Our StoryConnecting & Strengthening Community Service Providers
By uniting and focusing on what we can achieve together, the Ability Network of Delaware (formerly DelARF) builds strength across Delaware’s disability community. We are a connecting force that functions as a statewide membership association of agencies, all working to support people with disabilities. Membership is open to organizations that provide direct services, advocacy and/or educational services to Delawareans with disabilities, their families and advocates.
Our History
For nearly three decades, the Delaware Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (DelARF) has been committed to serving our member organizations. These members are the community service providers who deliver direct services to Delawareans with disabilities and other life challenges, who need assistance in community life and Delawareans who need treatment for substance use and mental health disorders.
DelARF has always worked to increase opportunities for people with disabilities and other disadvantages to live, learn, and work in their local communities. By working with our members, state government, and other organizations, DelARF has pursued the removal of physical, economic, and social barriers so that persons with disabilities and others seeking to become more independent can achieve full and productive lives.
Our Strengths
DelARF is now the Ability Network of Delaware (A.N.D.). This new identity more accurately reflects the focus of the association’s membership on the strengths of the people they serve and the rich community interactions they develop, rather than on the limitations and restrictions they experience.
Three assets allow us to bring about positive change in the state of Delaware:
What We Do
Knowledge & Purpose: A.N.D. and our staff possess a vast knowledge of local and national issues affecting the disability community. From this pooled expertise of the network of providers in the state, we can offer our members services based on understanding and purpose.
Why We Do This
Strength & Opportunity: We do this to promote the missions and visions of our members. We have the opportunity to highlight the individual ability of people with disabilities and other life challenges and offer them opportunities for a rich and productive life, full of possibilities. We have strength in our broad and diverse membership, recognized companies and leadership in state and local government.
How We Do This
Leadership & Advocacy: We’ve built strong partnerships and a cohesive network of stakeholders inside the provider community, within the general assembly, at the highest level of our state’s administration and beyond. This leadership allows us to make an impact with our advocacy for people with disabilities.
Our Vision
To change business, political, and social environments in Delaware—increasing opportunities for all people to live, learn and work in the community.
Our Mission
To support members working to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities and other life challenges.