As December begins, two significant occasions shine a spotlight on the importance of inclusivity and giving back: Giving Tuesday (December 3) and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3). These days remind us to uplift and support individuals with disabilities and champion organizations making a real impact.
Why These Days Matter
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrates the resilience, contributions, and rights of over 1 billion people globally living with disabilities. It highlights the importance of creating an inclusive, equitable world for all.
Giving Tuesday, held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, encourages generosity, inspiring people worldwide to support causes that matter most to them. Together, these days create the perfect opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
Causes Worth Supporting
This Giving Tuesday, consider donating to organizations that empower people with disabilities. Here are a few impactful causes:
1. 2Gether International
Disabled people are historically underserved by resources and programs targeting entrepreneurs. 2GI seeks to challenge the entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting founders with disabilities, and flipping the narrative to see disability as a competitive advantage for businesses.
Annual Gala December 5th, 2025 https://gala2024.2gether-international.org/
2. Hope Help Live
For 40 years, Help Hope Live has been showing clients and families how to bring together a network of relatives, friends, and neighbors in fundraising efforts to help cover the cost of uninsured medical expenses. These efforts play a critical role in helping our clients recover and maintain their health and independence.
3. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Focused on curing spinal cord injuries and improving the quality of life for individuals with paralysis, this foundation funds groundbreaking research and provides support programs for families and caregivers.
4. North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium
For 40 years, Help Hope Live has been showing clients and families how to bring together a network of relatives, friends, and neighbors in fundraising efforts to help cover the cost of uninsured medical expenses. These efforts play a critical role in helping our clients recover and maintain their health and independence.
5. Smiling While Sending Hope
This nonprofit uplifts individuals with disabilities by creating care packages, fostering hope, and raising awareness about rare diseases and disabilities. Donations help fund these thoughtful efforts and spread smiles to those who need it most.
6. Ainsley's Angels of America
This nonprofit spreads inclusion by providing adaptive running equipment and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in endurance events. Donations help cover the cost of specialized equipment and event participation fees.
7. All Wheels Up
​​All Wheels Up is a 100% volunteer organization, driven entirely by dedicated volunteers passionate about making air travel accessible for all. Their mission is to increase awareness for safer and more dignified accessible air travel through research and advocacy.
8. Next Step Orlando
NextStep Orlando is an affordable, state-of-the-art, community-based paralysis recovery and fitness center. By offering standardized activity-based therapy programs and interventions, based on research; our center provides the best chance for recovery, independence, and health.
9. CORE Foundation - Center for Recovery and Exercise
The mission of the CORE Foundation is to provide needed financial support and education for individuals with spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions to participate in an activity-based recovery program.
CORE provides an Activity Based Training program to optimize the function, health, & independence for those with paralysis from spinal cord injuries and other neurological injuries/disorders.
10. Wheely Big Dreams
Wheely Big Dreams strives to improve the quality of life for those with life altering physical disabilities. Through increased education, support, enhanced integration strategies, and adaptive technology, we envision a world where disabilities are not all encompassing, rather hardships that can be overcome. By way of public engagement, community outreach, and one-on-one support, Wheely Big Dreams will create a better life for those we are supporting.
How You Can Help
Donate: Every dollar counts. Consider a one-time or recurring donation to organizations that align with your values.
Volunteer: Share your time and skills with local disability-focused organizations.
Raise Awareness: Use your voice on social media to amplify the importance of inclusivity and the work of these organizations.
Shop with Purpose: Look for businesses that employ individuals with disabilities or donate a portion of sales to relevant causes.
Together, We Can Create Change
By combining the spirit of generosity with a commitment to inclusivity, we can make Giving Tuesday and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities a time of meaningful action. Support organizations that are paving the way for a more equitable world and help individuals with disabilities Live Active, Seated Lives.