OUR MISION
Inspired 2 Uplift is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing inclusion and advocating for those
with disabilities, with a focus on youth. Our mission is centred on bridging social and understanding gaps,
dismantling stigmas associated with disabilities, and cultivating a community of support through our
national chapters.
OUR VISION
To become a leader in youth-led disability advocacy by shaping policies and societal
norms in education and communities. Through strategic partnerships, targeted campaigns, and innovative programs, we aim to fight for one of society’s most vulnerable groups of people and establish a global network of youth chapters dedicated to promoting inclusivity and understanding worldwide.
OUR CORE VALUES
RESPECT
EMPATHY
COMPASSION
OUR STORY
Inspired 2 Uplift was founded by three determined Grade 12 students at MacNeill Secondary School in September of 2022—Aidan, Farzan, and Ali. Having known each other for years, including their time together in elementary school, they felt a deep disconnect with the students in their school's Life Skills program, one of the few dedicated programs in Richmond supporting students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This disconnect extended to a broader gap between youth with and without disabilities.
Determined to make a change, the trio embarked on a challenging journey to create a program that would bridge this divide, bringing together students with and without disabilities. Despite facing numerous trials and tribulations, their unwavering sense of purpose and the strong support of the school community allowed them to successfully launch Inspired 2 Uplift's Buddy Program.
In just one year, the Buddy Program had become one of the largest clubs at MacNeill, fostering countless meaningful connections between students and volunteers and providing personalized support to students with disabilities.
Today, Aidan, Farzan, and Ali are all university students, but their commitment to Inspired 2 Uplift remains as strong as ever. Now holding pivotal positions within the organization, they have transformed what was once a small school club into a nonprofit organization with a mission to support youth with disabilities not just locally, but globally. They believe that with continued dedication and the expansion of their initiatives, Inspired 2 Uplift can play a critical role in changing the lives of youth with disabilities around the world in the coming years.