A.B.L.E. was founded on the belief that “everyone is A.B.L.E. to connect, to contribute, and to create.” Our ensemble represents a range of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. Through our work, we strive to celebrate these differences, to foster agency, and to build more inclusive, empathetic communities.
It is impossible to meaningfully work against ableism without also confronting racism. Black and latinx individuals with disabilities are less likely to receive early intervention, healthcare, and services they need, and more likely to face violence, stereotypes, and police brutality than their white peers.
We stand with our friends who are fighting for justice and equality here in Chicago and across the country.
We challenge ourselves to push harder - in our leadership, in our staffing, and our programming - to nurture dialogue and build opportunities for the underrepresented. As we continue to expand our programs over the next few years, we commit to:
Recruiting diverse leadership - including individuals who identify as different races, ethnicities, gender expressions, sexual orientations and abilities - to our Board of Directors and our staff leadership.
Working with diverse artists on all levels from our volunteers, to guest artists, to teaching staff. We are also committed to creating employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Seeking new venue and outreach partners in different neighborhoods. We are grateful for the relationships we have built on the north side of Chicago that have allowed our programs to grow. As we continue to expand, we will look towards building new relationships in neighborhoods on the south and west side that will allow us to reach new actors and audiences
Bringing new voices to our stage, and celebrating the stories that they bring with them.
We will hold ourselves accountable, but we ask that you do as well.
As part of our anti-racist efforts, our teaching team has compiled a list of resources for our actors, caregivers, and community members to help you learn and reflect about race at home. This is intended as a living document - please share your feedback! What connects? What doesn't? What else have you discovered that may be of value? What resources are you craving that you can't find? Maybe we can make them together.
Because you support our mission and believe in the value of the performing arts, you might also want to support these local organizations who are working to lift Black voices through the arts:
If you have questions, suggestions, or other ideas to contribute to this conversation, please reach out to Executive Artistic Director Katie Yohe.
We believe that everyone is not only A.B.L.E.., but worthy. And we believe, today and every day that black lives matter. We will continue to work together and support each other to create opportunities for everyone to share who they are and all they are ABLE to do.
Edited: an earlier version of this post suggested donations to Free Spirit Media. After numerous allegations surfaced about the Executive Director’s treatment of Black students, interns, and employees, we have removed them from our list as of June 24, 2020.
