Our Mission, Vision, and Impact
Building the model for meaningful, accessible, and inclusive theatre because we believe everyone is A.B.L.E. to connect, contribute, and create.
Our Mission
At A.B.L.E. (Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations), we provide performing arts opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to express who they are and all they are A.B.L.E. to do.
By placing participants with disabilities in the spotlight, we aim to shift societal preconceptions and build more inclusive, empathetic communities.
(July 1 2025 - June 30, 2026)
Our Impact in FY26
Zach Wandel, Actor since 2024
Erica Johnson, Facilitator since 2021
Stephanie Foley, Parent of Actor Ryan Foley
Paige Henderson, Facilitator since 2023
Matt LaChapelle, Ensemble Member since 2018
Polly Yukevich, Facilitator since 2015
15 YEARS
Our History
A.B.L.E. began in the fall of 2010 as the Teen Drama Troupe at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago. What started as a weekly meeting of 6 actors with Down syndrome grew rapidly until, in 2016, a group of core teaching artists branched out and established A.B.L.E. as a 501c3 to expand creative and social opportunities for the community with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
A.B.L.E. engages our community through two main branches of programming:
Ensembles
In A.B.L.E.’s core program, actors with I/DD ages 15+ collaborate with a team of teaching artists and volunteer facilitators to create theatre and film projects. A.B.L.E. intentionally programs a season that allows actors to share their perspectives with audiences by devising original work, and to claim ownership over stories which have not traditionally been “for” them by adapting pieces from the classical canon.
To date, our Ensembles have created more than 30 projects for the stage and screen, ranging from original works devised by the ensemble, to Shakespearean classics in partnership with leading Chicago theatres, as well as digital projects and feature films that have been recognized locally and internationally.
Notably, A.B.L.E. has forged an ongoing partnership with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, co-producing 8 shows starting with Twelfth Night (2016), and, most recently Frankenstein (2024) The Ensemble’s feature films, The Curse of the Tempest Jewel (2015) and The Spy Who Knew Me (2017) have been recognized by several festivals on the local and international circuits, including The Chicago Onscreen Showcase, The Courage Festival in Berlin, and The Awareness Festival.
In the face of COVID-19, A.B.L.E. developed innovative virtual programming that expanded our reach far beyond our home base in Chicagoland.
Community Programs & Consulting
All of our trainings and sessions are co-led by ABLE’s Creative Associates — longtime ensemble members with Down syndrome who are employed by A.B.L.E. and earn a competitive wage for sharing their performance expertise.
Community Sessions
A.B.L.E. shares our approach through on-site outreach programs designed to meet participants where they are.
A.B.L.E.’s team shares our unique creative arts programming through community sessions and residences with schools, community centers, and other organizations that serve people with disabilities.
Past partners include The Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association, The Chicago Park District and Misericordia.
Accessibility Training
We also host Professional Development training for businesses interested in improving disability awareness and inclusion in their workplaces.
ome past partnerships include Lyric Opera, Portola Valley Theatre Conservatory, Northlight Theatre, and Roosevelt University.
A.B.L.E. was also selected as a Professional Development Provider through the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in 2021 and 2022.
Through all of our work, A.B.L.E. is committed to transforming Leadership Opportunities for individuals with IDD.
In 2020, we established our Program Advisory Council. This group of actors with I/DD, caregivers, and volunteers works with ABLE’s board and staff to collectively shape programming decisions and initiatives.
The Council ensures that our community has an active voice in organizational strategy, including drafting our vision for the future.
Looking ahead to FY26, A.B.L.E. is working to launch a Producing Ensemble. This paid, professional company of neurodivergent actors will collaborate with guest artists to hone their skills and deepen their understanding of the theatre industry.
They will develop original pieces that will be staged for a longer run, and have potential to reach wider audiences through touring. This new approach will take our existing ensemble program to the next level by creating job opportunities for longtime ensemble members, giving them more creative control, expanding our audiences, and opening up space for new actors to join our existing community ensembles.
Since its inception, A.B.L.E. has more than tripled its program offerings and enrollment, and forged lasting partnerships with venues and artists in our community.
Thank you for being here and helping us provide vital creative and social outlets for individuals with I/DD to share who they are and all they are A.B.L.E. to do.
