Building a future where every ability shines

Each March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month invites us to reflect, celebrate and recommit. This year’s theme, “We’re Here. Then. Now. Always.” is a powerful reminder that people with autism and other developmental disabilities have always been an essential part of our community. Their contributions are woven into our shared history, our present progress and our collective future.

At STARability Foundation, this message is not just a theme for one month. It is our mission every day.

For more than four decades, STARability has been shining a light on abilities, ensuring individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities are seen, heard and valued. What began as a small group of determined parents advocating for their children has grown into one of Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofits, now serving more than 370 individuals each year through innovative, community-based programs

Yet even as progress continues, the need has never been greater. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in six children, or about 12 to 17 million, in the United States live with a developmental disability. In communities like ours, young adults age out of school-based support systems at 22 and face an uncertain future without meaningful services, employment pathways and inclusive opportunities. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month calls on all of us to break down those barriers, not just in policy, but in practice.

At STARability, we are answering that call in bold ways.

Last November, we celebrated the groundbreaking of our new permanent campus in Naples, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter for our participants and their families. At the heart of this future home, the 42,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Golisano Program Center will become a regional hub of opportunity and a place designed intentionally for learning, connection, employment training and lifelong growth. When completed, the new campus will expand our reach to serve up to 1,000 individuals annually, welcoming nearly 200 participants each day and eliminating our growing waitlist.

This is what “We’re Here. Then. Now. Always.” looks like in action.

It means recognizing that people with autism and other developmental disabilities have dreams, talents and aspirations. It means investing in support that empowers them today. And it means building spaces, both physical and social, that ensure they will always have a place to belong.

Through programs focused on vocational training, continuing education, creative expression, community engagement and employment placement, our STARs are gaining the skills and confidence to live meaningful, productive lives. They are artists, teammates, employees, volunteers and leaders. With the right support, they are thriving. Not someday, but now.

This year’s campaign also emphasizes “The Power of Support.” At STARability, we see that power every day in the dedication of families, the commitment of volunteers, the partnership of employers and the generosity of donors who believe in inclusion. True inclusion is not passive; it requires action. It asks each of us to examine how we hire, how we design spaces, how we build programs and how we welcome our neighbors.

A fully inclusive society is one where people of all abilities are empowered to live, work, learn and be part of their community. It is a welcoming place that understands that accessibility strengthens everyone and that diversity of ability enriches us all.

This March, I invite you to celebrate the enduring presence and contributions of people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Share their stories. Support inclusive businesses. Advocate for community-based programs. And join us as we build a campus and a future where every STAR has the opportunity to shine.

With your support, they will always have a place to belong and thrive.

To learn more about STARability’s programs and our new campus, visit STARability.org.