AbilityPath

09/26/2025

Tickets on Sale Now for our 34th Annual Authors Luncheon on Saturday, October 18!

Meet amazing authors like Robert Dugoni! Robert is an award-winning New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and #1 Amazon bestselling author of more than thirty books, with more than 12 million readers worldwide. His acclaimed works span genres—from the Tracy Crosswhite police procedurals and the Keera Duggan legal series to the Charles Jenkins espionage thrillers and beloved book club favorites like The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell and The World Played Chess. Translated into over thirty languages and sold in forty countries, Dugoni’s storytelling has captivated readers around the globe.

Secure your spot now!
https://bit.ly/42SyiLM

09/26/2025

The disability funding gap that should keep us all awake at night.
Here's a statistic that stopped me in my tracks: Only 2% of philanthropic dollars go to disability services, even though 25-30% of our population lives with a disability, and 17% have developmental disabilities.

Let that sink in for a moment.

We're talking about the largest groups of people in the United States, yet they receive only a small share of charitable support compared to other causes. This isn't just a numbers issue—it's a reflection of whose voices we're hearing and whose needs we're prioritizing.

People with disabilities encounter barriers in employment, education, healthcare, and basic accessibility every day. They're advocating for inclusion, independence, and dignity. Yet, when it comes to funding solutions, we're barely scratching the surface.

This gap represents missed opportunities—for innovation, for inclusion, for building a society that genuinely works for everyone. When we invest in disability services, we don't just change individual lives; we create ripple effects that strengthen entire communities.

The disability community has been saying "Nothing about us, without us" for decades. It's time for our philanthropic priorities to reflect that wisdom.

What would happen if we shifted even a fraction more of our charitable giving toward disability services? What innovations might emerge? What barriers could we break down?

The change starts with awareness. Awareness begins with conversations like this one.

09/24/2025

Important information about California replacing its 40 year old system Lois.

California is replacing its 40-year-old disability services system (LOIS) with new technology by 2028. It requires a systems-thinking approach to ensure the entire system is reimagined and improved.

09/23/2025

09/20/2025

CEO Bryan Neider and fellow panelists shared their visions for an inclusive community and improved systems of support for people with disabilities.

🙏Grateful to everyone who joined our Silicon Valley Community Foundation gathering this past week.

A special thanks to SVCF for sponsoring and Sheri Sobrato for hosting us at her home, and appreciation to my fellow panelists, Maria Daane (Parents Helping Parents), Ryan Eisenberg (Children’s Health Council), and moderator Christine Thorsteinson, from SVCF. Lastly, thank you also to the forty participants whose interest fuels our collective work of building more vibrant and inclusive communities.

I had the honor of opening by sharing AbilityPath’s vision: building communities where everyone belongs. We support over 1,000 children, adults, and families daily—from early intervention, to children's therapy, to our inclusive preschools, to employment and independent living services. The Abilitypath team is dedicated to ensuring individuals with developmental disabilities have full access to all that life has to offer.

On technology, I addressed AI’s promise and pitfalls. Assistive tools have the power to transform independence; however, we must ensure that disability perspectives are included early in product design. Our teams now use AI platforms that streamline therapy and service paperwork—giving staff more time to focus directly on those we serve. Our partnership with Waymo for autonomous ride services is just one example of innovation in action, bringing more accessibility to those we support.

In closing, we all noted that the technology and policy choices we make now will determine if our communities grow and thrive and realize a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.

When everyone belongs, we all win.

09/19/2025

Last month, we shared how AbilityPath’s partnership with Stanford University’s HEARs Program—Health Equity Advocacy and Research—is transforming the way future physicians learn to care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Now, this important work is gaining national recognition: the New England Journal of Medicine has published an article highlighting the groundbreaking curriculum.

The program pairs real-world case studies from the AbilityPath community with clinical applications and inclusive care principles. Medical residents hear directly from our team members and from individuals with IDD, ensuring that lived experience is central to their education. Early results show residents are leaving the program with significantly greater confidence, skills, and empathy to provide the quality, respectful care that every patient deserves.

To read the full article, please visit:
https://bit.ly/48vkTge

09/18/2025

AbilityPath’s 21st Annual Fallick Family Golf Classic was a day to remember! From the first tee to the final putt, golfers enjoyed perfect weather, great company, and spirited competition—all while raising $160,000 (and counting) in support of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

We are especially grateful to Platinum Sponsors Anne and J. Christopher Reyes, and to Tournament Founder and Chair Jeff Fallick, whose vision and dedication continue to make this event possible. Congratulations to the winners!

• Longest Drive Women’s: Celia Vigil | Men’s: Nick Rozzi
• Closest to the Hole Women’s: Celia Vigil – 5’1” | Men’s: Alan Earhart – 3’2”
• Team Winners Women’s Division: Courtney Corrigan, Amy Stewart, Angel Hiebert, and Anna Provines | Men’s Division: Jason Krikorian, Dave Hiebert, Dan Persyn, and Paul MacQuiddy | Mixed Division: Terri Bailard, Annalise Durante, Noah Holmes, and Alex Spotswood

Thanks to all who participated and supported this year’s Golf Classic. Your generosity helps us continue to build brighter futures for people of all abilities. Enjoy the photo gallery for more highlights from the tournament.

https://bit.ly/3VkYxqf

09/12/2025

Congratulations Jacob! Thank you for all you do for AbilityPath and our community. Please enjoy this article written by the California Department of Developmental Services recognizing Jacob Estillore of AbilityPath for Direct Support Professional Recognition Week!

✨Jacob Estillore first joined AbilityPath in Burlingame as an intern and quickly showed a gift for connection with participants and creating meaningful programs. His baking program, now one of the most popular activities, teaches everything from teamwork and decision-making to math, coordination, and confidence in daily life. Participants light up in his presence, and colleagues say his positivity strengthens the entire team.

Jacob shared with us more about his work and what being a direct support professional (DSP) means to him.
(His responses below were edited for clarity and brevity.)

1. What makes your work as a DSP most meaningful to you?
When participants take what they learned from me and apply that knowledge to their life at home. I sometimes get positive feedback from participants' families/caregivers, and it always reassures me that I am making a positive impact on their lives.

2. Can you share a moment or part of your day that makes you especially proud or reminds you why you chose this career?
When participants come up to me, telling me that they are excited to get started with my facilitation. It's always nice to hear that participants had fun with my activity, and it's even better when they say that it is something they can try at home.

3. What do you wish more people understood about the role of DSPs and the impact you have in your community?
I wish more people understood that our work as a DSP goes further beyond the individual that we work with. Through recreation, employment services, as well as education, we help strengthen family bonds and foster inclusive/diverse communities.

This DSP Recognition Week, we’re proud of partnering with California Disability Services Association to celebrate 2025 DSP Empowerment Awards nominees like Jacob, who bring dedication, creativity, and heart to the IDD community.

09/10/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome Kristina McMorris—bestselling author of Sold on a Monday and The Girls of Good Fortune—as a featured speaker at our 34th Annual Authors Luncheon!

With more than twenty national literary awards and millions of readers worldwide, Kristina brings a wealth of storytelling talent to this unforgettable afternoon. She’ll be joined by celebrated authors Robert Dugoni and Greg Walton, with the lively Maureen Langan moderating the conversation.

Saturday, October 18, 2025
The Terrace by AbilityPath
Early bird pricing ends September 15—secure your seats today!

https://bit.ly/4pgYXLY

09/10/2025