A.B.L.E.—Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations—a Chicago-based nonprofit that creates theatre and film for, with, and by individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), is hoping to spark the generosity of their community this giving season by inviting supporters to “Give a Little, Give a Lot, Give what you are ABLE.”
Traditionally recognized on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. This year, A.B.L.E. will use Giving Tuesday to launch their year-end fundraising campaign – #giveABLE. On average, nonprofit organizations raise nearly 30% of their funds in the last month of the year, and A.B.L.E. is no exception. The nonprofit has set a target of raising $30,000 between Tuesday, December 2nd and Wednesday, December 31st, 2025. Funds will provide crucial support for A.B.L.E.’s mission of providing performing arts programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The first week in December has an even greater significance, as Wednesday, December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD.) This day of celebration, designated by the United Nations, was created to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
This year’s IDPD theme is “fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” This theme recognizes the importance of including people with disabilities in decisions that affect their lives, a foundational value for A.B.L.E.’s work all year long. A.B.L.E. champions leadership opportunities for disabled artists to ensure they have an active role in shaping the organization’s strategy and activities. Some examples include:
Through A.B.L.E.’s core ensemble program, actors collaborate to develop theatre and film projects. The neurodiverse ensemble is involved in every level of production – from casting to devising original scripts.
A.B.L.E.’s Creative Associates are staff members with intellectual and developmental disabilities who co-lead A.B.L.E.’s outreach programs. This includes mentoring others with disabilities through workshops, as well as leading disability inclusion training for businesses. The Creative Associates receive a competitive salary, and get to share their love of performing with others while building transferable job skills.
A.B.L.E.’s Program Advisory Council (PAC) is composed of actors with disabilities, their family members and/or caregivers, and program volunteers. This group lends their invaluable perspective to initiatives throughout the year, including strategic planning, budgeting, selecting the theme for performances, and planning community engagement opportunities. Long-time actor Natalia Janik reflects on her experience serving on the Program Advisory Council, saying – “Being a leader at A.B.L.E. means working together and supporting each other.”
A.B.L.E.’s programs provide a vital space for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to share their authentic selves and build community while developing courage, collaboration, and creative skills that support them in and out of the rehearsal room. Board President Rosie Bross Rice urges disability advocates, theatre-goers, and everyone striving for a more equitable world to support A.B.L.E. this giving season, saying, “It is your financial support that puts our work on Chicago stages and screens, and I have enormous gratitude for your contributions. From $5 donations to $500 donations, every dollar secures A.B.L.E.’s place in the Chicago arts community, where we so profoundly belong.” Those who are interested in joining A.B.L.E.’s GivingTuesday initiative can visit ableensemble.com/giveable.
