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. Opportunity can make this possible. It’s the key to changing how people think about disabilities.
We can turn possibility into progress.
Let’s rewrite the rules of opportunity. Let’s rethink accessibility. Let’s reshape our communities.
Our Philosophy
The promise of possibility.
They say the future holds great promise. When it’s the promise of a better future for people with disabilities, we say give that future a nudge. Recognize the potential in us all. Create opportunities for everyone to contribute. Inspire others to educate, support, and uplift those around us.
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 up for success.
We believe we can create a future where everyone can live, work, and succeed together.
Mission
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 the 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 remove barriers and create greater opportunity 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 happen when we recognize that stronger communities benefit 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 people build self-sufficiency, independence, meaningful 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.
Job Training
Our programs help break down barriers in the workplace. They also strengthen company culture.
Enterprise Solutions
Working with partner organizations and people with disabilities, we’re promoting equitable employment, expanding opportunity, and funding our ongoing efforts.
Outreach Initiatives
We work with dedicated organizations and individuals to amplify the voices of all people so they feel more confident being 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
The true impact.
Nothing captures the difference opportunity 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 create opportunity 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 while advocating for a better world.
Partner with Us
Business owners who join our mission help create opportunities for people of all abilities to work, grow, and succeed together.
Be Included
Get news and events information.