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About Us

We strive to be a model of what is possible in the theatre community—both locally and beyond—because we believe accessibility is a right and that everyone is A.B.L.E.

Mission & Values
Press & Brand Assets

What We Do

A.B.L.E. offers accessible performing arts programs for disabled individuals over the age of 15, with a focus on adults 22+ who are the most underserved. These programs equip them with transferable skills once they are no longer in the school system.

As the only I/DD-focused arts organization in Chicago that creates original works and prioritizes leadership opportunities for our disabled participants, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of inclusivity.

Performers on stage; central figure in red jacket, others reaching up; "THE ARCTIC" displayed.

Theatre & Film Ensembles

Ensembles
Group using sign language in a no phone zone, some wearing masks, in an educational setting.

Accessibility Consulting

Consulting
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Video Library

Stream a Performance
A.B.L.E. is a safe space. We care about you and what you want to learn and what you want to share with the world. We won’t judge you. We are on this journey together and we support each other.

Zach Wandel, Actor since 2024

What we are doing is helping artists from all walks of life come together to make sure that they feel seen, understood, heard, embraced and celebrated. A.B.L.E. just really expands your mind on what is possible with theater and community. It is just an important thing for humans to find ways to come together and A.B.L.E. makes that much more accessible.

Erica Johnson, Facilitator since 2021

Really, everyone, no matter of ability, wants to belong somewhere. A.B.L.E. gives a sense of community. Friendship isn’t the right word, it is bigger than that. It is a village that brings out the best in them, so they participate to the best of their abilities and grow skill sets they never knew they had.

Stephanie Foley, Parent of Actor Ryan Foley

In so many ways A.B.L.E. is like every other theater company — passionate people putting on a show, and at the same time, A.B.L.E. is achieving what so many theater companies cannot — true inclusivity and representation of the very stories we all attempt to tell on the stage.

Paige Henderson, Facilitator since 2023

I have been in other spaces where people with disabilities don’t get listened to or don’t belong. It can be hard. I hope our audience sees that theatre can be so different. They might not have seen a show with people with disabilities before. But everyone can make theatre and it can look different ways.

Matt LaChapelle, Ensemble Member since 2018

A.B.L.E. provides the safest space that I’ve ever been a party to. To a potential actor, facilitator, teaching artist, sister, parent: Walking into a rehearsal or a performance for A.B.L.E. will most likely be the most radically inclusive space that you’ve ever entered. Until you enter it you won’t know that you were missing something. It is the difference between just saying that ‘everybody is welcome’ and instead proving ‘we made this for you.’ I wish the rest of the world was the way A.B.L.E. was.

Polly Yukevich, Facilitator since 2015

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Team & Board

Who We Are

Meet the passionate individuals who bring the creative vision of A.B.L.E. Ensemble to life, fostering inclusive opportunities in the performing arts for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Meet our Team

ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION

What Access Means to Us

From our ensemble programs to our audience experience, we work to create a world where accessibility is the rule, not the exception.

Accessibility at A.B.L.E.

2026-2027 Season Supporters

A.B.L.E.’s work is partially supported by grants from:

And by contributions from generous individuals like you! To help us create more boundary-breaking accessible theatre make a donation or learn more about sponsorship opportunities. 

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