Special Needs Opportunites | Workability | Chester

WorkAbility was founded, and continues to be led, by parents and grandparents of individuals with special needs who bring deep personal experience to our mission. Having witnessed firsthand the challenges special needs individuals face, especially during the critical transition from school to adulthood, we recognized a broader community need. Together, we work to close the gaps in career training and adult pathways, striving to create meaningful opportunities and a more inclusive future for everyone. 

Our mission is shaped by these lived experiences and strengthened by the voices of families and educators who share this urgent priority. Through collaborative, community-driven efforts, we are committed to creating meaningful opportunities and lasting change.

Our Mission

TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

How It Started

In 2015, a dedicated group of parents of individuals with special needs came together with a shared goal: to create meaningful opportunities for all special needs individuals in Chester County. This commitment gave rise to WorkAbility, a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status.

Since then, WorkAbility has grown to include :

• Three Special Olympics teams—in swimming, bocce ball, and basketball—and has proudly sponsored annual downtown festivals each April to raise awareness for Autism Month. We also offer valuable parent trainings on topics like Medicaid waivers and special needs trusts.
• Sponsored annual downtown festivals to raise awareness to Autism Month
• Founded the WorkAbility Dancers, our own dance team which performs at multiple events each year
• Social gatherings for program participants
• Parent training on topics like Medicaid waivers and special needs trusts

Our most exciting new initiative is the upcoming opening of Work-A-Latte, a coffee shop and gathering place in downtown Chester, where people with special needs will have the chance to gain work experience and meaningful employment.

WorkAbility is about inclusion, opportunity, and community—and we invite you to join us on this journey!

Meet The Board

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