Working at the micro and macro levels, Starkloff is changing hearts and minds and building a community where disabled people can thrive.
Since 2003, Starkloff has been breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive community. Early on, we identified employment as the key to full inclusion for people with disabilities. A job brings dignity, economic opportunity, and connection.
OUR IMPACT
Today, the Starkloff Disability Institute is recognized as the Workforce, Workplace Disability Advisor. Born out of the disability rights movement, Starkloff works to help disabled people thrive by acting on both sides of the problem:
EMPOWERING CANDIDATES: Our candidate programs empower people with disabilities to take control of their careers and succeed in competitive professions. Through a range of programs targeting youth, college students, and adults, Starkloff teaches people with disabilities to step into their power as disabled professionals and equips them with the tools to thrive in the workplace.
IMPROVING SYSTEMS: Through corporate partnerships, community outreach, conferences, media, and more, Starkloff dispels myths and helps companies implement inclusive hiring and customer service practices. We use many approaches to teach people how common disability is, that it isn't something to fear or be uncomfortable with, and how they can be more welcoming.
Thank you for helping us do this work. We couldn't do it without your belief and investment in disability inclusion. In 2025, our community made a big impact:
- 40 middle and high school students with disabilities raised their expectations for their own futures.
- 25 Deaf and Hard of Hearing people gained confidence and skills to succeed at work and beyond, and 500 more discovered the resources Starkloff offers for when they’re ready to advance their careers.
- 83 college career advisors learned how to help every disabled student on their campus navigate unique barriers in preparing to launch their careers.
- 7 college students and 5 adults with disabilities connected directly for 1:1 support in advancing their careers (and many more waiting to join us when additional program staff come on board in 2026!).
- 830 architects, designers, planners, and homeowners explored the benefits and beauty of a world designed with every body in mind through expanded Universal Design education.
- 923 professionals, disabled and nondisabled, expanded opportunities for people with disabilities to thrive in more than 18 organizations with the expertise shared by our workplace education team.