Chantilly, Virginia — The EquallyAble Foundation, a leading nonprofit dedicated to empowering people with disabilities worldwide, today announced the launch of its new Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting U.S. public schools to partner on the Crayons of Inclusion Program. This groundbreaking initiative uses art and colors as powerful tools to enhance learning, self-expression, and inclusion for students with cognitive and intellectual disabilities.

The program will provide schools with funding that can be used to develop an adaptable art-based curriculum, accessible materials, digital tools, and a culminating School Inclusion Art Showcase & Award Ceremony to celebrate every student’s creativity and achievement.

“This is one of the most exciting programs EquallyAble has ever launched,” said Mohammed Yousuf, President of EquallyAble Foundation. “Art has the power to unlock voices, build confidence, and create bridges between students of all abilities. With this initiative, we are not only enriching classrooms, we are also reimagining what inclusion looks like in an education setting and bringing the creative best among students with special needs. This is more than art—it’s about building skills, sparking joy, and showing the world what is possible when creativity meets accessibility.”

Crayons of Inclusion for Students with Disabilities Program will give public schools the chance to partner with nonprofits, community organizations, and local artists, ensuring both innovation and accountability. Schools selected through the RFP process will receive funding that can be used for materials, and program support, with opportunities for students’ work to be showcased in the community and highlighted nationally through EquallyAble’s outreach campaigns.

The program emphasizes that every child is an artist—and every child deserves a place in the spotlight. By blending creativity with accessibility, the Foundation aims to scale a model of inclusion that can be replicated across the country.

Proposals are now open to public schools and districts nationwide. Full details, including eligibility, deliverables, and timelines, are available in the Proposal (download below). 

About EquallyAble Foundation

The EquallyAble Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities globally with access to education, equipment, employment and inclusion. 

By creating opportunities and removing barriers, EquallyAble works to ensure that people with disabilities can achieve their full potential and participate equally in society. Its programs emphasize innovation, community partnerships, and long-term sustainability. EquallyAble creates initiatives that foster dignity, creativity, and equal participation.

Crayons of Inclusion Program aligns with EquallyAble’s mission by using creativity as a powerful medium for inclusion, skill development, and community engagement. Through this partnership, EquallyAble strengthens its vision of a world where disability is not a barrier to opportunity.