Disabilities Fund

Promoting the development of programs, policy, and public action that expands the empowerment, equal opportunity, inclusion, and participation of diverse persons with disabilities in the Chicago region.

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  • $1.34 Million

    Dollars Raised

  • $689,000+

    Dollars Granted

  • 17

    Active Donors

  • 55+

    Organizations Impacted

A group of people gathered behind a podium with a sign reading ADA 25 Chicago as one women speaks into a microphone|A group of people gathered behind a podium with a sign reading ADA 25 Chicago as one women speaks into a microphone.

Accelerate Disability Inclusion

Coinciding with the 30th year of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Accelerate Disability Inclusion launched in 2020 as a digital campaign to raise awareness for disability advocacy and issues.

Inform & Act Series

Disability in the Chicago Region

Throughout the Chicago region’s 7 counties, over 800,000 residents – approximately 10% of the population – report having a disability. As our population ages, the numbers will continue to grow.

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Youth and Disability

In the Chicago region, 41,000 people aged 16-24 report having a disability. 13,000 of these are neither in school nor at work. Less than 30% of youth with disabilities graduate from high school.

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Disability and the Racial Wealth Gap

In the Chicago region, there are over 400,000 people of color with disabilities. Segregation, discrimination, and long-term disinvestment in communities of color have created a growing racial wealth gap.

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The Business Case for Disability Employment

For people with disabilities, employment rates are stagnant at 20% compared to 53% for those without disabilities. Despite this gap, many people with disabilities are ready and want to work.

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Explore Further Resources

ADA Compliance Guide (Full PDF)
ADA Compliance Guide (Summary PDF)
Quest for Equality White Paper (PDF)

Video Journeys

The Disabilities Fund of The Chicago Community Trust promotes the development of programs, policy and public action that expands the empowerment, equal opportunity, inclusion and participation of diverse persons with disabilities in the Chicago region.

Dive deeper into the topic of disability inclusion through our video series featuring disability inclusion leaders and advocates of Chicago.

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Affinity funds are groups of donors united by a shared heritage, identity, or common interest. They offer an efficient way to support a specific group of people and the nonprofits that aid them by leveraging contributions through collective giving.