Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Carter
Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Our Story: Unlimited Possibilities for All Disabilities (UPFAD)
Unlimited Possibilities for All Disabilities (UPFAD) was born out of both personal experience and a deep passion for advocacy. As a mother of a brilliant son on the autism spectrum and an advocate for individuals with disabilities, I recognized a major gap in inclusive events, resources, and opportunities. I wanted to create something that not only empowered individuals with disabilities but also celebrated their talents, voices, and potential.
UPFAD started as a vision to build a community where people with disabilities and their families could feel seen, supported, and celebrated. What began as a small initiative has grown into a powerful movement, hosting events like the All Disabilities Festival, which has drawn thousands of attendees, along with talent showcases, fundraisers, and educational workshops. We have worked to bridge the gap between community organizations, businesses, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring that inclusion is not just a buzzword but a reality.
Through sponsorships, partnerships, and grassroots efforts, we’ve expanded our reach and impact. From hosting comedy shows that feature comedians with disabilities to planning cross-cultural events, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
At UPFAD, we believe that disability is not a limitation—it’s an opportunity for innovation, empowerment, and boundless potential. Our mission is to continue creating spaces where individuals of all abilities can thrive, and we’re just getting started!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey of building Unlimited Possibilities for All Disabilities (UPFAD) has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has reinforced our mission and made us stronger.
One of the biggest struggles has been securing consistent funding and sponsorships. While many organizations and businesses express interest in supporting disability advocacy, getting long-term financial commitments to sustain and grow our programs has been a hurdle. We’ve had to work tirelessly to prove the value of inclusion and the importance of investing in events and resources for individuals with disabilities.
Another challenge has been breaking down societal barriers and misconceptions. There’s still a long way to go when it comes to changing the narrative around disability. Many people and businesses underestimate the potential of individuals with disabilities, so advocacy has been a constant part of our work—educating, raising awareness, and proving that inclusion isn’t charity; it’s a necessity.
Logistically, organizing large-scale events like the All Disabilities Festival has been demanding. Finding accessible venues, managing event costs, and ensuring all attendees feel fully included takes an incredible amount of planning and persistence.
Personally, juggling my own health challenges while leading this organization has also been an obstacle. As an advocate, entrepreneur, and mother, I’ve had to balance my responsibilities while pushing UPFAD forward, often without the resources or support that larger organizations have.
But despite these challenges, the impact keeps us going. Seeing individuals with disabilities shine, hearing stories from families who feel seen and supported, and watching the community rally behind our mission makes every struggle worth it.
At UPFAD, we believe that obstacles are just opportunities to innovate, and we’re committed to overcoming every challenge to ensure that individuals with disabilities have unlimited possibilities.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Our Work: Unlimited Possibilities for All Disabilities (UPFAD)
At Unlimited Possibilities for All Disabilities (UPFAD), we specialize in creating inclusive events, advocacy initiatives, and community-driven opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Our mission is to ensure that people of all abilities are seen, celebrated, and provided with platforms to thrive.
We are best known for organizing the All Disabilities Festival, an annual event that brings together individuals with disabilities, families, businesses, and organizations to promote awareness, inclusion, and empowerment. This event has grown significantly, with 1,000’s of attendees, vendors, and performers, making it one of the largest disability-centered events in our region.
Beyond the festival, we host fundraisers, talent showcases, and networking events that bridge the gap between communities and create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to showcase their skills, talents, and contributions. Our work extends to public speaking engagements, resource-sharing, and partnerships with organizations that align with our mission.
What Sets Us Apart?
What makes UPFAD unique is our unwavering commitment to empowerment, not just awareness. We don’t just talk about inclusion; we actively create spaces where people with disabilities can participate, lead, and succeed. Unlike many organizations that focus solely on advocacy, we combine entertainment, education, and engagement to make inclusion an experience rather than just a conversation.
Additionally, as someone who has advocated for a child with a disability and now navigates life with my own disability, I bring a personal, lived perspective to this work. This first-hand experience fuels our mission, ensuring that UPFAD is a social enterprise and a movement driven by authenticity, passion, and resilience.
What I’m Most Proud Of
One of my proudest accomplishments is watching UPFAD grow from an idea into a thriving organization that touches lives and makes real change. Seeing individuals with disabilities find confidence, perform on stage, network with businesses, and be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve is the greatest reward.
We’re proving that disability is not a limitation—it’s an opportunity to redefine what’s possible. And we’re just getting started.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If there’s one thing I want people to take away from our journey at Unlimited Possibilities for All Disabilities (UPFAD), it’s that inclusion is a movement, not a moment.
Every day, individuals with disabilities face barriers—whether physical, societal, or financial. But through advocacy, community engagement, and opportunity-building, we are breaking down those barriers and proving that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves a seat at the table.
This work isn’t just about organizing events or raising awareness—it’s about changing lives, creating opportunities, and shifting mindsets. It’s about ensuring that children with disabilities grow up in a world that sees their potential, not their limitations.
If you’re reading this and wondering how you can help, there are so many ways to get involved:
✅ Attend our events and support inclusive programming
✅ Donate or sponsor to help us grow and expand our impact
✅ Share our mission and advocate for accessibility and inclusion in your own circles
✅ Volunteer your time or skills to help us continue making a difference
We believe that everyone has something to contribute to this movement. Whether you’re a parent, a business owner, a teacher, or an ally—your support matters.
Together, we can create a world where **disabilities don’t define possibilities—**they expand them.
Let’s build a future of Unlimited Possibilities for All Disabilities!
Pricing:
- FREE
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.UPFAD.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upfad_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnlimitedPossibilitiesForAllDisabilities
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UPFAD
