​We create a nurturing environment and innovative opportunities for adults with disabilities to empower growth and unity in our community.

ABOUT US

DANI provides a full continuum of services to neurodivergent adults, equipping them to live independently and take their full place in community life. Central to our approach is our commitment to championing inclusivity and empowerment through pioneering person-directed services, where we enhance and unlock individual strengths through life skills training and personal goal actualization. Unique needs, goals, and abilities are at the forefront of planning and service delivery. 

Our flagship ACE Program offers a structured environment for personal development and social engagement. Every participant works with staff to create Goal Action Plans (GAPs), ensuring active involvement in shaping their own futures, whether they aim to build new life skills, develop vocational skills, or become more engaged in their community. Our dedicated staff provide a wide range of activities to align with our participants’ goals and interests. Our campuses are hubs for belonging that foster friendships, a sense of purpose, and community. Participants contribute and integrate into society through active involvement, volunteering, and employment and participate in the life of their communities.

Our Vocational initiatives bridge the gap to meaningful employment. Tailored pre-employment training, hands-on job coaching, and long-term support ensure that neurodivergent job-seekers are prepared for and can maintain successful employment. While structured skill development through in person classes in hospitality and technology, with industry-recognized certifications and adapted instruction for neurodivergent adults.

DANI is building a world that celebrates each individual's unique abilities, where everyone can thrive and achieve a dignified, independent life as equal members of their community.

OUR APPROACH

Success hinges on the dedicated effort one puts into their goals. This is why we meticulously plan and structure personalized programs to ensure a perfect fit for each individual.

  • Two professionals having a conversation in an office, with documents and a laptop on the table.

    Identify

    Our expert team collaborates with individuals and their network, to understand needs, interests, and desires - recognizing each person's unique talents, potential, and self-advocated life goals.

    We have developed methodologies through art and music that have increased their ability to communicate thoughts, feelings, and desires.

  • Top-down view of a meeting table with four people discussing, pointing at a blank sheet of paper in the center. The table has documents, tablets, phones, mugs of tea, a calculator, sticky notes, and charts.

    Develop

    Our Goal Action Programs (GAPs) are tailored to each individual and fashioned to elevate unique skills and talents. GAPs feature clearly defined tasks and milestones, along with regular assessments, to ensure optimal results.

    No activities are preset; all our efforts are specifically directed towards achieving goals and enhancing unique skills and talents.

  • Two young women sitting on the floor in a dance studio, talking and smiling at each other, with others in the background.

    Empower

    Our multidisciplinary staff, mentors, and volunteers give systematic guidance to develop individual strengths.

    We appreciate that there's an individual with dreams and aspirations just like everyone else. Our focus is on using individuals' skills to foster independence, self-satisfaction, and to become a valued member of their community.

OUR PARTNERS

OUR HISTORY

Founded on the mindset to change and do better, we are not looking to do the same thing, we want to do something different.

A collage of photos from a 2007 event, including groups of people outdoors and indoors, children and adults smiling, a girl picking fruit, and two people posing together with a sign that says "Gavin's award '07."

Since our inception in 2006 by a group of parents faced with the public support ending for their children with developmental disabilities at the age of 21, we have always put the individual and their support network first.

We have grown substantially into a dynamic and innovative charity, consistently setting new standards, while maintaining our dedication to engaging support networks to incorporate their needs, thoughts, and knowledge.

We currently serve over 400 individuals annually, and operate five dual-purpose social enterprises that financially support the charity and provide practical job training and employment opportunities for our participants.


Parent Action Group Formed

2006

1st Gala Dinner


2007

Pilot Location Opened


1st Social Enterprise Launched

2010


2008


First Full-Scale Campus Opened

2013

DANI Café Opened


2014

25 Participants Reached


First Vocational Partner Stalco

2017


2015

Second Full-Scale Campus Opened


2020


47 Participants Reached

2023


First Residence Opened | WorkWise Launched

2024


STEP Launched

2025


Growth Target: 60 ACE Participants

2026

A woman with short dark hair smiling and holding her hands together in front of her, wearing a long-sleeve, button-up shirt.
The amazing staff at DANI always find a way to help me achieve my goals.
— Guitti P.