GLIDE Fund Grants offer new opportunities for university students with disabilities. These grants help students travel internationally, enhancing their education and raising awareness of their communities.
We encourage participants to share their unique stories and perspectives through these travel experiences. The GLIDE Fund also documents these journeys of our grant recipients through video, still pictures and podcasts, highlighting their adventures and fostering an understanding of these unique opportunities.
Physical disabilities affect mobility, dexterity, or physical capacity. Many individuals with physical disabilities use mobility aids such as wheelchairs, crutches, or prosthetic limbs to enhance their independence. Accessibility improvements have been proven to enhance the “built environment” for everyone, with or without disabilities.
Sensory disabilities include impairments related to vision and hearing. People with visual impairments may use Braille or screen readers, while those with hearing impairments communicate through sign language or assistive hearing devices. Ensuring accessibility in digital and physical spaces fosters equal opportunities.
Intellectual disabilities impact cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior. Supportive education programs, workplace accommodations, and inclusive social environments empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to thrive and contribute to society.
Voices Unheard is a groundbreaking program dedicated to producing powerful documentaries and podcast episodes which illuminate the stories, challenges, and triumphs of individuals with disabilities. By showcasing these authentic experiences, we aim to inspire empathy, deepen understanding, and promote inclusion. This platform empowers individuals with disabilities to share their narratives in their own voices, fostering a society where every voice resonates and is valued.
Empowering Minds is an educational program that helps schools teach students about disabilities. It provides elementary, middle, and secondary schools with high-quality children's books, clear lesson plans, and important teaching materials that support awareness and inclusion of disabilities in the classroom. By creating an understanding environment, Empowering Minds helps students accept diversity and support an inclusive community.
High-quality children's books introduce students to diverse characters with disabilities, helping them develop empathy and understanding.
Customizable lesson plans support educators in seamlessly integrating disability awareness into their curriculum, promoting meaningful classroom discussions.
Hands-on activities and classroom exercises encourage students to experience and appreciate different abilities, fostering a culture of inclusivity.
Seeing Beyond is a community outreach program that screens important documentaries
in selected areas to raise awareness about disability issues.
The event takes place over two days.
On the first day, we show documentaries that focus on different aspects of disability.
On the second day, we hold community roundtables, professional forums, and surveys.
These activities aim to promote a better understanding of the needs of individuals with disabilities,
the importance of cultural inclusiveness, and insights into disability services.
Powerful films highlight real-life experiences of individuals with disabilities, challenging perceptions and fostering empathy.
Engaging discussions encourage open dialogue between community members, professionals, and advocates to promote inclusivity.
Interactive forums and surveys help gather insights on disability awareness, shaping future initiatives and policies.
Members of the Mark Bookman Foundation team come together to create a dynamic speakers' bureau, dedicated to passionately promoting the organization's inspiring mission. Through engaging presentations and heartfelt outreach, we aim to spread awareness and ignite a shared commitment to our cause.
Speakers share insights on disability rights, accessibility, and inclusion, inspiring positive change in communities.
Hands-on workshops equip participants with practical knowledge and strategies for promoting inclusivity.
The bureau collaborates with businesses, schools, and community organizations & corporate engagement to create inclusive policies and practices.
The AbleTogether Initiative is a transformative program dedicated to empowering communities to uncover and address gaps in disability services. By fostering collaboration between community leaders and citizens, we aim to gather valuable data, craft a strategic action plan, secure essential resources, implement impactful solutions, and diligently monitor our progress. This ambitious journey is designed to unfold over the course of five years, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Community surveys and research help pinpoint challenges in existing disability services.
Collaborative efforts lead to structured strategies and resource allocation to improve accessibility.
Regular assessments and community engagement ensure long-term success and continuous improvement.
At the Mark Bookman Foundation, collaboration is essential to achieving our mission of empowerment and inclusivity for all. Our Partner Development program actively unites corporations, sponsors, and donors who share our vision for a more equitable world. By cultivating strong partnerships, we can offer our programs and resources free of charge to the community. These strategic alliances enhance the impact of our initiatives and foster a shared commitment to social change. Together, we strive to create meaningful opportunities and amplify the voices of those we serve, ensuring that everyone has access to the support and education they need to thrive.
Powerful films highlight real-life experiences of individuals with disabilities, challenging perceptions and fostering empathy.
Engaging discussions encourage open dialogue between community members, professionals, and advocates to promote inclusivity.
Interactive forums and surveys help gather insights on disability awareness, shaping future initiatives and policies.