<div><strong>Bridges to Inclusion</strong> is a small, disability-owned business co-founded by Drs. Kimberly Austin and Sofia Vergara, inspired by over two decades of shared experience in education and a deep commitment to fostering inclusivity. Rooted in both professional expertise and lived experiences, our mission is to build a more inclusive society by empowering individuals with disabilities and transforming workplaces into accessible, equitable environments.

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<div>Since 2020, we have partnered with schools and organizations to provide customized trainings on disability awareness, accessibility, and inclusive practices. These efforts aim to dismantle systemic ableism and create spaces where individuals with disabilities can thrive. Recognizing the significant employment gap for people with disabilities—who face nearly twice the unemployment rate compared to those without disabilities—we expanded our focus to include the <strong>Bridges to Employment</strong> program.

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<div>This innovative program equips individuals with developmental disabilities, such as those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with critical skills in employment preparation and self-advocacy. Bridges to Employment is composed of two significant components:

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<div>a. Employment preparation to empower participants to find, get, and keep employment

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<div>b. Social engagement opportunities to foster peer interactions and support

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<div>Alongside the <strong>Bridges to Employment </strong>program, we continue to train employers to create workplaces that value and embrace the contributions of employees with disabilities, thus preparing employers for individuals such as our program participants.

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<div>We are excited to build on the success of the grant-funded pilot program, which concluded in mid-2024, by launching the <strong>next cohort of Bridges to Employment</strong>. Our goal is to offer this transformative program at little to no cost to participants. However, without dedicated funding, this remains a significant challenge.

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<div>Your donations will directly contribute to:

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<li>Maintain an accessible and welcoming space for participant meetings and workshops.

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<li>Provide participants with learning materials, as well as transportation and professional attire vouchers.

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<li>Supply computers for each participant to most effectively individually engage during sessions.

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<li>Funds for social outing activities.

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<li>Cover operational expenses that allow us to offer this program at little to no cost.

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<div>Your generosity will directly contribute to breaking down barriers and empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their employment goals. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact. Thank you for supporting <strong>Bridges to Inclusion</strong> and helping us create lasting change. Together, we can <strong>Build Bridges</strong> to a more inclusive future!

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Maris Delano

Stacie Cox

Jessie Hanks

ROBERT GOODMAN

Mahnaz Payan

Wallace Campbell

T S Massey

Maurice Moore

Caryn Davies

William Massey

James Kowalski

Sue Sears

Mary DeNoyer

Linda DeNoyer

Kenneth Davies

Ann-Terese Riordan

Anonymous

Christopher Massey

Bridges to Employment: Disability Inclusion in Action

Bridges to Employment: Disability Inclusion in Action

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