AdaptAbilities

This month, we are excited to feature AdaptAbilities as our charity spotlight. We invite you to read more on the impactful work that they do for our community and how you can help. 

Founded by Michelle Hordal, in 2004, the organization was developed from her own experience as an Adaptive Physical Education teacher who continuously heard concerns by parents and children on the gap in the disability and family support system. 

AdaptAbilities is an Edmonton-based, For-Impact organization that supports individuals with special needs in developing essential life skills needed to grow, succeed, and belong. The organization specializes in providing essential respite services and creates possibilities for individuals with special needs and their families by delivering essential programs.  

These programs include: 

• Center Based Group Program, which provides opportunities for fun, inclusiveness, and independence. Participants engage with the community and make friendships by participating in thoughtfully designed and goal-oriented programs.  
• In-Home Services offer one-to-one support for individuals.  
• Hearts in Action Summer Camps give campers the opportunity to explore the city with friends and get messy trying new activities while enjoying new experiences in the community.  
• Online Programs, created in response to COVID-19, provide meaningful engagement and exciting activities for participants. 

While AdaptAbilities currently serves the Edmonton region in multiple locations, they look forward to expanding across Alberta. 

The heart and soul of AdaptAbilities are those who work the front line. The Community Specialists play a vital role. They develop bonds with the community and their participants by establishing authentic relationships, providing respite care, and creating purposeful support opportunities in an engaging, fun, and safe environment while empowering people to create meaningful days that help achieve their goals. 

AdaptAbilities has served 2,302 individuals, and aims to serve 10,000 individuals by 2030! 

Challenges faced by AdaptAbilities during COVID-19 have been adapting programming to changing restrictions such as in-person, limited numbers, pivoting to online programs, cancellation of in-person fundraising events, and the lack of human connection. Despite these challenges, they are incredibly appreciative of the support of the community and donors. AdaptAbilities hired an Online Producer with support from the Government of Canada and Edmonton Community Foundation, to help assist with online programming. Another success was when Pagnotta hired Jacob, a participant of Adaptabilities. 

You can show your support of the work that AdaptAbilities does by donating and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates and event information. They are also excited for their Online Silent Auction taking place October 21-24 where you can bid on amazing items.  

We are thankful to the amazing team at AdaptAbilities for the incredible work that they do in our community!