{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"ABLE Program","outOfStateSupporters":56.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8402095,"projectId":9968183,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating the vibration neck pillow, fidgets, chew necklaces and deep pressure vibration tool. Your thoughtful contribution is already making a meaningful impact, and my students and I truly appreciate your support.\r\n\r\nSensory tools like these play an important role in promoting comfort, regulation, and overall well-being. The vibration neck pillow provides calming sensory input that can help ease tension, reduce stress, and create a greater sense of relaxation. The deep pressure vibration tool offers additional sensory support that can help individuals feel grounded, safe, and more in control of their bodies and emotions. For many of the individuals we serve, access to supportive sensory equipment can make a significant difference in their ability to focus, participate, and engage throughout the day.","fullyFundedDate":1767149955725,"projectUrl":"project/super-sensory-supports/9968183/","projectTitle":"Super Sensory Supports!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alexa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8402095_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649085968147","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8402095"},{"teacherId":827854,"projectId":9966286,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project and for believing in my students and their potential. Your generosity has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our classroom, and I am incredibly grateful for your willingness to invest in the growth, confidence, and independence of students with autism.\r\n\r\nMy students work hard every single day to develop fine motor skills that many people take for granted. Skills such as grasping, pinching, coordinating both hands together, and manipulating small objects are foundational for everyday tasks like writing, cutting, dressing, and self-care. For students with autism, these skills often require intentional practice, repetition, and supportive tools that meet them at their developmental level. Thanks to you, my students now have access to engaging fine motor games and hands-on learning tools that make this practice meaningful, motivating, and successful.","fullyFundedDate":1767197642641,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-build-strong-hands-str/9966286/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Build Strong Hands, Stronger Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Melissa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp827854_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1576281594002","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/827854"},{"teacherId":240774,"projectId":9884730,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of left-handed scissors to our classroom! Your thoughtful support ensures that every student has access to tools designed specifically for their needs. Something as simple as the correct pair of scissors can make a tremendous difference in a child's comfort, confidence, and ability to fully participate in classroom activities.\r\n\r\nFor our left-handed learners, using standard scissors can be frustrating and even discouraging. Left-handed scissors allow students to cut accurately, safely, and with greater ease. This helps them focus on the task itself—whether it's completing a fine motor activity, creating an art project, or assembling a hands-on learning assignment—rather than struggling with the tool. Providing equitable materials promotes independence and builds important fine motor skills.\r\n\r\nYour donation shows our students that their individual needs matter. When children feel supported with the right tools, they gain confidence and take pride in their work. Because of your generosity, our classroom is more inclusive and better equipped to help every learner succeed. Thank you for investing in our students and helping us create an environment where all children can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1767128797017,"projectUrl":"project/left-handed-scissors-for-classroom-and-h/9884730/","projectTitle":"Left-Handed Scissors for Classroom and Home Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bantsolas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp240774_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1593400123684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/stephaniebantsolas"},{"teacherId":240774,"projectId":9884485,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of snacks to our classroom through DonorsChoose! Your kindness is making a direct and meaningful impact on our students each and every day. Having access to snacks such as fruit snacks, crackers, and other easy-to-enjoy options ensures that our students are fueled and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nFor many children, a small snack can make a big difference. When students are hungry, it can be difficult for them to focus, regulate their emotions, and fully participate in lessons. Because of your support, we are able to provide quick, convenient snacks that help students maintain energy, improve concentration, and feel comfortable throughout the school day. This is especially important during long mornings, busy afternoons, or days filled with extra activities.\r\n\r\nBeyond meeting physical needs, your donation also shows our students that there are people who care about them and want them to succeed. That message is powerful. Knowing that members of the community are investing in their well-being helps students feel valued and supported. Your generosity allows us to create a nurturing classroom environment where every child can focus on learning without worry. Thank you for helping us care for both the minds and the needs of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1766189727414,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-young-minds-with-healthy-snacks/9884485/","projectTitle":"Fueling Young Minds with Healthy Snacks!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bantsolas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp240774_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1593400123684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/stephaniebantsolas"},{"teacherId":240774,"projectId":9878469,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of Magna-Tiles to our classroom! Your support has provided our students with an engaging, hands-on learning tool that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. From the moment the Magna-Tiles were introduced, students were excited to explore, build, and experiment with new ideas.\r\n\r\nMagna-Tiles are much more than a building toy — they support essential academic and developmental skills. Students are strengthening their understanding of shapes, patterns, symmetry, and spatial awareness while naturally incorporating math and engineering concepts into their play. They are also practicing communication, problem-solving, and teamwork as they plan structures together and work through challenges. For many of my learners, especially those who benefit from visual and tactile experiences, these materials provide meaningful access to learning in a way that feels fun and motivating.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the Magna-Tiles have become a tool for building confidence and perseverance. Students feel proud when they complete a structure or improve upon a previous design. Your generosity has brought excitement, creativity, and joyful learning into our classroom. We are truly grateful for your support and for investing in experiences that help our students grow.","fullyFundedDate":1766189726149,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-with-magna-tiles/9878469/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds with Magna-Tiles!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bantsolas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp240774_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1593400123684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/stephaniebantsolas"},{"teacherId":240774,"projectId":9454295,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom celebrations through your generous DonorsChoose donation! The birthday crowns, stickers, 100th Day of School materials, and other celebration supplies bring so much joy and excitement to our students. These special touches help make school a place where children feel valued, recognized, and celebrated.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, classroom celebrations are meaningful moments that build confidence and create lasting memories. A simple birthday crown or a festive sticker can brighten a child's entire day and help them feel seen and important. Celebrating milestones like the 100th Day of School also reinforces learning in a fun, engaging way that strengthens both academic and social skills.\r\n\r\nYour kindness helps us create a positive classroom community where achievements—big and small—are acknowledged and celebrated. Thank you for helping us make our classroom a place filled with encouragement, joy, and special moments our students will always remember.","fullyFundedDate":1762203222146,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-milestones-and-smiles-in-our/9454295/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Milestones and Smiles in Our Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bantsolas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp240774_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1593400123684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/stephaniebantsolas"},{"teacherId":8945295,"projectId":9674798,"letterContent":"This project has made a meaningful difference in my students' daily access to communication. While many donors use technology at home for convenience or entertainment, AAC devices in our classroom serve a much more powerful purpose—they are my students' voices. These devices allow students who are non-speaking or have limited functional language to request help, answer questions, participate in group discussions, and build friendships. When students have consistent, reliable access to their device, their engagement and independence increase significantly.\r\n\r\nThe addition of durable carrying cases has been especially impactful. The most exciting part for my students is the independence it provides. They are able to safely transport their device between classrooms, to specials, lunch, and even recess without fear of damage. The cases make the devices more accessible and less fragile, which reduces adult hesitation and increases spontaneous communication opportunities throughout the day.","fullyFundedDate":1762266415104,"projectUrl":"project/carrying-communication-forward/9674798/","projectTitle":"Carrying Communication Forward","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kerry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8945295_orig.jpg?crop=1137,1137,x1954,y1097&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757096606874","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8945295"},{"teacherId":8035936,"projectId":9761104,"letterContent":"Thank you of donating all these amazing materials to my classroom. The staff and students are so excited to get started on using them. We will be pouring the large bottle of cleaner into smaller bottles that the students can manage independently, the velcro will be used for binders, visual schedules, daily activities and so much more. Thank you again for all that you have done for my classroom of amazing students. People like you are the reason that education remains fun for the students and teachers.","fullyFundedDate":1769268717688,"projectUrl":"project/work-velcro-wipe-redo/9761104/","projectTitle":"Work, Velcro, Wipe, Redo","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fusner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8035936_orig.png?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771444680374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8035936"},{"teacherId":827854,"projectId":9855858,"letterContent":"My students are incredible high school learners with autism and intellectual disabilities who work hard every day to build communication, daily living, and job skills that will help them become more independent. In our classroom, we focus on vocational training and work-based learning through the PAES lab, where structure, routine, and hands-on experiences are essential for student success. The laptop plays a critical role in helping students connect classroom learning to real-world employment expectations. By using the laptop as a \"digital time clock,\" students sign in and out independently each day, practicing responsibility, time management, and accountability in a way that mirrors a real workplace.","fullyFundedDate":1761955884815,"projectUrl":"project/building-independence-through-technology/9855858/","projectTitle":"Building Independence Through Technology: Workplace Readiness for All","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Melissa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp827854_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1576281594002","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/827854"},{"teacherId":240774,"projectId":9443790,"letterContent":"We want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your generous donation of Scholastic magazines to our classroom. Your support allows our students to have access to engaging reading materials that they genuinely enjoy. Each issue brings new stories, interesting facts, and exciting activities that spark curiosity and foster a love for reading.\r\n\r\nThe students are absolutely thrilled each time a new magazine arrives. They eagerly explore the pages, sharing what they've learned with classmates and discussing their favorite stories. These magazines have quickly become a favorite part of our classroom routine, encouraging students to read independently and enhancing their comprehension skills.\r\n\r\nYour thoughtful contribution has truly made a difference in our students' learning experiences. Thank you for helping us provide resources that inspire and motivate our young learners. We deeply appreciate your generosity and continued support.","fullyFundedDate":1760733431746,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-science-to-life-with-scholastic/9443790/","projectTitle":"Bringing Science to Life with Scholastic Magazines!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bantsolas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp240774_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1593400123684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/stephaniebantsolas"},{"teacherId":8035936,"projectId":9063987,"letterContent":"Thank you for all your support. The students are loving having all the new supplies in the classroom. They have had a great start to the school year! All the students have been taught by staff how to use the supplies correctly to ensure that they will be able to be used for years to come. Without your support the students would not have the opportunity that they have. The students love using all the materials that were supplied, watching them learn and play is really fun. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1747150270112,"projectUrl":"project/bright-learners/9063987/","projectTitle":"Bright Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fusner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8035936_orig.png?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771444680374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8035936"},{"teacherId":8035936,"projectId":9059084,"letterContent":"Thank you for all your support. The students are loving having all the new supplies in the classroom. They have had a great start to the school year! All the students have been taught by staff how to use the supplies correctly to ensure that they will be able to be used for years to come. Without your support the students would not have the opportunity that they have. The students love using all the materials that were supplied, watching them learn and play is really fun. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1746537732017,"projectUrl":"project/individual-responsibility/9059084/","projectTitle":"Individual Responsibility","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fusner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8035936_orig.png?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771444680374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8035936"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_101769","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":36,"percentAsian":10,"percentBlack":28,"percentWhite":27,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Weighted Average","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":43.1,"schoolId":101769,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about ABLE Program on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"ABLE Program","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/illinois-dept-of-education/able-program-garfield-school/101769"}
Join the 274 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
ABLE Program is
a public school
in South Holland, Illinois that is part of Illinois Dept Of Education.
Its teachers have had 165 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
66%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
ABLE Program Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 22, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
ABLE Program
$44,995
raised using DonorsChoose
165
projects
funded
21
teachers
funded
274
donors
28
projects
for
basic supplies
27
projects for
technology
10
projects for
books
17
projects
for
art supplies
ABLE Program has received support from
118 individuals from Illinois and
156 individuals out-of-state.