On May 4th, 2021, A.B.L.E. celebrated a huge milestone - our 5th anniversary as a 501c3!
In the past 5 years, we’ve accomplished a lot to be proud of. You have helped us to:
Develop 14 projects - including 6 devised plays, 4 classical plays, innovative digital projects, and an award-winning feature film
More than double our program offerings, serving a total of 85 actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities through our core ensembles, workshops, and outreach partnerships with organizations like National Louis University and the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association.
Reimagine our programs for a virtual format to face the challenges of COVID-19, and reach new audiences around the world
Build lasting relationships locally and internationally, including recurring partnerships with Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Frantic Assembly.
Here’s a look at some highlights from our first 5 years:
As we prepared to celebrate this birthday, we spoke with several members of our ensemble to ask what they think makes A.B.L.E. special. And a theme came up. Everyone spoke about the PEOPLE who make A.B.L.E. possible. One word came up over and over again - “community.”
Over the past 5 years, we have built an incredible community centered around the belief that everyone is A.B.L.E. to connect, A.B.L.E. to contribute, and A.B.L.E. to create. From our actors, to our staff, volunteers, and partners, so many individuals and organizations have played a part in making A.B.L.E.’s programs and projects possible.
A.B.L.E. now has 4 ensembles serving 39 actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and we reach more actors through our workshops and outreach programs every year. I’m proud to say that all of those original actors are still part of our programs. Once someone is part of A.B.L.E., they will always have a spot with us.
Let’s give a HIGH 5 to all of our amazing actors and hear what some of them have to say about their time with A.B.L.E.:
Every A.B.L.E. session is staffed by two teaching artists and supported by a team of volunteer facilitators. Together, they ensure that everyone receives the individual attention they need to thrive. I can’t say enough, we can’t do what we do without them.
Let’s give a HIGH 5 to all the people who have been a part of our terrific teaching team over the years, and hear from just a few of them about what makes A.B.L.E. special :
As we continue to grow, with each production, with each workshop, we’re putting individuals with disabilities in the spotlight and building more inclusive and empathetic communities.
Let’s give a HIGH 5 to our Board of Directors for their support in shaping the vision and growth of A.B.L.E, and hear from some of them about their vision for A.B.L.E.’s future:
And our community doesn’t stop there! Over the past 5 years, we’ve partnered with several individuals and organizations. They have stepped in to lead workshops in special topics like stage combat and puppetry. They’ve also designed lights and sound for our productions, provided captioning and accessibility services at our performances, filmed and edited our movies, and taken photographs of our show. We’ve worked with several venues around the city, and, at each show, we’ve had a roster of front of house volunteers who welcome audiences to the theatre. We’ve worked with partners for field trips, we’ve had business volunteers and pro bono lawyers who have supported us in getting started, filming locations, and programming interns, and outreach partners who have welcomed us to share our work.
Let’s give a HIGH 5 to all of our many partners:
As we look to the future, A.B.L.E. is focused on 3 key goals:
Expand our programs so we can serve an even greater number of participants through ensembles, workshops and outreach opportunities. A.B.L.E. has operated with a waitlist since our inception. On average, families wait at least 2 years before we have space to accommodate them. The COVID19 pandemic only heightened demand for creative and social opportunities for individuals with I/DD. Our waitlist is currently at 13 people, mostly over the age of 18.
Extend our reach outside of the Chicago area. Working virtually has allowed us to engage participants and volunteers from 9 different states in 2020 and 2021. We would like to continue this through virtual workshops, not only for people with disabilities, but also by sharing our methodology through professional development training for teaching artists and industry professionals interested in deepening their practices for inclusivity and accessibility.
Provide employment opportunities for our veteran actors. According to numerous studies, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is more than double the rate for those without disabilities. In addition, there are many barriers to people with disabilities in the workplace including transportation, lack of accommodations, and potential loss of benefits. We are committed to growing alongside our actors by piloting A.B.L.E.’s Supporting Artist Program. Through this program, A.B.L.E. would train and employ veteran ensemble members as teaching assistants for our outreach efforts and workshops for younger children with disabilities.
With your support, we can continue to offer vital creative and social outlets for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our biggest HIGH 5 is for YOU - our beautiful audience.
Whether you’ve tuned in for a livestream event, cheered us on in a theatre, donated to support our projects, or shared the love on social media, YOU are an important piece of what we do.
Thank you for believing, like we believe that everyone is A.B.L.E. to connect, to contribute, and to create. And thank you helping us do all that we are A.B.L.E. to do.
Cheers to another 5 years!
