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photos of RespectAbility Fellows at an event in Los Angeles, RespectAbility Fellows outside the White House, and former RespectAbility Fellow Nicole Homerin with two friends at the 2023 RespectAbility Awards Ceremony

Leadership and Workforce Development

Enabling diverse people with disabilities to participate fully in decision-making.

RespectAbility is on the front lines in creating access and strengthening a diverse talent pipeline of people with disabilities. Below, learn about our programs in this area.

National Leadership Program

Black and white photos of 15 Spring 2021 RespectAbility FellowsOur National Leadership Program enables diverse and talented young leaders to gain critical skills, contacts, and experiences necessary for successful careers. The National Leadership Program trains leaders who are committed to disability issues and plan to go into careers in public policy, advocacy, communications, diversity, equity and inclusion, fundraising, nonprofit management, or faith-based inclusion. The program enables participants to gain skills and contacts while making a positive difference for people with disabilities.

Entertainment Lab

RespectAbility Lab participants and alumni together outsideOur Entertainment Lab aims to help develop and elevate the talent pipeline of professionals with disabilities working behind-the-scenes in television and film, while introducing them to studio executives and other decision makers who will advise Lab Fellows on various aspects of the industry and their craft, and in turn, enabling studios and production companies to learn about the talents and benefits of hiring people with disabilities.

Inclusive Philanthropy and Nonprofits

Our Inclusive Philanthropy and Nonprofit Initiative enables the nonprofit sector to learn how to ensure their work is accessible and equitable for all. RespectAbility is philanthropy’s partner to enable funders to have the maximum impact they desire, whether that is in education, training, employment, criminal justice, health, the arts access or other key issues.

Annual Ben Spangenberg and Justin Chappell Memorial Award

The Annual Ben Spangenberg and Justin Chappell Memorial Award honors a former or current Fellow of the National Leadership Program who demonstrates a strong commitment to the advancement of the disability community in policy, entertainment, or philanthropy.

Annual Steve Bartlett Award

The Steve Bartlett Award recognizes and honors an individual in the private or public sector who demonstrates a strong commitment to using the political system to advance public policy in support of people with disabilities. The award recognizes local, state, and national leaders who advocate policies that help to advance opportunities for people with disabilities in different areas including economic growth, educational excellence and achievement, sustainability, workforce and employment, and equity.

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Respect Ability - Fighting Stigmas. Advancing Opportunities.

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Mailing Address:
RespectAbility
43 Town & Country Drive
Suite 119-181
Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Office Number: 202-517-6272

Email: info@respectability.org

Operational Excellence

RespectAbility is recognized by GuideStar at the Platinum level, and has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator.
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