Abilities United

No one tells the Abilities United story better than the individuals, like Charlotte Rayfield, who have benefited from our services. Enjoy Charlotte's story.

When you have a kid it’s hard, but when you have a kid with a disability...

wow, that’s crazy. I was about two years old when my mom and I joined an Early Intervention class at Abilities United. The moms shared their experiences and fears for our future. It prepared them for a future with us. The class was great for us, too, as we played with other kids and learned a lot.

Abilities United was my first playground, my first classroom.

I have Cerebral Palsy, a physical disorder caused by a stroke I had before I was born. Since it happened on the left side of my brain, it means my right side is weaker. I use an assortment of mechanical and power wheelchairs to get around in my daily life. I can’t walk, but I can still do pretty cool stuff. Without my disability, I wouldn’t be a part of the ski program that allows me to ski at insanely high speeds while remaining seated.

Now, I am a senior in high school. I plan to study at Foothill College for a few years while I figure out how to live on a college campus. It’s scary yes, but I can figure it out.

I love reading and want a job working with books - a writer, a publisher. I also think it would be great to be a history professor as it’s my favorite subject in school. I love horses and have a passion for carriage driving, so I hope to incorporate that into my future.

Without Abilities United - I wouldn’t be on the track I am on today.

I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

Other kids deserve that chance too.

Thank you for helping kids like me by making a gift today!

Charlotte Rayfield
graduate of Abilities United Early Intervention program

P.S. Learn more about Charlotte's incredible life story in her own words and in her mother's words. Don't miss the video to see Charlotte ski!