Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn
Header: Think differently about disabilities with AWS Foundation logo. Photo of a group of people with and without disabilities posing and smiliing together.
From the CEO
It has long been my habit to take phone calls, weather permitting while walking outside. I have done some staff meetings while walking. I just think better standing and walking.

Walking increases brain connectivity and cognitive function through increased blood flow and the growth of new neurons. Walking encourages the release of those valuable neurotransmitters, endorphins, helping both memory and creative thought. Steve Jobs, Apple co-creator, took a walk when he faced a challenging problem or needed to think through a situation. One Stanford study showed a creative boost of 60% after a walk outside, a boost that continued even after the conclusion of the walk.

But this is the privilege of the able-bodied and sometimes depends on where you live. How does one reap the benefit of those endorphins in the neighborhood where, because of traffic or safety, walking is ill-advised? The sidewalk that is passable for the able-bodied person may be unnavigable for the person with crutches or in a wheelchair. Yet they can still benefit from that meditation of short travel if the path is navigable.

How does one find the joy of clearing one’s thoughts when intersections are unsafe to cross, or the path is uneven? I may live where there are sidewalks, but if they are not cleared of snow or ice, my gaze is focused on my footing rather than on my thoughts.

Sidewalks that are uneven, fractured, or buckled become barriers rather than paths to independence. With city repaired and expanded sidewalks and trails, we create an environment that is good for the neurological development of everyone.

Whether solved by walking, wheeling, or hitching a ride, solving the problems of unnavigable sidewalks may be “paving” the way for new health, creativity, and well-being for more in our city.

Audiences Unlimited – $11,910 for adaptive theatre bridge programming for youth.

Boys & Girls Club of Fort Wayne - $31,500 to support the Y.E.S.S. program.

Bridge of Grace Compassionate Ministries - $35,000 to create a plan for a developmental clinic pilot program.  

Camp Red Cedar - $775,000 over three years to work toward financial sustainability.

Community Transportation Network(CTN) - $200,000 for operating support.

Fort Wayne Ballet - $15,000 for sensory-friendly performances.

Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority - $32,824 for a sensory room and adult changing station.  
Indiana University Fort Wayne - $29,900 for the IUFW Judith Heumann Perspective project.

Lutheran Social Services - $105,000 over three years for LSSI Works.

Mustard Seed Furniture Bank - $25,000 for the home furnishings distribution program outreach.

Purdue University Fort Wayne - $83,000 to upgrade the tech and accommodations in the Disability Access Center.

Visually Impaired Preschool (VIPS) - $40,000 for early childhood intervention.

Wellspring Interfaith Services - $10,000 for the Older Adult Program.

YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne - $90,000 over two years for operating support. 


Vendor registration is open! Go to disabilitiesexpoindiana.org for more information.

Priority Initiatives
Priority Iniatives
5323 W Jefferson Blvd. | Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Office: 260.222.5005 | Toll Free: 877.799.5656
powered by emma
Subscribe to our email list.