History of Disability Partnerships
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Our Story
In 2011, a natural gas explosion changed my life. I became paralyzed at the T8 level and spent more than a year in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities learning how to live in a world that was not designed with disability in mind.
But the injury was only part of the story. I quickly saw how many people with disabilities face barriers to care, housing, transportation, wellness, employment, education, mental health support, and community connection. I also met people who were talented, capable, and determined — but too often blocked by systems that underestimated them.
That experience became the foundation for Disability Partnerships.
Why We Exist
Disability is part of the human experience. Yet too many systems still treat accessibility as optional.
Disability Partnerships exists to change that.
We remove barriers and create practical pathways to health, wellness, education, economic opportunity, housing support, adaptive equipment, and community connection for people with disabilities, seniors, caregivers, and families.
What We Do
Disability Partnerships brings people, organizations, and resources together to create real solutions.
Our work includes:
Adaptive health and wellness programs
Affordable accessible housing resources
Community events and resource fairs
Scholarships and education support
Adaptive equipment assistance
Economic empowerment and workforce initiatives
Mental health programming
Partnerships with healthcare, nonprofit, corporate, education, and community organizations
Our Impact
What began as my response to a life-changing injury has grown into a national, virtual-first nonprofit with strong community partnerships.
Today, Disability Partnerships:
Delivers 260+ adaptive wellness classes annually
Reaches 4,000+ participants
Serves people with disabilities, seniors, caregivers, and families
Builds partnerships across healthcare, nonprofit, corporate, education, and community sectors
Creates programs designed by people with lived disability experience
We are not simply raising awareness. We are building access in action.
Our Mission
To improve the quality of life for people with physical disabilities by removing barriers, building partnerships, and creating opportunities for health, independence, connection, and full participation.
Our Vision
An accessible world where people with disabilities have the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive.
The Next Chapter
As we celebrate 10 years of service, Disability Partnerships is entering a new season of growth.
We are expanding adaptive wellness, mental health support, workforce and education pathways, adaptive equipment assistance, and in-person opportunities for community connection.
This work is personal. It is practical. And it is possible because of partners, donors, volunteers, and community members who believe access should be the standard — not the exception.
Join us as we build what comes next.
Tamara Gallman, Founder and President, Disability Partnerships
Mission and Vision Statements
Mission: To improve the quality of life of persons living with a physical disability.
Vision: An accessible world that provides lasting opportunities for all persons living with a physical disability.