About Us
Our Mission
Our mission at Exceptionally Able, Inc. is to provide comprehensive support and resources for individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring they have the opportunities and assistance they need to thrive.
Our Vision
We envision a society where individuals with developmental disabilities are fully included, valued, and empowered to lead fulfilling lives.
Our Core Values
 InclusivityWe believe in creating a welcoming and accessible online environment that embraces diversity and celebrates the unique abilities of every individual. |  EmpathyWe prioritize empathy and compassion in our interactions with differently abled children and their caregivers, recognizing their challenges and striving to understand their perspectives. |
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 CollaborationWe value collaboration and teamwork, working together with families, and community partners to provide support and care. |  RespectWe treat all individuals with respect and dignity, honoring their autonomy, choices, and rights. |
 EmpowermentWe empower differently abled children and their caregivers by providing them with the tools, resources, and knowledge to make informed decisions and lead fulfilling lives. |  ExcellenceWe are committed to excellence in all that we do, striving for the highest standards of quality, professionalism, and innovation in our services and programs. |
 EA's Core ValuesExceptionally Able Inc.'s Core Values help guide our approach to advocacy and serve as a beacon of hope for change in the IDD Community. |  AdvocacyWe advocate for the rights and inclusion of differently abled individuals in society, promoting awareness, understanding, and positive change for a more inclusive world. |
Our Core Values are the cornerstone of our best practices and cultural competency. The resources that we share are meant to be empower those that need them most.
Founding Members
This vision was birthed out of our Capstone Project for Partners in Policymaking® Class.
About
Opal Foster
Opal Foster, ArtStream’s Communications and Marketing Administrator, brings extensive experience in the disability community. She has been a Communications Specialist for Prince George’s County PODS and a Program Coordinator for the Down syndrome Network of Montgomery County, MD. At American Institutes for Research (AIR), she served as Vice President of AccessAIR, promoting inclusiveness for people with disabilities. Opal has also worked as a Fine Arts educator at Takoma Academy, a paraeducator for Montgomery County Public Schools, and an instructor for Creative Development Studios, an afterschool enrichment program.
Her proudest accomplishment is raising her son Jeremiah, who has Down syndrome. Jeremiah, a vibrant 17-year-old, who enjoys bocce, basketball, music, art and aspires to be a chef. Jeremiah had a role in his school’s play, Amélie, and dreams of being 'famous' one day.
Opal and Jeremiah were featured on ABC News Live for their experience during the COVID crisis. Opal credits her resilience and optimistic outlook to her faith. Opal hopes to continue ‘fighting the good fight’ through her work with the I/DD Community.
About
Chiquita Hutton
Chiquita Hutton, a resident of Prince George's County, is a dedicated mother to her 11-year-old daughter, Sydney. Sydney was diagnosed with spastic quadriparesis cerebral palsy, epilepsy, global developmental delay, hydrocephalus, and encephalopathy during the first three years of her life. Chiquita has called Maryland her home since 1992.
Chiquita has spent countless hours researching medical journals, attending conferences, and connecting with other parents in similar situations. Chiquita has become a fierce advocate for her daughter, pushing for the best possible care, treatments, and support which led her to apply for the Partners in Policymaking® Program. With the support and guidance of the program along with her dedication and determination, she has empowered herself with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex world of healthcare services, and programs to ensure her daughter receives the care she deserves. Chiquita's unwavering commitment to advocating for her daughter serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.
Chiquita and her daughter have authored and published two books: “Sydney’s Superpowers” and “A Surgery Guide for Your Kiddo: Navigating the Journey as a Caregiver of a Differently Abled Child.” These books are just the beginning, as the family plans to release more series in order to raise awareness for children with disabilities. They firmly believe that by shedding light on the diverse experiences of differently-abled individuals, the world will become more inclusive. They hope that children won’t feel pressured to conform in order to be accepted. Chiquita and her daughter are passionate about advocating for differently-abled children and their families. They hope that their books will not only provide support and guidance for caregivers but also help to educate the public about the unique challenges and strengths of differently-abled individuals. By sharing their personal experiences and insights, they aim to promote inclusivity and acceptance in society.
About
Jareese Shirlee
Jareese Shirlee was born in Washington, D.C., but raised in Savannah and Augusta, Georgia. She found her way back to the DMV in 2017 via the United States Navy and is currently an Active Duty Officer, serving as a Healthcare Administrator in the Medical Service Corps. Jareese has two sons, Tobias and Cameron, and a puppy daughter named CoCo Chanel. She loves the Lord, dancing, reading and writing, and serves her community as a volunteer cheerleading coach. Jaresse is the author of The Inconvenience of You, a book of poetry that travels through the nuances of love and relationships. Her current passion projects are expanding her knowledge of advocacy, her fashion and self-care YouTube Channel, and finishing her second poetry book.
Jareese’s oldest son, Tobias (affectionately known as TJ), was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and Speech Aphagia when he was three years old. When the diagnoses continued to come, her advocacy bloomed as she learned to navigate complex systems and to be her child’s voice. The family’s relocation to the DMV area when TJ was 13 presented a unique experience and only strengthened her spirit of advocacy. This move highlighted the stress that families may face during times of transition, not only for exceptional individuals, but also their caregivers (including siblings). Jareese also desires to help caregivers focus on self-care, and to provide pointed support for siblings (like her younger son Cameron), that live a unique life experience. These experiences led Jareese to be a part of an amazing group that is curating a one-stop shop as their capstone project for this year. With Partners, Jareese hopes to take her advocacy to the next level and learn to turn a small idea into a big reality.
At Exceptionally Able, Inc., we believe in empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to embrace who they are, define their future, and make a positive impact on the world.