AbilityPath

05/27/2026

Creativity came to life at the grand opening of our new Creative Arts Program in Palo Alto!

This collaborative art piece was created together during the celebration, and this GIF captures the creativity, connection, and joy that made the moment so special. We can’t wait to share more as the program continues to grow.

To learn more about our Creative Arts Program, visit https://abilitypath.org/services/adult-services/creative-arts-program/

05/26/2026

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/24/us/waymo-robot-taxis-blind.html?unlocked_article_code=1.lFA.LJmm.J24rS8QGWWce&smid=url-share

Waymo has been an object of frustration to some in California. For visually impaired people, it can also bring a rare feeling of independence.

05/21/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a reminder that mental health matters for everyone, including people with developmental disabilities. Too often, people with disabilities face added barriers to accessing the care they need. At AbilityPath, we’re committed to supporting emotional well-being through inclusive programs and community connections. If you or someone you know needs support, visit https://hubs.la/Q04hxsHC0 for resources and guidance.

05/20/2026

A mission moment this morning that made my day. 💙

One of our Employment Specialists, Joanne, recently reached out about a gentleman she supports, we'll call him "Jim." Jim has come a long way: from experiencing homelessness to living in his own apartment to working three days a week at a job where he's beloved for his work ethic and for always going the extra mile.

Then an unexpected $375 maintenance bill landed in his mailbox. When you live on a fixed income, a number like that doesn't just hurt, it keeps you up at night.

Jim's first instinct was to pick up a fourth workday to cover it. Joanne, knowing what that would cost him physically, gently pushed back and then started making calls. She partnered with a care coordinator from a regional center. They brought in a housing advocate from another local nonprofit. Together, the three of them went back to Jim's property manager and made the case again.

The result? The fee was waived. Jim can sleep again!

This is what teamwork across our sector looks like. Different organizations, different roles, one shared belief that people deserve to be seen and supported. Joanne could have said, "That's not really my job." She didn't. She kept going until the answer changed.

Joanne, thank you. To everyone who joined her in Jim's corner, thank you. Days like this remind me why I'm so proud to work alongside so many incredible people. 💙

05/20/2026

Sneak peek at our ribbon cutting today! It was a joy to celebrate the new home of our expanded Creative Arts Program, Computer Education, and more at Mitchell Park Place in Palo Alto. Artist Gabi Dedek told the 120+ guests, "I always wanted to be an artist. I never thought I'd make it this high!" Special thanks to Former State Senator Joe Simitian, Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga's office, San Andreas Regional Center, and Eden Housing for joining us.

Stay tuned for more photos and videos in the coming days!

05/15/2026

👏 Good news out of Sacramento this morning.

Governor Newsom's May Revision budget proposal for the fiscal year starting July 1, protects developmental services with zero cuts, even as the state navigates real fiscal pressure and uncertainty around federal funding.

What that means in plain terms:

→ $21.6 billion proposed for developmental services next year, a $2.8 billion increase
→ Full funding to serve nearly 527,000 Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities, about 39,700 more people than this year
→ New investment in a statewide clinical needs assessment tool so that where you live doesn't determine what services you can access
→ Funding to implement the federal Home and Community-Based Services Access Rule, including a new grievance process for families

For our community, this is meaningful. It says the people we serve, and the families who love them, are not negotiable line items.

The Legislature has until June 15 to act. We'll be watching, advocating, and grateful for every leader who keeps showing up for this community. 💙

05/14/2026

Early intervention services can help children build communication, motor, feeding, social-emotional, and everyday life skills during the years when growth happens fastest. In our latest article, we break down what early intervention really is, why starting early matters, and what signs parents should watch for.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child could benefit from extra support, this is a great place to start.

Read More: https://hubs.la/Q04gGj6F0

05/13/2026

❌ A proposed federal budget could eliminate or reduce several important disability programs that support people with developmental disabilities, students with disabilities, families, educators, advocates, and service providers.

For the AbilityPath community, this is deeply concerning.
These programs help people with disabilities learn, work, vote, live independently, and access the support they need to be included in their communities. They also help families navigate complicated systems and help train the workforce that supports children and adults with disabilities every day.

This proposal is not yet law. Congress still has a say. But it is an important reminder that we must continue to speak up for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

At AbilityPath, we believe every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and belonging. Protecting disability services is not just about funding programs. It is about protecting the promise of inclusion.

We encourage our community to stay informed, raise their voices, and remind leaders that disability supports are essential to strong, caring, and inclusive communities.

05/11/2026

05/08/2026

I was so happy to attend the Innovate with HOPE event in San Jose last night.

It was a wonderful evening filled with fellow nonprofit leaders, generous benefactors, dedicated staff, and community members who care deeply about supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The stories from HOPE participants and staff were inspiring and a beautiful reminder of the impact this work has on people’s lives every day.

Hearing from NFL Hall of Famer and former 49er, Patrick Willis, topped off the evening. His message of dedication, faith, HOPE, and community touched everyone. Great to have him in our corner advocating for inclusion and belonging.

It is always a joy to see a fellow service provider succeed, raise important funds, and continue making a meaningful difference in the IDD community. Congratulations to Hope Services on a successful and uplifting evening!