About
EPIC Disability Advocacy is a 501(c)(3), public, charitable corporation established in Chandler, Arizona in 2021. The principal charitable objective of the organization is the improvement of the lives of disabled individuals and to be the catalyst that empowers the disability community, and removes barriers that create social change through advocacy, education, and collaboration.
Mission: Educate, advocate, and create connections to empower the disability community.
Vision: All persons with disabilities will have access to the resources, programs, and services needed to reach their full potential.
Our History
EPIC Disability Advocacy was founded by a group of women who have a shared passion for ensuring all disabled people have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. We envision advocating and partnering with government, nonprofit and corporate stakeholders to open doors so that disabled people have opportunities to live their best life.
Our EPIC founders first came together advocating for fully funded state-level programs that serve the disability community. Together, we recognized the challenges posed by the multiple fragmented systems intended to support the disabled community across the life span. From these discussions evolved a shared vision to empower potential and ignite change for every disabled person. Our aim is to identify and overcome the culture of discrimination that prevents disabled people from achieving their full potential.
Together we have nearly 100 years of experience with intellectual and developmental disabilities. EPIC’s founding members bring a wide range of experience in many fields including medical, therapeutic, non-profit, and corporate settings. Each has personal experience as individuals with and/or mothers to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Group Statement
There are big dreams on the horizon and a lot to be done! We hope the community has a sense of our dedication and commitment to the work we are doing. All EPIC’s founders are parents of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and many serve in the field as nonprofit owners/employees, teachers, providers, therapists, advocates, volunteers, donors, and avid supporters. Our group continues to grow as the number of disabled individuals increase and awareness becomes greater.
Our Values
We commit to upholding these values in the work that we do.
We ask that our community reach out to us if they feel that we are not living up to them.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We believe that the world is a better place when people are treated equitably in recognition of their own personal
circumstances.
Diversity
We acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We pledge ourselves to create and maintain an environment that respects diverse life experiences.
Equity
We will promote fairness within policies, procedures, programs, and the distribution of resources by accounting for the different histories, challenges, and needs of disabled individuals and their communities.
Inclusion
We welcome the inclusion of people from all disabilities, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, religious beliefs, and ages as consumers, staff, board members, advisors, and stakeholders.
Empowerment
We believe that all people should be supported to grow their confidence in their own capabilities, talents, and ability, and skills for self-advocacy.
Integrity
We believe integrity is fundamental to achieving our mission. We are committed to being transparent, reliable, and willing to do the hard work. We will conduct EPIC Disability Advocacy with honesty and transparency.
Connection
We will strive to form connections to ensure that efforts by and for the disabled community are seen, heard, and valued.
Innovation
We will innovate to expand and improve opportunities, support, and services so that disabled individuals can achieve their full potential.
Collaboration
We will collaborate because we will achieve so much more by bringing together the capacity, intelligence, and drive of like-minded individuals and organizations.
“There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more.”
– Robert M. Hensel