Everyone Has the Ability to Matter!
Testimonials From Our Founding Families
For decades, we have been a consistent source of hope for families of those with neurological disabilities. These testimonies speak to our impact and dedication.
SANDRA AND MICHAEL
In 2013, Austin participated in after-school activities with the boys from the Westerville house. These activities eventually led to Austin securing an apartment and a roommate through Ability Matters in 2014.
Ability Matters has been instrumental in helping Austin develop his independence while living in an apartment. They are always available to assist with both major issues, like the challenges posed by Covid, and minor ones, such as making grocery shopping decisions. The day hab programs provide a diverse array of volunteer opportunities and enjoyable activities.
Our son has known Kristyn since 2008. Kristyn and her vision for Ability Matters have significantly aided his transition to adulthood, helping him secure an apartment and a job he loves. They offer incredible activities, from volunteering through day hab to exploring Europe. The Covid pandemic presented unique challenges for everyone, and Ability Matters was there, providing activities and house staff support during the 15 months Austin was off work. We are confident that Ability Matters excels in managing the I/O waiver and efficiently uses those resources to benefit Austin and support his continued growth as an adult. As Ability Matters has grown into a large agency, there is always someone available to help us with any issues—whether it’s housing, transportation or anything else. A knowledgeable person is always there for us.
ANNE AND JIM
I believe our family started using Ability Matters in 2015. After countless experiences with other agencies and providers who took advantage of us during a crisis, Ability Matters became our last hope.
We were in a dark place when we began with Ability Matters. Our son had been in a residential treatment facility in Cleveland, and we brought him back to Dublin to his home environment. Many other agencies were ill-equipped to handle our situation. The staffing could not provide Danny with the support he needed to heal. I heard that Kristyn Butler had started a company called Ability Matters, and I called them as our last resort. We were placed on a waitlist, and our situation transformed from dire to incredible! It has been nine years since then, and our son has blossomed. He can live on his own and is the happiest we have ever seen him. With the help of this company and its incredible staff, Danny has the life we could only have hoped for when he was struggling.
Our story began in 2002 when our son met Kristyn. He was four years old, and she was his Special education supervisor at Dublin City Schools. Both Kristyn and I were pregnant at the time. I was 34 and already a mother of two small boys. Not much was known about autism back then, services were very limited, and a few other mothers and I were trying to navigate ways to help our autistic children. I will never forget how Kristyn fought for my son’s services within Dublin when many others would not help us.
As time moved on, our paths diverged, only to cross again when he needed help the most. I believe some people are brought into our lives for a reason. Our family cannot ignore the impact that Kristyn and Ability Matters have had on our lives. Ability Matters’ philosophy and their belief that everyone deserves to live a life of dignity and adventure have made a huge impact on our son’s life. He is now doing things we could never have dreamed of. They have helped our family understand that there are no limits for our son.
I could go on and on, but I will close by saying we are forever grateful for the service Ability Matters provides for our son and countless other individuals.
CHARLENE
My son has been with Ability Matters from day one. I first met Kristyn over 15 years ago. Her heart was dedicated to helping children with disabilities. As my son grew older, we had numerous conversations about the available support. I wanted him to live as independently as possible, be part of the community, and live his best life. It became apparent that available services for adults with disabilities were lacking. Kristyn had always wanted to help adults with disabilities, and Ability Matters became a reality.
We purchased a rental property for our son and rented it to two other individuals with disabilities. The services provided at the house for the last ten years have been through Ability Matters.
Our experience with Ability Matters has been fantastic. My son has thrived over the past decade. Having support has enabled my son to live as independently as possible. With job coaching support, he has secured a part-time job at Lifetime Fitness and is currently volunteering with Life Care Alliance one day a week. He has also enjoyed daily outings, beach vacations and cruises to many destinations. His latest trip was a cruise to Paris!
As the mom of an adult with special needs, I don’t worry about his future and safety because I see the support and genuine care shown by Ability Matters. Thank you, Kristyn and staff!
Testimonials From Our Founding Leaders
Working with Ability Matters doesn’t just change the lives of those we serve – it has a transformative impact on our team as well. Read some of their stories, and remember, we are always adding to our Family!
DEWAN
In 2016, a family friend connected me to Ability Matters. My involvement began when Marla Root introduced me to Kristyn at the Elijah Glenn Center. Our first meeting at Starbucks on Sawmill Road to discuss joining Ability Matters set the stage for a series of memorable experiences and achievements. When Kristyn asked about my future goals, I mentioned my aspiration to start my own company. This led to a pivotal moment when she invited me to help build Ability Matters, with a shared vision of passing it on to future generations.
Starting as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and gradually progressing to House Manager, Assistant Director, Director of Housing, and eventually COO at Ability Matters has been a fulfilling journey filled with challenges, growth, and remarkable accomplishments. Four years ago, I initiated the Crisis Intervention Team. With Kristyn’s unwavering support and guidance, it evolved into its own branch, Ability Matters Central, which will celebrate its first anniversary this September.
I am profoundly grateful to Kristyn for not only founding Ability Matters but also for entrusting me with the opportunity to shape the future of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The autonomy, mentorship, and encouragement I received from Kristyn have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.
As we celebrate the success of Ability Matters Central and reflect on our shared journey, I am reminded of the significant impact we can make when working together towards a common goal. Thank you, Kristyn, for your vision, leadership, and for believing in the potential of each individual within the Ability Matters family. Here’s to many more years of collaboration, growth, and empowerment within Ability Matters. I look forward to the continued journey ahead and the positive impact we can create together.
AMBER
I began working at Ability Matters on October 16, 2017. Having previously worked with Kristyn Butler, she reached out to me in October 2017 to see if I would be interested in joining the Ability Matters team. I was thrilled at the opportunity and eagerly accepted. My experience at Ability Matters has been incredibly fulfilling, as it is a wonderful organization that performs miracles for its individuals. Initially, I worked full-time, but later transitioned to part-time. My responsibilities include handling Autism Scholarship paperwork and invoicing.
TIM
On August 2, 2016, a close friend who highly recommended Ability Matters referred me to the organization. My journey in the DODD behavioral field began in 2004. From my very first shift, I knew I had found my calling: to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals who deserve to live a fulfilling and normal life.
LATOYA
I Joined the Ability Matters Team in 2014. I became involved with Ability Matters when a former individual transferred to the organization. Reflecting on the past decade with Ability Matters fills me with immense gratitude for the personal and professional growth I’ve experienced. What started as a job evolved into a passion, and today, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedication and inclusivity.
Throughout my tenure, I have witnessed not only my own growth but also the remarkable progress in the lives of the individuals we serve. The impact of Ability Matters extends beyond our organization, resonating in the hearts and lives of those we touch. Through our unwavering commitment to empowerment and opportunity, I have seen incredible transformations in our individuals, who have embraced life’s adventures, explored the world, and carved out meaningful existences.
Our core values—Attitude of Gratitude, Solution-Oriented, Integrity, Positive Attitude & Positive Energy, Inclusiveness, and Outstanding Work Ethic—have guided our mission to empower individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives, unhindered by limitations. The ethos of inclusivity and the belief in the inherent worth of every individual have been instrumental in shaping a better future for all.
As we look to the future, I am excited about Ability Matters continuing to lead the way in championing the rights and abilities of individuals with disabilities. Our groundbreaking work is not just about changing lives; it’s about changing perceptions, breaking barriers and creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
My journey with the company began as a Direct Support Professional, a role that ignited my passion for making a difference in the lives of individuals. I vividly remember being interviewed by the CEO at a local Panera Bread, an experience that remains a cherished tradition for me. Little did I know that this encounter would shape my career trajectory in profound ways.
During my time in the field as a Direct Support Professional, my inclination toward data skills were recognized by Jared Butler and Jason Courtney. Their encouragement led to a meeting with the CEO, Dr. Kristyn Butler, a pivotal moment that filled me with nervous excitement. Despite stumbling over my words, my thick Jamaican accent didn’t deter Dr. Butler from recognizing my potential. In just a few minutes, she identified my capabilities and posed a question that sparked a new path for me: “What do you want to do?”
That question became a catalyst for introspection, revealing my aspiration to contribute beyond my role as a DSP. It was through this experience that my passion for mental health advocacy took root. Over the years, as I transitioned into the role of Compliance Coordinator, I immersed myself in the intricacies of regulatory standards and processes, honing my skills and deepening my understanding of organizational compliance.
After four years of dedicated service, Dr. Butler approached me with an opportunity that would redefine my career—taking on the role of Director of Compliance. This pivotal moment marked a significant milestone in my professional journey, underscoring the trust and belief placed in me by the company’s leadership.