Mission Statement
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ABLED is committed to the development of social skills, employment training, independent practical living skills and the overall happiness of transition-aged young adults. ABLED exists to foster skills for individuals with disabilities so that they may lead more self-sufficient and independent lives.
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What is ABLED?ABLED is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization founded with the purpose of creating a safe environment for individuals with disabilities by fostering job training and social activities to help our friends better develop work readiness and life skills necessary for overall success in their community, and society at large. ABLED is an enrichment/training program that is client-centered -- we tailor a program to promote the best outcome for our friends. Curriculum based activities allow for emotional and practical development, in a safe environment where exploration, development and growth are encouraged. Our friends develop and enhance critical independent living and social skills, so that they may have broader access to their community.
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How does ABLED work?
ABLED’s lens is focused on achieving independence for individuals with developmental disabilities. We strive to create well rounded, client-centered activities by using curriculum-based exercises that promote exceptional growth and development. Promoting social-emotional and vocational skills, in tandem with independent living skills, ABLED strives to incorporate all aspects of day-to-day living. At ABLED we promote a culture of inclusion, acceptance and understanding, while maintaining a fun and safe environment.
Why do we need ABLED?
Everyone should enjoy full access to their community.
At ABLED, we are committed to ensuring that our program participants receive the skills and training necessary to enjoy that access. Our social recreation program encourages positive socialization with peers, improved communication skills, the development of friendships, appropriate behavior development, improved self-esteem and self-confidence, increased autonomy, and an enhanced feeling of community and acceptance.
ABLED’s job training program provides our clients with the opportunity for improved economic self-sufficiency, an opportunity to use their vocational skills, and greater integration within the community.
ABLED’s Independent Living Skills program supports participants as they establish and maintain a safe, stable, and independent life in homes they own or rent. The program helps individuals make meaningful choices toward their goals in their personal relationships and their community.
At ABLED, we are committed to ensuring that our program participants receive the skills and training necessary to enjoy that access. Our social recreation program encourages positive socialization with peers, improved communication skills, the development of friendships, appropriate behavior development, improved self-esteem and self-confidence, increased autonomy, and an enhanced feeling of community and acceptance.
ABLED’s job training program provides our clients with the opportunity for improved economic self-sufficiency, an opportunity to use their vocational skills, and greater integration within the community.
ABLED’s Independent Living Skills program supports participants as they establish and maintain a safe, stable, and independent life in homes they own or rent. The program helps individuals make meaningful choices toward their goals in their personal relationships and their community.
Meet the Team
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Kara GreenExecutive Director
Along with Dara and Catherine, Kara founded ABLED in early 2020 to fill the need for quality after school social/enrichment programs for teenagers and young adults with developmental disabilities. Frustrated with the lack of opportunities available for this group of young people, Kara, Dara and Catherine decided to begin a program themselves. Kara is driven by an intense passion to serve those in the community who are most vulnerable, and provide them with the skills to live quality, independent lives. ABLED Is a labor of love for Kara -- her oldest son is a young adult who is also on the Autism Spectrum. Kara wants her oldest and his peers to have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential; community involvement and engagement is integral to this edict. Kara holds both B.A. and M.B.A. degrees and is a native of Sacramento. She and her husband have a blended family of four. |
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Dara SchneiderProgram Director
Dara has worked with individuals with disabilities for over twenty years and has worked in a local school district for the better part of the last decade. From running an after-school teen program to working in assisted living to being an adult day program coordinator, Dara has extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities. Dara currently works as a 1:1 Instructional Assistant in an integrated High School program for a young adult on the Autism spectrum. She attends University and is pursuing her teaching credential in Special Education. |
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Catherine Hickinbotham
Program Coordinator
Catherine has worked with individuals with disabilities for the past 8 years in a variety of settings, both public and private. Catherine has the energy and passion to create a functional yet fun learning environment for those with developmental disabilities. Catherine views the person before the disability and looks to support the person first. She is passionate about life post K-12 education and how to create fulfilling lives for those with a disability. Catherine is impassioned to create a place for teens and young adults with a diagnosis of a disability to be themselves and enjoy life. Catherine earned a bachelors degree and is pursuing a graduate degree in Psychology. |