Our Mission & Vision
– About Us
Mission
Vision
- The 7.3 million disabled students in the U.S. made up 15% of national
public school enrollment during the 2021-22 school year. - 95.2% of school-age students served under IDEA are enrolled in public schools.
- In 2021-22, about a third of students (32%) receiving services under IDEA had a specific learning disability.
- Students with autism made up 12% of the nation’s schoolchildren with disabilities in 2021-22, compared with 1.5% in 2000-01.
- According to federal data, more than 100,000 students are restrained or secluded in U.S. public schools every year. Nearly four out of five are students with disabilities.
- The most recent report, from the Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC), indicated that 80% of students who were subjected to physical restraint were students with disabilities (IDEA).
- 77% of students subjected to seclusion were students with disabilities (IDEA).
- OCR’s Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC), which includes self- reported data on 99 percent of the public school districts in the nation, indicates that schools restrain and seclude students with disabilities at higher rates than students without disabilities
Support for Individuals
We are committed to providing support and resources for individuals dealing with cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges. Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to empower them to overcome obstacles and lead fulfilling lives.
Promoting Inclusivity
Inclusivity is at the heart of our work. We actively promote an inclusive mindset, advocating for equal opportunities and dismantling barriers that prevent individuals from fully participating in society. By fostering understanding and acceptance, we strive to create a community where everyone feels valued.
Building Connections
Connection is a powerful force that brings people together. We facilitate meaningful connections within our community, creating a network of support where individuals facing challenges can find understanding and friendship. Through events and activities, we encourage interaction and collaboration.
Lend a Hand
How You Can Get Involved
Volunteer
Contribute your time and skills to support our programs and events.
Donate
Your generous donations enable us to expand our reach and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Advocate
What People Say About Us
Carissa’s gentle and patient approach is calming for Lily who has learned to depend on Carissa’s wisdom and advice. Even when we are not with Carissa, Lily will say, “What would Carissa say?” And Carissa is open to Lily if she ever needs to call for a moment of clarity when she is not with us. We even joke that we should get “WWCD” bracelets, or “What Would Carissa Do?” reminders.
Carissa’s strength comes from her true passion for the special needs population. She works tirelessly to monitor situations and protect her clients. She advocates for their rights as well as speaks of their worth. She always sees the good in her clients and communicates with their parents and/or guardians, teachers and caretakers, so that everyone is on the same page.
We found Carissa’s assistance during a time in which our family was struggling to maintain a healthy relationship with our son’s school. Carissa provided a positive and refreshing approach to both holding our son’s school accountable while suggesting viable practices to aide in providing our son a successful school atmosphere. I found Carissa’s drive and true desire to help our son succeed as the best version of himself a refreshing alternative to what we had found ourselves in the midst of. Carissa continues to reach out and provide guidance, suggestions and information that is pertinent to our son’s and family’s needs. I am beyond thankful that Carissa is a part of our team. I know our son and our family as a whole has greatly benefitted by simply knowing her.