Our Programs

Accessible Spaces Start Here

Explore our interactive training programs designed to break barriers, enhance communication, and create inclusive environments for all.

Are You Meeting Your Patients’ Needs—or Just Meeting the Minimum?

A survey of the local California community of medical providers and their staff revealed some startling facts. When asked how they felt about providing services to people who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or have disabilities…

We were told that:

An illustration of orange papers with three checkboxes, one checked in blue, set against a light blue circular background—a visual nod to disability advocacy and the importance of equity in health.

93%

…believe you would benefit from education on providing such services.

and icon of a dark blue and light blue certification ribbon

73%

…are interested in receiving training on how to best provide services.

We also asked individuals with disabilities, individuals who are Deaf/hard-of-hearing, and their caregivers what they thought. 

We discovered that:

Abstract illustration of two dark blue human figures with an orange zigzag line between them, set against a light blue circular background, symbolizing communication or conflict in the context of equity and access.

100%

…believe there is room for improvement in providing services.

A blue graduation cap with an orange tassel, shown against a light blue circular background, symbolizes additional communications training for healthcare practitioners.

100%

…believe training would benefit medical professionals to appropriately provide services to their communities.

The results make it clear—there’s both a need and a desire for these services. It’s not just a nice-to-have; it’s a must. That’s why Ability Together remains steadfast, driving advocacy forward through education and accessibility training.

Who We Work With

Inclusion Starts With Action

At Ability Together, we’re breaking barriers and building true inclusivity in healthcare spaces through education, resources, and support. Everyone deserves equity and access in healthcare and daily life—so we give individuals and professionals the tools to make it happen.

We train:

  • Healthcare facility staff
  • First responders
  • Students
  • Library staff
  • Clergy and congregations 
  • Wellness center teams  (i.e. yoga studios, gyms, etc.)
  • Service organization members (i.e. Lions Club, Rotary Club, etc.)
  • & other community groups

Our program in People First Language, People First Healthcare, and advocacy strategies challenge disparities and drive real change.

Inclusion doesn’t happen by chance—it happens by choice. 

Will you join us in creating a world where everyone belongs?

Keith, a man in a red polo shirt stands and smiles behind a wooden podium with a microphone, papers, and a device on top, ready to give a presentation on communication in an indoor setting.

So Much Insight

CIR had the privilege of having Keith speak for us. Keith is engaging, funny, and gives so much insight into the difficulties the deaf and hard of hearing community faces when navigating the medical system.
Crystal Cardenas, a woman with long dark hair, and a black sweater is smiling at the camera, radiating positivity and championing disability advocacy and accessibility consulting.
Crystal C.
Associate Director for Innovation and Resources, Inc.

The Way in Which You See Things Will Change

Keith's amazing journey demonstrates to my staff how a life of meaning and value should look for any one of us. His insights will challenge the way in which you see things, and hopefully the things you see, will change as a result of his message.
Jim Williams, a person with glasses, a beard, and a mustache wearing a maroon sweater stands indoors in front of a brown curtain advocating accessibility consulting and disability advocacy
Jim W.
Modern Support Services

Moved to Action

Keith Bonchek is inspiring and passionate in his work of advocacy for people with disabilities. Speaking out of his own life experience, Keith moves people to action through his compassion, knowledge and understanding of disability.
Steve Bundy, a smiling man with short light brown hair wearing a navy blue suit jacket and white collared shirt, posed against a plain white background supporting accessibility consulting and disability advocacy
Steve B.
Managing Director, Joni and Friends International Disability Center

Current Programs

Programs That Empower You to Prioritize Accessibility

Words Matter: Choose People First Language

The way we talk about disability—including how we refer to people who are Deaf—shapes how we see individuals and how they see themselves. Ability Together’s People First Language (PFL) Program is designed to help professionals, educators, and communities embrace language that uplifts, connects, and empowers.

Words have power. People First Language (PFL) ensures that we recognize the person before the disability, emphasizing strengths over labels. It’s a simple shift that creates a more inclusive, respectful world.

Join us for a 90-minute interactive presentation featuring engaging audience participation, powerful lived-experience stories, and plenty of time for Q&A. This isn’t just another presentation—it’s an eye-opening, engaging conversation that will transform the way you think about language.

Through real-world examples and discussion, we’ll show you how to:

  • Put the person before the disability
  • Focus on ability, not labels
  • Promote respect, empowerment, and inclusion
  • Support self-advocacy and individual identity
  • Build stronger human connections through mindful language

A single word can open a door—or close one.

By choosing words that focus on ability, respect, and individuality, we create spaces where everyone belongs.

Learn how to implement People First Language in your workplace, classroom, and community today!

Healthcare should be about people—not obstacles. Yet, for Deaf patients and patients with disabilities, routine medical visits often come with unnecessary challenges.

Ability Together’s People First Healthcare (PFH) Program equips medical professionals, staff, and community members with practical tools to recognize and remove these barriers, ensuring that every patient receives the dignity-centered care they deserve.

In our 90-minute interactive presentation, with audience participation, real-life stories, and plenty of time for Q&A, you’ll learn how to:

  • Identify and address appointment barriers from online scheduling to physical accessibility
  • Rethink common obstacles like call buttons, medical face coverings, and facility layouts
  • Use People First Language to provide dignity-centered care
  • Challenge stereotypes, stigmas, and biases about disability and quality of life
  • Simple steps to evaluate and improve accessibility in medical spaces

A truly inclusive healthcare system doesn’t just treat symptoms—it sees and supports the whole person.

By making small but powerful changes, we can create barrier-free, patient-centered healthcare for all.

One-size-fits-all doesn’t always work for accessibility and neither should your training. Accessibility isn’t just a checkbox, it’s an ongoing commitment. Ability Together designs customized training programs to fit the unique needs of your organization, ensuring your team is fully prepared to support employees, patients, clients, and customers who are Deaf or have a disability.

Our interactive, solution-focused approach equips your team with practical tools and strategies to create truly inclusive and accessible environments.

What to expect:

  • Pre-Training Assessment: Identify key challenges and tailor content for maximum impact.
  • Challenges and Opportunities for Inclusion:  Address real-world barriers and discover practical solutions.
  • Interactive Problem-Solving: Engage in hands-on activities, case studies, and role-playing exercises.
  • Lived Experience & Expert Insights: Learn firsthand from individuals who are Deaf and/or have disabilities and professionals.
  • Actionable Takeaways: Walk away with a personalized action plan and ready-to-use resources.
  • Follow-up Support: Receive ongoing guidance, Q&A sessions, and additional resources for continued success.

Whether you’re working on policy, environment, or staff education, we’ll help you create a truly accessible, inclusive space where all individuals can thrive.

Let’s Build a More Inclusive Future—Together

New Programs 

Coming Soon…

Break Barriers, Build Inclusion!

True accessibility starts with action. From CART and ASL interpretation to creating spaces where everyone is heard, we all have a role in making communication equitable.

Learn how to navigate rooms, provide the right tools, and champion inclusion for individuals who are Deaf or have disabilities. Advocate for access because when everyone is included, we all thrive!

Take Charge: Advocate for Yourself!

Your voice matters—whether in healthcare, at work, or in everyday life. Knowing your rights and understanding the laws that protect you can make all the difference. Build a strong support team, speak up for your needs, and never settle for less than full inclusion.

Empower yourself today! No one knows your needs better than YOU!

Get Notified When New Programs Launch

Fill out the interest form and be the first to know when these new programs launch.

A young woman with Down syndrome smiles and points both index fingers toward the camera. She is wearing a plain white T-shirt and stands against a light-colored wall, embodying the spirit of inclusive environments.
Alessandra Gonzalez, a person with curly dark hair and a black top is standing in front of bookshelves in a library.

One of the best trainings we have had, if not the best.

Ability Together’s People First Language Program was insightful and engaging. Keith and Kristin are incredible in presenting in an informative and relatable way. I can say confidently that it was one of the best trainings we have had, if not the best, in my 10 years at APL.

Alessandra G.
Communications Manager, Anaheim Public Library

Join Us in Building an Accessible Future

Support our mission to make healthcare and wellness facilities more equitable and accessible for people with disabilities and the Deaf community. Every dollar helps.

Get our free guide to Basic Medical ASL!

Smiling doctor with clipboard standing near reception in clinic hall and looking camera

At Ability Together, we work to make change happen through education and awareness. Please use this free resource to help you in your goal to improve accessibility through communication. 

Share it with your office staff, medical providers and friends!

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