Doctoral Student in Health Behavior and Health Education
Research
About Engaging Abilities
Engaging Abilities seeks to create a more inclusive atmosphere for people with disabilities at the University of Michigan (UM) and in Ann Arbor’s local communities by creating ability-friendly virtual and physical community spaces for individuals to interact and socialize. Each of the Engaging Abilities programs fosters the success of the organization through the promotion of physical and virtual community building that are grounded in services – such as disability educational services consulting – and creating socially supportive environments that connects, empowers, and improves the quality of life of people interested in or affected by disabilities. The mission and activities of Engaging Abilities are unique among organizations serving disability communities because Engaging Abilities seeks to encourage and enable participants to independently create networks and share resources with other like-minded individuals within the community. Engaging Abilities also seeks to eliminate the academic and social barriers encountered by many disabled individuals through creating ability-friendly spaces on campus and in surrounding communities and by creating social and service opportunities. The organization’s emphasis on virtual and physical community spaces that are specifically tailored to respond to the needs of our community stakeholders will ensure the continued success of its mission.
My Role
Created non-profit organization dedicated to education, advocacy and outreach to support people affected by mental and physical disabilities. Recruited a small, dedicated volunteer staff for organization management, development of a social networking website to facilitate integration of disability communities, and an education outreach program.
