Organizations
Across various dioceses, dedicated organizations are making significant strides in fostering inclusive educational environments for students with disabilities. These groups, driven by a profound commitment to accessibility and equity, actively support and develop specialized programming tailored to meet the diverse needs of these learners.
Their efforts span a wide spectrum, from advocating for individualized support services to implementing innovative teaching strategies that promote full participation in Catholic education.
These organizations serve as beacons of hope and models of best practice, demonstrating the transformative power of inclusive education. They often collaborate with diocesan leadership, school administrators, and educators to ensure that students with disabilities have access to the same opportunities as their peers. Their programming might include specialized academic support, social skills development, and vocational training, all grounded in the values of faith and community.
| Organization | Location | Executive/President | Contact | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Foundation | Kansas City, Missouri | Molly Fisher | [email protected] | |
| One Classroom | St. Louis | Anthony and LeeAnn Armitage | Colleen Mooney | [email protected] |
| Rising Together Alliance | Philadelphia | Susan Schuller/Vicki Szostek | [email protected] | |
| National Catholic Board on Full Inclusion | California | Beth Foraker | [email protected] | |
| Porto Charities | Diocese of Arlington | Leo Alonso | Carmen Chiappetta | [email protected] |
| Catholic Coalition for Special Education | Archdiocese of Washington | Francesca Pellegino | Francesca Pellegino | [email protected] |
| Program for Inclusive Education | University of Notre Dame | Christi Bonfiglio | Christi Bonfiglio | [email protected] |
| Catholic Inclusion | Arlington, Virginia | Mary Desmarais | Mary Desmarais | [email protected] |
| St. Margaret of Castello Fund | Detroit | Paul Mersino | Paul Mersino | [email protected] |
| Embrace | Kansas City, Kansas | Kim Hammers | [email protected] | |
| Shepherd Them All | Austin | Jennifer Kirsch | Jennifer Kirsch | [email protected] |
| Fire Foundation Denver | Denver | Gerard Graveline | [email protected] | |
| Fire Foundation Northeast Iowa | Raymond, Iowa | Erin Schmitz | [email protected] | |
| Fire Foundation New Hampshire | Manchester, New Hampshire | Christine Duffley (Founder) | [email protected] | |
| Fire Foundation Dallas | Dallas | Carrie Ro (Founder) | [email protected] | |
| Fire Foundation Northwest Iowa | Sioux City, Iowa | Ryan Allen | [email protected] | |
| Fire Foundation Central Illinois | Normal, Illinois | Jay Percell | [email protected] | |
| Fire Foundation Milwaukee | Milwaukee | Katie Kasper | [email protected] | |
| Fire Foundation Northern Kentucky | Lakeside Park, Kentucky | Missy Hail | [email protected] | |
| Fire Foundation Florida | Jacksonville, Florida | Michelle Tetschner | [email protected] | |
| Fire Foundation Wichita | Wichita, Kansas | Nancy Descarreaux | [email protected] | |
| Fire Foundation Sacramento | Sacramento, California | Jennifer Sinner | [email protected] | |
| Hand in Hand Options | Nashville | Kathryn Sipos | [email protected] |