Ability Connection
Enriching the lives of people with disabilities....one person at a time
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Texas is home to more than 3 million individuals with disabilities. However, only a small fraction of them actually benefit from any assistance provided by Medicaid, the sole government program designed to support people with disabilities. In fact, Texas ranks as the 50th state in the United States when it comes to serving this particular demographic. Currently, there are over 158,000 individuals waiting to access services funded by waivers, and many more individuals who are not receiving services and are not even on the waiting list. Furthermore, the waiting list is currently at a standstill. Individuals with disabilities are often marginalized and overlooked in our society, despite having the most pressing needs and lacking a support system.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
IMPACT (Individuals Making Personal Achievments Come True) - Adult Day Program
The IMPACT Adult Day Program is an individualized goal-driven day habilitation program for adults ages 18 and up with significant disabilities. IMPACT provides individualized care along with meaningful training and activities designed to increase independence. The program is open from 7:30am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. In addition to life skills and vocational training, individuals participate in computer training, social, recreational, and leisure activities. This program also features a community inclusion component, where individuals participate in outings in order to put their training in action, increase socialization skills, and to increase community awareness of persons with disabilities.
Residential Services
Seven group homes in the Dallas/Fort Worth area provide 24 hour care and assistance to individuals with disabilities in a family style setting.
Consumer Directed Services (CDS)
CDS empowers individuals with disabilities to make active decisions regarding the delivery of their services through the Medicaid Waiver programs and personal care services.
Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS)
We provide home and community based services to people with related conditions as a cost-effective alternative to an intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability or related conditions (ICF/IID). A related condition is a disability, other than an intellectual disability, that originated before age 22 that affects the ability to function in daily life.
Home & Community Based Services
We provide services to children and adults with a primary diagnosis of an intellectual disability. Each individual receives customized services according to their needs with can include: respite, nursing, companion care, therapy (occupational, physical and speech) and attendant care.
Texas Home Living (TxHmL)
Community-based services are available to eligible individuals with intellectual disabilities living in their own home or with their families.
Therapy Services
Ability Connection partners with the staff at North Dallas Therapy to provide speech language pathology, physical and occupational therapy at our Main Building in Dallas. The therapists offer evaluation, consultation and treatment. They also assist families with equipment ordering as well as home education.
LIFE CHANGE Training Center
Built upon our five (5) key "Program Pillars", this day program provides daily training, support, development and care for adults with special needs in transition and toward inclusion. The five Program Pillars are: Vocational Training, Education/academics, Health, Fitness & Nutrition, Community Inclusion, and Independent Living Skills.
Where we work
Awards
Staff Member was the selected DEI Fellow 2022
Irving Chamber of Commerce
Affiliations & memberships
Richardson Chamber of Commerce 2021
Irving Chamber of Commerce 2022
Richardson Chamber of Commerce 2021
Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2022
North Dallas Chamber of Commerce 2020
North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce 2022
External reviews
Photos
Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of health outcomes improved
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
People with disabilities
Related Program
Home & Community Based Services
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
In 2023, we are approaching 19,000 hours of nursing care to ensure members remain healthy and active in the community.
Number of clients participating in educational programs
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
People with disabilities
Related Program
Home & Community Based Services
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Through Training Centers, Group homes, therapy services etc, education & academics is a key program pillar used to support many individuals. This also includes our partnership w/Dallas School District
Number of clients who complete job skills training
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
People with disabilities
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Through our training centers, our job coaching, and supported employment programs, several hundred individuals receive nearly 7000 hours of job training.
Number of clients served
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
People with disabilities
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Through Home & Community Services, (HCS), CLASS, ICF, Training Centers, Group Homes, Case Mngmt, Nursing, Therapies, schools, Special Olympics... we reach nearly 1000 children & adults w/disabilities
Number of eligible clients who report having access to an adequate array of services and supports
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
People with disabilities
Type of Metric
Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
We diligently strive for each member to receive every service, therapy and adaptive support they need to thrive. Every member of the AC team is aware of every member's needs and therapy plan.
Number of individuals attending community events or trainings
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
People with disabilities
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
59,000 days of independent living and employment services provided to foster skill development and independence
Number of therapy hours provided to clients
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
81,000 hours of therapies to improve or maintain progress
Number of adults with disabilities living in congregate care facilities
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Residential Services
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Ability Connection supports 8 residential homes. Four of our homes have 6 residents each and four support 4 residents each. The difference being which wavier program oversees each home.
Number of personal development plans in place
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Every person served has a personalized person directed plan that focuses on the goals that are most important to them and their family
Number of casework interviews performed
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
Every plan is reviewed quarterly to measure the progress or lack of progress made towards goals and adjustments are made
Hours of programing delivered
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
People with disabilities
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
In 2022, over 1.3 million hours of attendant/habilitation care was provided in the homes of people served to enable them to life in the family home or in a foster care/host home environment.
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
For over 70 years, Ability Connection has remained dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with disabilities, one person at a time. We are committed to serving and assisting individuals with any type of disability, regardless of the degree to which it affects their lives. Our unwavering commitment to Compassion, Respect, and Results forms the cornerstone of our approach, ensuring that we deeply understand the unique needs and values of each individual and their families, helping them lead purposeful lives.
In addition to our individual-focused mission, Ability Connection strives to be a prominent and influential advocate for individuals with disabilities within our community. We aim to drive positive change and achieve our objectives by collaborating with other organizations. This includes initiatives such as expanding housing and program options, creating more employment opportunities, and promoting community integration through volunteerism, thereby giving back and strengthening the community.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Ability Connection's Plan on a Page strategic roadmap encompasses three primary areas of impact:
1) Person-Centered Purpose: Focusing on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, ensuring each person has a purposeful life.
2) Family Peace of Mind: Providing support and peace of mind to families who care for their loved ones with disabilities.
3) Community Support and Connection: Acting as a vital resource and connection point for individuals and families seeking support within the community.
To achieve these objectives, we have identified key strategies:
A) Continuous Quality Improvement: We are committed to ongoing enhancement and refinement of our services to ensure the highest level of quality and effectiveness.
B) Program Expansion: We aim to expand our current programs to serve a larger number of individuals, while also introducing innovative new programs across the state of Texas, tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
C) Building Stronger Relationships: To reach our goals, we intend to cultivate deeper and more enduring relationships with both families and community partners, fostering collaboration and synergy to better serve our mission.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
With an unwavering and robust supporting framework comprising a dedicated and visionary board, passionate volunteers, skilled staff leadership, and committed employees, as well as our steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of operation and execution, we stand poised to not merely accomplish, but truly excel in our pursuit of our goals centered around our key strategies. Through this formidable alliance of talents and dedication, we are not only well-equipped but also inspired to extend our reach to an even greater number of individuals living with disabilities, making a profound and lasting impact on their lives.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
For over seven decades, Ability Connection has proudly held the mantle of leadership in delivering unwavering care and support to individuals with disabilities across the vast landscape of Texas. Our enduring commitment to our core values of Compassion, Respect, and Results remains unshakable, driving us to consistently provide top-tier programs and services.
Yet, we are not content to rest on our laurels. With unwavering determination, we are actively and ambitiously pursuing the expansion of our reach. Our mission is to touch the lives of more individuals, whether they are patiently waiting for our support or have yet to discover the myriad of ways in which we can enrich their lives. It is our fervent aspiration to one day emerge as the preeminent resource for people with disabilities and the families who hold them dear. In this journey, our dedication knows no bounds, and our vision is resolute.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on demographics (e.g., race, age, gender, etc.), We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive, We share the feedback we received with the people we serve, We tell the people who gave us feedback how we acted on their feedback, We ask the people who gave us feedback how well they think we responded
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback, It is difficult to find the ongoing funding to support feedback collection, Staff find it hard to prioritize feedback collection and review due to lack of time, It is difficult to get honest feedback from the people we serve
Financials
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Learn more
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Ability Connection
Board of directorsas of 10/05/2023
Mr. Jack Woodworth
JW Construction
Term: 2019 - 2024
Gary Roberts
Jim Francis, Jr.
Bob Cavanaugh
Debbie Francis
Robert Mead
Lane Seliger
Jim Hanophy
Ability Connection
Don Laidlaw
P. Mike McCullough
Jan Peterson
Jeff Woodworth
Jimmy Francis III
John Creme
Hayden Hanson
Susan Hawk
Kara Sewell
Anna Wortham
Merry Munson Wyatt
Jack Woodworth
Board Chair
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
Transgender Identity
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
Equity strategies
Last updated: 09/27/2023GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We review compensation data across the organization (and by staff levels) to identify disparities by race.
- We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and / or portfolios.
- We analyze disaggregated data and root causes of race disparities that impact the organization's programs, portfolios, and the populations served.
- We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support.
- We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders.
- We disaggregate data by demographics, including race, in every policy and program measured.
- We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.
- We use a vetting process to identify vendors and partners that share our commitment to race equity.
- We have a promotion process that anticipates and mitigates implicit and explicit biases about people of color serving in leadership positions.
- We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
- We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
- We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
- We measure and then disaggregate job satisfaction and retention data by race, function, level, and/or team.
- We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.