Building belonging through BuildAbility
Published 1:30 am Monday, September 1, 2025
Submitted by the Lopez Island Family Resource Center.
This summer, Avery, a rising senior at Lopez Island High School, found something he’s never had before: a job he loves.
“There’s no job I’d rather have,” he said. “I wake up on my own, ride my bike here every day, and hang out with nice people. My job is easy—I help Rose keep the room organized, we socialize, have fun, and learn to teach effectively. I feel like I shouldn’t even be getting paid to do it.”
Avery is neurodivergent. Like many disabled and neurodivergent young people, he hasn’t always had the support he needed to participate in typical youth programs. That’s not because of who he is — it’s because the world is often built without people like him in mind.
Last year, ALIGN: Advocates of Lopez Island Gathering for Neurodiversity, in partnership with the Lopez Island Family Resource Center, piloted a summer camp called BuildAbility. Funded through special grants, the camp was designed specifically for disabled and neurodivergent youth.
This summer, BuildAbility partnered with the school’s extended summer learning program to take it one step further—inviting high schoolers to serve as peer mentors through roles as assistant camp instructors.
Avery is one of the mentors.
But it’s so much more than just a job. Both he and the campers have an opportunity to build leadership skills while deepening their sense of belonging.
It’s a reciprocal relationship where Avery feels valued for his unique strengths and campers gain connection and confidence from being led by someone who truly understands them.
“I’ve worked as a summer camp staff here on Lopez for five years,” said Rose Prust, a beloved special services teacher at Lopez Island School. “But this is the year I’ll look back on. These are the memories that will carry me through—because these kids are getting what they need and because of that, they’re thriving like never before.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is nearly double that of non-disabled individuals. Many never even get the chance to discover what they’re capable of because the support they need simply doesn’t exist.
BuildAbility challenges that narrative. It shows what’s possible when we design systems that welcome and empower people with disabilities, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive alongside their peers. It also affirms a deeper truth: When young people are met with understanding and support, they can grow into roles filled with purpose, dignity and joy.
There is an old adage that suggests a community’s true strength shines in how it uplifts and supports every one of its members. With that in mind, BuildAbility is a foundation for strength, inclusion and a thriving community.
Funding for BuildAbility is made possible through community donations and grants — many of which are no longer available. You can help keep this vital program going. Donate today at www.lifrc.org/make-an-impact.
