About Us
Our Story
How it All Started…
That moment sparked something in Jennifer. It made her think about people with disabilities who might not have family members to help them with simple tasks — like playing tennis, decorating for the holidays, or even just getting through the daily challenges of life. That realization set Jennifer on a path that would lead her to work with Paramed, where she spent over ten years helping families navigate the complexities of living with disabilities. What Jennifer learned from that time was that while she may not have been able to play a full tennis match with Patricia, offering her a chance to enjoy the experience was just as meaningful. It was these small moments of empowerment that inspired Jennifer to dedicate her life to advocating for others facing similar challenges.
The Journey of Two Sisters: From Caregiving to Advocacy and Empowerment
It all began years ago with something as simple as a game of tennis. Jennifer was hitting the ball at her sister, Patricia, who was doing her best to hit it back. To most, this would have seemed like an ordinary moment, but to Jennifer, it was a turning point. Watching Patricia find so much joy in simply swinging the racket, even though she couldn’t play a traditional game, opened Jennifer’s eyes to something profound. It made her realize how much people often take for granted — and how many individuals, like Patricia, don’t have the family support to experience these small joys.
The Reality of Disability and the Stigma Around It
Living with a disability or being a family member of someone who has one brings a unique set of challenges. It forces people to confront the way society views disability — often through the lens of limitations. Society tends to focus on what people with disabilities can’t do, rather than what they could do with the right support. Jennifer and Patricia both understood this reality well. They saw firsthand how the world would often define Patricia by what she couldn’t do, instead of exploring ways to help her achieve the things she wanted.
For years, Jennifer played the role of not just sister, but also caregiver, helping Patricia navigate daily life and advocating for the support she needed. Even though Patricia had home care, many tasks required extra help — simple things like decorating for the holidays, preparing meals for family gatherings, or simply having a conversation with friends and family. These tasks often fell on Jennifer, or on other family members and friends, because the services Patricia received didn’t always meet the full spectrum of her needs.
A New Chapter After Losing Their Mother
In 2003, the death of their mother marked another significant turning point for Jennifer and Patricia. With their mother gone, Jennifer became Patricia’s sole caregiver. This shift meant that Jennifer’s role as a sister grew deeper, as she took on the full responsibility of supporting Patricia. It was a huge change for both of them — Patricia was now adjusting to life without the constant presence of their mother, and Jennifer had to balance her new caregiving responsibilities with everything else in her life. It was an overwhelming transition, but over time, they found ways to work together to help Patricia live more independently. They also discovered that, despite the home care services in place, Patricia’s needs went beyond physical care. Jennifer began to notice that, even with support, Patricia still needed help with many aspects of daily life that went beyond the essentials.
These realizations led both sisters to recognize a common issue: the lack of a holistic approach to caregiving. Although home care services provided essential care, they often didn’t take into account things like emotional well-being, social connection, or the things that made life truly fulfilling — like being able to enjoy a family dinner, travel, or simply participate in the activities she loved.
The Impact of COVID and the Shift in Caregiving Needs
Then came COVID-19. The pandemic introduced a whole new layer of challenges, as Patricia’s homecare was limited to “essential living care.” This meant services that focused solely on physical tasks like bathing and dressing—essential needs, yes, but not the whole picture. During this time, Jennifer and Patricia both realized just how much the concept of “essential” care had been generalized. What was deemed essential for one person wasn’t necessarily the same for another. For Patricia, the pandemic exacerbated the feeling of isolation, as her care became increasingly centered on basic tasks, without addressing her mental health or emotional needs.
The pandemic highlighted a significant gap in caregiving, making it even clearer that a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. The sisters came to understand that caregiving must be individualized — what’s essential to one person might not be the same for someone else, and it’s crucial to acknowledge the full spectrum of care a person might need, from physical to emotional and mental well-being.
Where They Are Now…
Their work is grounded in the belief that inclusion and accessibility go beyond just physical spaces — they are about creating a supportive community that empowers people with disabilities to live more independently and caregivers to thrive. The Ability Company is not just about services; it’s about sharing their story, connecting people who share similar experiences, and building a space where no one feels alone.
Through The Ability Company, Jennifer and Patricia aim to change the narrative around disability and caregiving. They want to ensure that people are seen for their abilities, not their limitations, and that caregivers have the support they need to care for their loved ones without sacrificing their own well-being.
Their journey has taught them that caregiving is never a one-person job — it’s about family, community, and finding strength in shared purpose. What began as two sisters navigating the challenges of disability and caregiving has blossomed into a larger mission of advocacy, empowerment, and connection for others. Their hope is to continue building a world where people with disabilities are not defined by what they can’t do, but by the endless possibilities of what they can do with the right support.
Through their story and the work they do with The Ability Company, Jennifer and Patricia have turned their personal journey into a mission to help others thrive, find their voice, and experience the world in all its richness — together.
Building a Future Together
Today, Jennifer and Patricia have turned their shared experiences and lessons into a mission. Together, they co-founded The Ability Company, a business that offers resources, advocacy, and a community for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Trish, who has lived independently for over 10 years, and Jennifer, her sister and advocate, have redefined their relationship —becoming sisters again with a sprinkle of caregiving woven in. What began as a deeply personal journey has now evolved into a platform where others can find the support and empowerment that Jennifer and Patricia once sought for themselves.