rules of equitable inclusion in our everyday lives.
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Reshape
Reshape: Our energy and ideas have the power to create communities everyone can live and work in.
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Rejoice
Rejoice: Together, we’re making moves toward a future for all of us, celebrating the partnerships and progress we make along the way.
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Our Goal
A future for us all.
Lasting change for people with disabilities will only come when people understand inclusivity is for the good of us all. At Aspire, that’s our goal.
With help from our team, partners, donors, and volunteers, we’re breaking down barriers and making more possible for people of all abilities.
How we turn possibility into progress:
Personal Development
Programs focus on life enrichment, skill building, health, and community living. The goal is to help empower self-sufficiency, independence, connections, and career growth.
Innovative Home Models
Our Community Homes in Cook and Lake Counties are different from the outdated group home model. They have fewer residents and offer personal growth and shared responsibility.
Employment Partnerships
Our job skills training and partnerships help people find careers. We pair eager workers with passionate organizations to create a shared sense of purpose and success.
Inclusivity Training
Our programs help break down barriers in the workplace. They also strengthen culture and DEI.
Enterprise Solutions
Working with partner organizations and people with disabilities, we’re promoting equitable employment, inspiring inclusivity, and funding our ongoing efforts.
Advocacy Initiatives
We work with dedicated organizations and individuals to amplify the voices of all people so they can feel more confident to advocate for themselves.
Change you can see.
Our energy and ideas help us make a real impact.
91%
People who enter our Job Support program and are placed into jobs
94%
People who are placed in jobs and retain them for at least 12 months
Inclusivity’s impact.
Nothing captures the difference inclusivity can make like the people we work with.
Meet Marcus
Marcus helps make Aspire CoffeeWorks what it is—a way to bring together adults of all abilities, kick-start careers, and support Aspire’s work. Learn more about all of our Social Enterprise initiatives.
Meet Kamora
Art has the power to change the world—and Kamora does, too. Our programs helped her discover her talent for painting and earn extra income to help her family. Learn more about all of Our Programs.
Get Involved
Join us in our mission.
Together, we can change how people think about disabilities.
Donate
Help shape inclusivity by supporting programs and services that empower people with disabilities. Learn more and choose from a variety of ways to donate.
Volunteer
Work alongside people with disabilities in one of our programs. You can serve the community and make new friends as you advocate for inclusivity.
Partner with Us
Business owners who join our mission strengthen their commitment to DEI and provide chances for people of all abilities to work together.
Be Included
Get news and events information.