Mikaylas Voice

We seek to inspire and empower children and youth to be the voice of inclusion for everyone and show our world a better way. Our organization is unique, and we are proud of our differences. Mikayla’s Voice is the only local non-profit organization in our area, and one of a just a handful in Pennsylvania, focused on inclusion for people with disabilities. Other state and national groups are primarily centered on inclusion in education and/or employment, while we focus on inclusion in all aspects of life. But what really sets us apart is our commitment to empower children and young adults to lead our efforts toward a culture of greater inclusion.

For too many years, people with disabilities have been excluded from social, educational and employment opportunities. Most adults remember when all children with disabilities were placed in separate classrooms or schools. Through increased inclusive practices in our schools and communities, our children have been blessed with greater appreciation for and friendships with children with disabilities. Mikayla’s Voice was founded on the belief that children are in the best position to teach our community about the importance of inclusion. Our children are our future and we are proud to let them lead by example, teaching others to celebrate diversity, embrace individuals of all abilities., and show kindness to all. This builds their self-confidence, empowers them to stand up for what they believe and encourages their growth into adults who to continue to advocate for inclusion.

Children are our future, Mikayla’s Voice was founded to let them lead by example today: teaching others to celebrate diversity, embrace individuals of all abilities, and show kindness to all.

They are Mikayla’s Voice.

Mikayla’s Voice (MV) has developed and coordinates three inclusive programming initiatives: one each in the arts, education, and sports and recreation. All are well established, have enjoyed significant growth, and are positioned for even greater success. Each allows kids of all abilities to enjoy and demonstrate successful inclusion as they work and play together. Fear can be the biggest barrier to inclusion so we talk openly about differences, providing honest answers to any and all questions the children may have. As they become comfortable together, develop strategies to include everyone, and establish genuine friendships, they teach others to do the same. Our unique and innovative programming gives children the opportunity to educate their communities and create cultural change as they prove inclusion is possible in all aspects of life. MV has added a mentoring program specifically for high school students to continue to spread the message in their district.

MV has published four books written and illustrated by children for other kids about having a friend with a disability. Brady is challenged by autism, Mikayla was born with a brain injury, Jeffrey has Down syndrome, and Dot has a yellow spot, but these books are about much more than their main characters or their disabilities. They are about friendship. And kindness. Invaluable messages for kids of all ages and abilities.

Inclusion Assemblies introduce valuable dialogue that can be continued, demonstrating children’s capacity for understanding, acceptance and compassion. Facilitated with the help of a child or young adult with a disability, these assemblies provide background knowledge about having a disability. After sharing their own stories and photos, the hosts’ field questions about their personal experiences. All questions are welcome and encouraged to ease any remaining apprehension and foster greater inclusion, kindness, and friendship. Each assembly concludes with an invitation for all students to serve as Mikayla’s “Voice.”

Wheels of Friendship® is our large scale art mural program. Children and youth develop the theme and message for the artwork. Kaya's Kaleidoscope art program is 24 individual canvases completed by youth of all abilities. The individual canvases come together in an eye catching, puzzle like design. Finished paintings are unveiled at school-wide presentations and remain on permanent display in the schools where they were created.

Tri for Inclusion is our inclusive youth triathlon but is much more than a race. It is a priceless opportunity for all kids and young adults, and an important message for the entire community. Kids of all abilities compete side-by-side and together in something they had likely not dreamed possible or ever planned to do and show the entire community that there is always a way to include everyone in everything.

Mikayla's Voice has hired an experienced non-profit Executive Director with a proven track record of developing quality inclusive programs, scaling them up and increasing revenue and market share.

The organization had taken advantage of the pandemic shutdown and created equally engaging virtual inclusion assemblies. This platform has no geographic boundaries and can reach even wider audiences.

Assembly co-presenters are youth with disabilities who share their messages of inclusion. Mikayla's Voice has made the commitment to pay the co-presenters a prevailing wage for their services.

High school students who serve as mentors for their younger peers, read one of MV's 4 books and complete enrichment lessons with the themes of kindness, inclusion and friendship. This positive addition to the program increases message sustainability in school districts.

Mikayla's Voice board and Executive staff has completed a DEI policy and has begun to recruit board members with diverse backgrounds, bringing an even bigger inclusive focus to our efforts.

According to independent auditors, Mikayla's Voice(MV) spends $.83 of every dollar on its programs and services. MV's inclusive programming is always unique and innovative ~ never a duplication of services. MV publishes children’s books as hard cover library bound editions not only to ensure a durable product for schools, but to underscore the importance of the authors’ message. Likewise, quality supplies for artwork are purchased, and substantial medals for all triathletes. Quality matters. It sends a message. All kids deserve the very best. And will get nothing less from Mikayla’s Voice.

Accordingly, Mikayla’s Voice has enjoyed much success including:
• Three completely innovative first-of-their-kind programs
• Delivery of 225 inclusion assemblies to over 75,000 students.
• Inclusive art projects conducted with 3103 student artists in 74 schools.
• Four books written and illustrated by kids for kids.
• Over 6599 books donated to school and classrooms.
• Over 650 athletes have participated in our truly inclusive sports event.