Empowering Foundation

Welcome to the

EMPOWERING
Foundation

We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible.

Our Mission

We are committed to improving the lives of individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities through Advocacy, Innovation and Empowerment.

Advocacy

The Empowering Foundation engages in fundraising activities to support advocacy efforts at the individual, local, and state level for persons served.

Innovation

We understand the importance of innovation in providing the most effective services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Empowerment

Our programs are focused on personal empowerment as a vehicle to positive change.

What Is A Developmental Disability?

Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions caused by an

impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas.
These conditions begin during the developmental period (before age 22), can negatively impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.

Our Services

We serve transitional youth (ages 14-24) and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Help individuals with emergency food, transportation, hygiene, and supportive housing needs through financial assistance, education, and an individual plan for long-term sustainability.
Increase access to assistive/adaptive technology to increase overall independence.
Reduce health disparities for persons served through advocacy, community-based prevention, and programs that address unmet needs through empowerment.

CHALLENGES & GAPS
IN SERVICE DELIVERY

In Ohio, as in other states, there are challenges in serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Recent county and state initiatives have focused on addressing these issues which include:

TRAUMA

Scotti et al. (2012) noted that upwards of 70% of people with IDD experienced at least one traumatic event during their lifetime, with multiple experiences most common. Comprehensive services that address trauma are needed.

CO-OCCURRING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Working with individuals with co-occurring mental health issues and IDD requires specialized skills and training. Within the mental health workforce there is limited expertise in working with individuals with IDD. Within the IDD workforce there is limited knowledge and training in recognizing and responding to individuals with mental health diagnoses.

SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue to experience high rates of social isolation and their social networks are often comprised mainly of family members and professionals (Lippold & Burns, 2009). Greater opportunities for socialization are needed for individuals with IDD.

CLINICAL CAPACITY

More research is needed to understand and address the barriers to improving the competency and capacity of all clinicians and direct support staff who interact with individuals with IDD. This is a priority that has been identified in the state.

THE EMPOWERING FOUNDATION SUMMARY & CONCLUSION

The Empowering Foundation is committed to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through advocacy, innovation, and empowerment.

The Empowering Foundation's philosophy is grounded in fostering greater independence for persons served through:

Partnering with advocacy groups to forward key local and state initiatives focused on countering "challenges" with solutions that promote self-sufficiency and resiliency.
Identifying innovative technology solutions and creative programs that enhance adaptive skills.
Providing emergency assistance for food insecurity, hygiene supplies, short-term transportation and supportive housing assistance with education and a plan for long-term sustainability.
Programming aimed at reducing health disparities- unmet health care needs, chronic diseases, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, mental health, social support and other social determinants of health that negatively impact an individual's life trajectory.

Welcome to the