From the desk of Keith Bonchek, Founder and CEO of Ability Together
As I sit down to write this, my heart is full—not just because of what we’ve built at Ability Together, but because of the people—you—who make it all possible. I’ve always believed that real change starts with a single spark, and today, that spark has grown into a brilliant light, guiding us on this incredible journey toward inclusion, empowerment, and accessibility.
When I founded Ability Together, I had a vision: to create a world where people of all abilities can thrive, contribute, and connect with dignity and respect. But, if I’m being honest, that vision wasn’t just born from hope; it was shaped by a lifetime of adversity. My experiences as someone who’s faced challenges head-on—whether it was overcoming barriers, navigating misunderstandings, or simply being underestimated—are what made me who I am today. Those experiences didn’t break me; they built me. Every obstacle became an opportunity to learn, to grow, and, most importantly, to ensure that I left a path open for others who’d come after me.
My mother had a lot to do with that mindset. She always told me, “Keith, if the door is closed for you, crack it open for the next person.” She didn’t just mean it figuratively; she insisted that I use my journey as a way to make things easier for the next person facing the same struggles. That belief—that we rise by lifting others—has been a driving force behind everything we do at Ability Together. My mom’s encouragement didn’t just shape me as a person; it shaped the mission of this organization. And today, that mission is alive and thriving because of you.
To the families and individuals we serve:
You are the heartbeat of Ability Together. Your stories of perseverance, joy, and resilience remind us why we do what we do. It’s a humbling experience to witness your victories—whether it’s finding the perfect job, overcoming communication barriers to obtain accessible healthcare, or feeling empowered knowing you’re fully supported every step of the way. We are honored to be part of your journey. Your strength, trust, and belief in what we stand for mean everything to me.
To our partners and supporters:
Those of you who have stood with us through thick and thin, your generosity and faith in our mission have not gone unnoticed. Every grant, every resource, every word of encouragement has fueled our efforts to break down barriers and create a more inclusive world. You’ve invested in something bigger than all of us, and because of you, lives are changing every day.
To the advocates and allies:
You are the warriors pushing this movement forward. Your voices amplify our cause, and your actions bring about the systemic changes we need. Thank you for standing up for equity, for creating accessible spaces, and for reminding the world that disability rights are human rights.
And to my incredible team:
You wake up every morning with a fire in your hearts to do this work, and we always manage to have fun while doing it.
You’ve each taken the core values of Ability Together and infused them with your unique brilliance. Whether it’s coordinating events, developing programs, supporting me, or being there to listen to someone in need, you’ve gone above and beyond, day after day. You’ve created a culture where people feel valued for who they are, and that, my friends, is magic. I could never do this without your unwavering commitment, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Gratitude feels like such a simple word to encapsulate the depth of my feelings, but it’s the closest thing I have to describe what’s in my heart. We are, after all, together in this. We rise together. We build together. We break barriers together. And because of that, I know there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
To each of you reading this, thank you for being part of the Ability Together family. Your belief in our mission reminds me every day that we’re not just changing lives—we’re changing the world.
With deep appreciation and all my love,
Keith Bonchek
Founder & CEO, Ability Together
