HIGHLIGHTS OF 2023 + HOPES FOR 2024

by Amy Hibbs and Allison Huffstutler

This past year, we worked tirelessly to create more awareness, connection and inclusion of people with disabilities in their communities and, through this mission, our organization impacted over 1,000 people! Check our numbers for the year below.

Highlights for 2023
Some of 2023's highlights included receiving our first ever grants from the Barbara Stone Foundation and Spinx. This funding allowed us to offer a FREE summer online camp to disabled children and their families.

In the fall, we were honored to share our mission and personal stories in several local Neighbors Magazines. (Click here to read the story.)

Our year ended with an unexpected surprise when our dear friend and mentor, Dori Tempio, presented us with the Respectable Award from Able SC for creating change that promoted disability rights and inclusion. (Click here to read more about that special night.)

Overall, 2023 was a year to remember and we are incredibly grateful for the support of our families, friends and community in helping us achieve our mission this year!

Amy and Allison with their friend and mentor, Dori, and her service dog, Hera, at Able SC's annual FundABLE event. A picture of the article featuring the story of BRIDGED in the local "Neighbors" magazine.

Hopes for 2024
While reflecting and celebrating 2023, we are equally excited for new goals and opportunities in 2024. We remain primarily committed to work that focuses on systemic change for individuals with disabilities. Here in South Carolina, one in three adults has a disability and one in seven students has a disability that requires support in their educational environment. Our mission is focused on supporting individuals with disabilities, but we also believe that individuals without disabilities must be educated on disability so we can address the barriers and discrimination of individuals with disabilities. To establish long-term systemic change, our organization will continue to educate, collaborate and bridge the divide between individuals with and without disabilities.

Education will remain one of our top priorities in 2024. We will continue to facilitate Disability Awareness Weeks and Days (educational events) in both public and private schools. Our curriculum provides staff and students (grades K-12) alike an opportunity to learn about the common misconceptions and questions about disability through the lens of empathy. We also fill a gap in social studies curriculum by teaching about the Disability Rights Movement. Often, this is the first time that students with disabilities learn their own history and students without disabilities are exposed to and understand the history of their peers.

In the fall, we will launch the first ever Disability Resource Fair in Greenville! People with disabilities and their families will be able to connect with one another and learn about the many resources available to them. We believe better access and education for people with disabilities and their families will increase opportunities for the disabled to stay in their home communities and be more active participants in their communities.

Additional hopes for 2024 include expanding our team of volunteers, board of directors and partnerships. The work of systemic change cannot be done alone and we are excited to expand our influence through a growing team. With more support, we hope to provide more resources to individuals with disabilities and their families.

Children with and without disabilities meeting Santa at our Disability Friendly Santa Event. Students with and without disabilities learning about different forms of assistive technology during Disability Awareness Day.

Testimonials from 2023
"This was a remarkable, well thought out and planned resource for our family. I look forward to participating next year." ~Summer Camp Parent

"The pool bag packing activity definitely helped my child gain the life skill of packing for a trip instead of letting me do it. She didn’t understand this concept before and we were also able to work on pretend play by including items for her doll to come to the pool too. I really liked how there were suggestions on the activities for increasing or decreasing the difficulty level, so it could be tailored to my child’s level." ~Summer Camp Parent

"My daughter really enjoyed her time with Santa. She LOVES Santa so much! All the volunteers were so kind and accepting. We loved the event." ~Parent of a Child with a Disability

"We just love this organization!! They are doing amazing things in our community. The sensory Santa was so great! My girls have loved this experience the past 2 years!" ~Parent of a Child with a Disability

"We had very meaningful discussions in my class since many either had a disability or had a sibling or parent with a disability, students became more comfortable talking about it." ~Teacher

"The class has informed me about different disabilities, inclusion, effective communication, and the history of disabilities. What I have learned is becoming a regular conversation with my friends and family." ~Student with a Disability

"It didn’t take long to see the impact the class was having on [my daughter]. She was teaching us the proper terminology/language/history. I think our world doesn't have a true understanding and knowledge. Ignorance breeds unkindness. Knowledge is powerful. I passionately believe that this curriculum has the ability to make an incredible impact within society. Through the power of education and awareness, we can open the heart and mind of our community and the world. It all starts with education with BRIDGED. The leadership and knowledge these ladies teach is a gift. It’s a gift that ensures everyone is valued, accepted, and included!" ~Parent of a Student with Disability

How did your perspective about disability change after Disability Awareness Day? 
(Elementary Students Responses Below)

"That it is very important to understand what they are going through."
"It changed . . . I would not be scared to be around them."
"I now want to interact, help, and talk to people with disabilities."
"I know that they are just like us."
"That you can't see all disabilities."
"That people with disabilities are the same as me."
"I feel a lot more comfortable with disabilities."
"Disability is not bad."
"They have as much purpose as us."

Amy and Allison standing with graduates of the leadership program. Children with and without disabilities participating in our Social Saturday event from Summer Camp.

We are so thankful for all of our friends, family and community members that have supported us this past year!
We hope you have a Happy New Year!
~ Amy Hibbs & Allison Huffstutler ~

ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Amy Hibbs, a disabled individual, is an Occupational Therapist with 24 years experience. She is a mother of two children with disabilities. She is one of the Co-Founders and Co-Executive Directors of BRIDGED and an active advocate for the disability community.

Allison Huffstutler, one of the Co-Founders and Co-Executive Directors of BRIDGED, has degrees in both education and counseling. As a parent of a child with a disability, she has over a decade of experience as an advocate and ally of the disability community. 

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