News and notes from Imagine! and the Imagine! Foundation.
Creating a World of Opportunity for All Abilities
Feb-23-2021
Services
Creating a world of opportunity for all abilities.
Imagine!’s mission statement has looked different over the years, but the core of the mission has never wavered. At Imagine!, we work tirelessly to not only support those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), but to expand their opportunities so that they can live their life as they please.
What does “creating a world of opportunity for all abilities” mean?
Since its inception in 1963, the folks at Imagine! have dedicated their time to creating a world where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are afforded not only the fundamental rights established by our founding fathers in 1776, but also opportunities that allow them to live out their goals and dreams. How they chose to live their life is up to them, just as it is up to those who do not have a disability, but in order for them to do what they love, people must offer respect, accessibility, and inclusion. One of the original goals of Imagine! was to show that people with I/DD are able and willing to be full members of society if given the chance. This meant including them instead of shunning them away to institutions, as was the practice for the majority of the 20th Century.
Since then, we have continued to push the boundaries in order to not only allow these folks to live and work in the community but to have experiences previously unavailable to them. All in all, creating a world of opportunity for all abilities means exactly what you’d think, building a community where people with disabilities live independent and fulfilling lives.
How do the people at Imagine! work towards this mission?
Employees from all across Imagine! start their workday with our mission in mind. Not only do they work to support people with disabilities, but they regularly think of other ways they can further the narrative of opportunity for all. An example of this includes employees who created virtual classes that teach students with disabilities all sorts of skills, ranging from learning a language to creating art. Additionally, Imagine! supports folks who wish to work in the community. These people might have been told prior to coming to Imagine! that they had very little chance of finding a job, but Imagine!’s Employment Services believe otherwise. The folks in this department work directly with businesses to find jobs best suited to the person so that they are able to find a job they love.
One more way the employees at Imagine! work towards this mission is through the community. Every level of this organization has a way to impact the world, from the CEO who lobbies support from the government to the direct support professional who works with community members to provide accessible activities. Perhaps there will be a day when Imagine! is no longer needed, but for now, this organization will continue to use its creativity and innovation to create this world of opportunity.
How can you help our mission?
Creating a world of opportunity for all abilities is no small feat and one you can definitely be a part of! There is a multitude of ways to get involved, from donating to volunteering to buying a painting from Imagine!’s Etsy shop. You could even just bring up the topic of inclusion and accessibility with your family and friends. Every little gesture helps to create this world and brings the community one step closer to including every member with the respect that they deserve. We are eternally grateful for your support and thank you for believing in the potential of all.
