Disabilitysa Dba Fiesta Especial
About Disabilitysa Dba Fiesta Especial
disABILITYsa gives people with disabilities in greater San Antonio more than information. It offers a place to find resources, join conversations, and show up at events like Fiesta Especial and AccessAbility Fest with practical support close at hand. For donors, the appeal is simple: this is an organization built around access that people can feel in real life, from workshops and advocacy to tools like the Mobile Changing Unit.
What sets disABILITYsa apart is how practical it is. The organization does not stop at sharing information, it also creates public education, advocacy, and hands-on access tools like the Mobile Changing Unit and portable inclusion units, while keeping a strong online resource hub in the mix.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
disABILITYsa online resource hub
A collaborative online tool for sharing information, resources, ideas, and support among people with all types of disabilities, and for highlighting organizations and businesses that provide related services.
Conversation 360°
An open and safe forum for discussion of barriers to inclusion, independence, and quality of life for people with disabilities in San Antonio.
Fiesta Especial®
Inclusive and educational programs that help children and adults with disabilities engage in Fiesta culture and celebration, including Royal Court, Celebration Day, and parade activities.
AccessAbility Fest
A gateway to information, resources, and opportunities for individuals working to overcome physical, cognitive, sensory, and mental health barriers, while connecting disability service organizations with the community.
abilitySTRONG Parade
San Antonio’s Disability Pride celebration that expresses disability as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.
Food for Thought
An educational series for nonprofit disability service organization leadership focused on learning, networking, and discovery.
Service & Leadership Program
Training and engagement for individuals with and without disabilities who want to volunteer, serve on nonprofit boards, join community conversations, and advocate for the disability community.
Disability-Friendly Recognition Initiative
A recognition program for organizations and businesses that create accessible environments and inclusive atmospheres for people with disabilities.
Cross-Disability Coalition
A collaborative program that brings together businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals with disabilities to identify service gaps and barriers to independence and coordinate responses.
Digital Navigations
Free workshops and open lab access that help people use digital devices, learn about disability benefits and resources, and build confidence in self-advocacy and digital storytelling.
Vax-abilitySTRONG
A vaccine-access education and community campaign that addresses safety, benefits, access, and barriers, along with provider workshops and disability-friendly healthcare recognition.
Mobile Changing Unit
A portable changing and toileting facility that can be deployed at events to support people with ambulatory disabilities or others who need additional changing and toileting assistance.
ChangingSA
An awareness initiative focused on the need for appropriate changing tables in public and private venues.
Community Advancement in Housing, Healthcare, and Transportation
Advocacy and participation in local planning and policy conversations related to housing, healthcare, transportation, education, employment, and socialization.
Membership program
An educational and support membership program that offers networking, awareness-building, financial savings, low-cost printing options, consulting, connects, and training.
Impact Partner Program
A tap-to-give donation program using a medal that can be activated as a giving touchpoint at gatherings, meetings, and community events.
Referral Network
A network for professional services and support services referrals, including businesses and professionals who want to connect with the disability community.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
The mission of disABILITYsa is to educate, advance, and engage people with disabilities by building connections, exchanging information, creating opportunities, and strengthening our disability community in the greater San Antonio area.
Who they serve
Children and adults with disabilities, along with caregivers, family members, allies, support networks, nonprofits, businesses, and community partners in the greater San Antonio area.
Their impact
- disABILITYsa.org has given over 16,000 unique visitors access to information since going live in 2007.
- Fiesta Especial annually serves more than 2,500 children and adults with disabilities.
- Fiesta Especial annually serves 1,500 teachers, direct care staff, family members, and companions.
- AccessAbility Fest connects over 4,500 individuals to resources each year.
How your donation helps
- Digital Navigations workshops and open lab access
- AccessAbility Fest and other resource-sharing events
- Fiesta Especial programs, including Royal Court, Celebration Day, and parade activities
- Mobile Changing Unit and portable inclusion units
- Vax-abilitySTRONG education and disability-friendly healthcare workshops
- Community advancement and advocacy initiatives
Our story
disABILITYsa began in 2007 with founding stakeholders Cynthia R. Hamilton, Melanie R. Cawthon, and Peter and Janet Grojean. A founding board followed in 2016, and the organization received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status effective January 1, 2017.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Disabilitysa Dba Fiesta Especial’s services.
People with disabilities, caregivers, and allies can register for free Digital Navigations workshops and open lab sessions, use the online resource hub, or contact the programs team at Programs@disabilitysa.org or (210) 343-2462. For vaccine access help, the organization offers a COVID-19 vaccination appointment assistance inquiry for people who face portal navigation or communication barriers.
In their words
disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity
San Antonio is the #1 community where people with disabilities want to live, learn, work, and play
Events
Fiesta Especial Coronation
annualA Fiesta Especial event listed among the organization’s major volunteer and celebration opportunities.
Fiesta Especial Celebration Day
annualA community celebration connected to Fiesta Especial.
AccessAbility Fest
annualA community resource and inclusion event.
abilitySTRONG Parade
annualThe organization’s Disability Pride parade and celebration.
Purse-u-ability Auction & Loteria Night
annualA fundraising event listed on the organization’s calendar.
Beautifully Different Derby
annualA scheduled fundraising or community event listed on the homepage.
Digital Navigations Workshop
recurringFree workshops and open lab sessions for digital device navigation.
Conversation 360°
recurringAn ongoing conversation series on disability-related issues.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Disabilitysa Dba Fiesta Especial has shared.
Volunteer opportunities
- Outreach Ambassadors
- Holiday Open House
- Fiesta Especial Coronation
- disFORUM
- Purse-u-ability Auction
- Fiesta Especial Celebration Day
- Inclusion Day(s)
- Information Table Ambassador
- San Japan
- Monthly Resource Fairs
- Volunteer Recruitment Events
- Sensory-Friendly Room & Kit Check-out Attendant
- Mobile Changing Unit/Room Attendant
- First Aid Station
- Inventory Management Support
- Office Support
- Portable Inclusion Units volunteer support
Recognition & press
In the media
- K-LOVE, local closer look interview with co-founder and CEO Melanie Cawthon about disABILITYsa's programs and the barriers faced by the disability community
- Fox San Antonio, coverage of Vax-abilitySTRONG and efforts to ease barriers to vaccination
- Texas Public Radio, coverage of the Mobile Changing Unit as a first-of-its-kind accessible facility in San Antonio
- News 4 San Antonio, 'Fiesta is a Party for All' covering Fiesta Especial and disability-inclusive Fiesta celebrations
- KSAT, nonprofit spotlight on disABILITYsa
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who can attend Digital Navigations workshops?
The workshops are free and open to individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and allies. ASL services are available.
What does the Mobile Changing Unit include?
It includes a power hoist or Hoyer lift, a height-adjustable universal changing table, a handheld shower head, an ADA toilet with handlebars, a height-appropriate sink, and HVAC.
How can an organization work toward disability-friendly recognition?
Organizations and clinics can take part in the disability-friendly healthcare workshop, receive a starter kit, and begin the process of becoming a disability-friendly recognition site.
How is the Mobile Changing Unit booked for an event?
An event needs space for a 24-foot trailer and access for people using the unit. If the booking is longer than one day, the unit also needs electricity, water, and sewage access.
How can someone get vaccine access support?
People living with disabilities can submit a vaccination appointment assistance inquiry when they need help getting through public-facing portals or communication barriers.
Similar nonprofits
Other developmentally disabled centers nonprofits in TX.