Our Mission

Each day, every person at Abilities United is dedicated to provide people with developmental and physical disabilities the rights, resources, and opportunities they need to lead the lives they choose. Abilities United champions community values of dignity and respect for people of all abilities. We strive to be a model of how society can be barrier-free to enable the full participation of people with disabilities and their families.

Abilities United ensures that thousands of people with developmental and physical disabilities fully participate in community life. Abilities United provides comprehensive training, education, and support to individuals and their families. But we can’t do this alone; we build strong connections with and among the people we serve, and to community resources, to further enrich their lives with personal, meaningful experiences.

Our Promise

Our ultimate responsibility is to the children, adults and families who use our services. We commit to providing the highest quality services in meeting their needs and choices. As a center of excellence, we will continue to champion their rights; give them the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the community; and in so doing, make decisions with them–not for them.

In recognition of their contributions as our greatest asset, we promise to treat our employees and volunteers with dignity and respect. We recruit, train, and retain the very best employees and volunteers to ensure the highest quality service. They will have an open, rewarding, and safe environment, under the direction of skilled management.

As stewards of this community, we will fulfill our mission. In so doing, we will also provide a model of an inclusive community, valued for our partnerships as well as for our services, both of which promote meaningful engagement of the people we serve.

And lastly, we promise to operate in a manner deserving of the trust of our donors and other funding sources. We will continue to communicate clearly and openly, operate cost effectively, and research and learn from others to provide innovative programs.

Accreditation

Abilities United has been accredited by CARF, a national rehabilitation services accreditation commission, since 1980.

Awards

• 2009 recipient of the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Tall Treeaward for "Outstanding Nonprofit"
• 2009 Wave Winner for video programming by/for differently abled
  
• 2008 San Mateo County "People Who Care" award received by Janel Astor, Director of Children's Development
• 2007 San Mateo County "People Who Care" award received by Frank Sandoval, Associate Director of Children's Development

Services

Although Abilities United primarily serves people with developmental disabilities and their families, people without disabilities can benefit from services as well. The table below shows the breadth of our services.