ABLED: Building Pathways to Employment for Adults with Disabilities

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this episode, I'm speaking with Kara Green, co-founder and executive director of ABLED, alongside Kelsey Emmett, a participant whose journey captures exactly why this work matters.What began as a deeply personal mission to support Kara’s son Ben—who is on the autism spectrum—has grown into a thriving organization helping transition-age youth and young adults develop the skills needed for meaningful, independent employment.ABLED fills a critical gap. For individuals who are ready to work but need additional support to build stamina, confidence, and real-world experience, this program provides a structured pathway forward. Through job training, community partnerships, and hands-on opportunities like working at Sutter Health Park, clients gain both technical and emotional skills that prepare them for long-term success.From serving just five individuals to now supporting more than 50 clients annually, ABLED is proving that when people are given the right environment and support, they don’t just participate—they thrive.This conversation highlights not only the systems change needed in workforce development for people with disabilities, but also the human side of growth—confidence built, fears overcome, and futures reimagined.💡 Why It MattersThere’s a staggering reality at the center of this conversation: roughly 80% of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed or underemployed. ABLED is directly addressing that gap—creating a bridge between potential and opportunity.This episode is a reminder that inclusion isn’t just about access—it’s about preparation, belief, and building systems that actually work for people.⏱️ Chapter Timestamps (YouTube-Friendly)00:00 – Welcome + The Origin of ABLED 02:00 – From 5 Clients to 50+ Served 04:00 – The Gap Between School and Employment 06:00 – What “Graduation” Looks Like 08:00 – Real Work Experience: Sutter Health Park 10:00 – Community Partnerships + Collaborations 13:00 – Funding + Grassroots Support 15:00 – Big Vision: Scaling ABLED Nationwide 18:00 – Measuring Impact Beyond Data 21:00 – Confidence, Growth, and Breakthrough Moments 24:00 – Greatest Needs: Volunteers + Transportation 27:00 – Success Stories + Real Outcomes 30:00 – Beyond the Mission (Personal Side of Leadership) 33:00 – Closing Reflections + Community ImpactThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.