Carol Tabas

Carol Tabas is passionate about ensuring that young people with disabilities—especially those with complex disabilities, like her son—have full, meaningful lives as adults. Carol’s son Chet, now 32, was born with cerebral palsy.

As the Chair of United Way’s 21 and Able initiative, Carol volunteers to ensure that Chet and young adults like him have a place in the community. She is proud of 21 and Able’s nationally recognized efforts to increase employment opportunities for young people with disabilities, as well as to tackle other serious challenges. “There is a shortage of housing and community programs for people with disabilities,” Carol says. “ 21 and Able is working to create more housing opportunities, and to give people with disabilities more options for independence. That’s our next challenge.”

“21 and Able helps the community understand that we all benefit if young people with disabilities have the chance to make the most of their lives.” That makes a big difference. Carol’s hopeful about what the future holds for Chet, and about what’s possible with the help of United Way and its supporters.