Adults & Transitioning Youth with Disabilities

The Trust envisions a society where adults and transitioning youth with intellectual, developmental, and/or physical disabilities maximize their ability to live independently, secure employment, and are connected to an inclusive community.

Overview

The Disability & Philanthropy Forum's 2023 report, Foundation Giving for Disability reported that less than 2% of philanthropic giving is for disability causes. The Trust, with its history and dedication to those with disabilities, far exceeds this statistic in its grantmaking. Yet, disability advocates are clear that using a disability explicit lens within grantmaking is critical to building a more just society. Through its Disability program, the Trust is a partner in building a society in which those with disabilities are fully included and receive the care they need. In the Trust’s current strategic plan, the Disability program goals and strategies are consolidated from the four goals of previous strategic plans to two. These goals are designed to assist adults and transitioning youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and/or physical disabilities to build economic security and increase community inclusion. The goals encompass a wide range of services and programs, as well as advocacy and system change efforts that promote independent living, employment, community inclusion; and professional, caregiver, and family support.

Focus Population

The Disability program's focus population includes adults and youth transitioning to adulthood (16+) who have an IDD such as a cognitive disability, Autism, or Down syndrome; and/or a physical disability, including mobility, visual, or hearing impairments; and/or multiple, complex disabilities (multiple intellectual disabilities or several physical disabilities); and the professional staff, formal and informal caregivers, and family members who support them. The program supports people with lifelong disability diagnoses and those who were disabled as a result of a traumatic injury, as opposed to those with disabilities acquired through aging.

Group of Individuals Wearing Aprons in a Work Setting

Goals and Strategies

Economic Security

Adults and transitioning youth with disabilities will acquire economic security throughout their lifetimes.

Grantmaking strategies include supporting direct services and policy/systems change efforts that:

Ensure individuals with disabilities have access to replicable and sustainable programs including transition or continued education, workforce training, and supportive employment/coaching that leads to inclusive employment
Operate from an Employment First perspective that advances competitive, integrated employment as the expectation and supports partnerships between non-profits and employers to build a more diverse workforce
Enhance community inclusion, self-sufficiency, and independent living in all communities for people with disabilities, including in under-resourced or rural areas, through person-centered planning, skills training, affordable and least restricted housing, accessible transportation, and self-advocacy support
Build the capacity of disability-led organizations and amplify disability community needs, as heard from those with lived experiences and pertaining to economic security, employment, civil rights, and living independently
Increase awareness of the broad economic needs of those with disabilities throughout their lives, and provide pertinent education, advocacy, resources, legal services, and comprehensive planning

Community Inclusion

Communities will include and integrate adults and transitioning youth with disabilities throughout their lifetimes as community members who are fully recognized, embraced, valued, and supported for their unique abilities and contributions.

Grantmaking strategies include supporting direct services and policy/systems change efforts that:

Ensure individuals with disabilities have access to a diverse range of residential opportunities and support collaborations that advance inclusive housing programs
Enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities through access to community connections that include but are not limited to transportation, adaptive technology, social and recreational activities, and enrichment activities, while advocating for more inclusive communities and strengthening the voices of individuals with disabilities
Support safe, accessible, and culturally competent services that include but are not limited to health and well-being, mental health assistance, post secondary education, ongoing learning opportunities tailored to the changing needs of aging clients, and activities that strengthen connections to peers and community supports
Advance the quality and capacity of direct support professionals or family caregivers to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals with disabilities
Develop self-advocacy skills through collaboration, training, education, and opportunities to participate in civic engagement or systems change work