At FWA, we believe in creating a world where everyone regardless of ability has access to friendship, opportunity, and joy. From monthly Connect & Thrive meetups to seasonal special events, FWA brings people together in safe, accessible, and uplifting environments.

Whether it’s smiles and support animals, adaptive recreation, cultural outings, or open-mic karaoke nights, FWA is more than just a program it’s a grassroots movement dedicated to improving quality of life for our participants and making community inclusion the norm.

About FWA

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Our Mission & Vision

VISION

We envision a world where people with physical disabilities—especially those from underserved and historically excluded communities, lead lives of independence, purpose, and joy. Rooted in the values of inclusion, equity, visibility, and leadership, we strive for communities where accessibility is universal, every voice is heard, and all people are empowered to thrive and belong without limits.

Our Story

Friends with Abilities was founded in Grand Rapids to address the barriers of accessibility, visibility, and inclusion faced by people with physical disabilities. Rooted in lived experience — and led by a Program Director who is visually impaired — our organization ensures that people with disabilities are not only served but also empowered to lead.

We began with community conversations and peer-support gatherings that created safe, inclusive spaces for connection. Over time, we expanded into partnerships with local agencies, accessible wellness initiatives, transportation support, and digital outreach.

Friends with Abilities is more than a program; it is a community movement. Our mission is to ensure that people with disabilities are seen, heard, and valued — building a healthier, more inclusive Grand Rapids and Kent County for all.

What began as small meetups in local community spaces has now grown into a growing network of advocates, families, volunteers, and organizations working together to ensure that inclusion is real, visible, and celebrated.

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Meet Paul D. Mayfield, CEO

Paul Mayfield – Educator, Advocate, and Founder of Friends with Abilities

With a lifelong passion for education and social impact, Paul Mayfeild has spent over two decades empowering youth and inspiring change. A certified educator in the state of Michigan with a specialization in K-5 all subjects and 6-8 History and Geography, Paul dedicated more than 20 years to teaching middle school students—creating inclusive, dynamic learning environments that helped shape the minds and values of future leaders.

Paul holds a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Michigan State University. He also earned credits toward a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, including international study at the Anita Antipolis University Overseas Study Program in Valbonne, France.

After losing his vision, Paul was faced with the difficult decision to leave the classroom. Rather than stepping away from his calling, he transformed his personal journey into purpose—founding Friends with Abilities, a nonprofit organization that empowers people with physical disabilities to thrive in every aspect of life. Through advocacy, community engagement, and accessible programming, Friends with Abilities is building a more inclusive world—one where everyone belongs.

Today, Paul is a powerful voice for inclusive education and disability rights. His story is one of resilience, reinvention, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others.

:CONTACT

Paul D. Mayfield, CEO

📞 248-460-6070

📧 PM@FWADA.org

🌐 www.FWADA.org

Join the mission today at www.FWADA.org

#FriendsWithAbilities #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleJoy #FWA

Meet the Team