About
The Ability Experience, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 1977 and remains the exclusive philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi with the purpose of instilling lifelong service in our fraternity members and serving people with disabilities.
Here at FGCU, our brothers exemplify the strong believes of our philanthropy’s being by creating experiences that promote the abilities of all people and working to eliminate labels, specially for those with disabilities. We raise Awareness, Fundraise, and Volunteer in our community and fraternity’s national programs.
Awareness
Disability doesn’t mean ‘inability’. By promoting an understanding of another person’s situation, feelings, thoughts and attitudes, The Ability Experience’s empathy training exercises simulate what it may be like to live with a disability. Individuals gain firsthand experience and a better perspective on some of the challenges that people with disabilities face in their lives every day
Fundraising
With over 180 chapters fundraising a total of over $750,000 annually for The Ability Experience, Pi Kappa Phi truly excels beyond all other fraternities in philanthropic fundraising. Creative fundraising events like bike-a-thons have helped the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi collectively fundraise over $15 million in support of The Ability Experience’s programs. These funds are distributed across the country to benefit people with disabilities and provide more service opportunities for the men of Pi Kappa Phi.
Volunteerism
There’s no better way to learn about people with disabilities than through direct interaction. When volunteering, members get to truly see the person first and realize their abilities. Volunteer relationship activities include anything from bowling, lending a hand to fix things around their facilities or even being part of the Best Buddies program with someone with a disability. The possibilities are endless and both the chapter members and people with disabilities always benefit from the experience.
Ability Camp
Ability Camps are national service projects that provide funding and manpower to build and renovate structures for camps and facilities serving the disability community. Members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity from various universities construct accessible fishing piers, boardwalks, pavilions, playgrounds and more in an effort to highlight the abilities of people with disabilities. The work done will help enhance the lives of people with disabilities while also building bonds of brotherhood.
Journey Of Hope
In 1987, one man’s dream of riding his bike across the country came true. What he did not know was the inspiration and motivation his trek across America would give to The Ability Experience. The very next year, his ride inspired The Ability Experience to create the largest fraternal fundraising and awareness event of its kind, the Journey of Hope. Today the Journey of Hope covers 32 different states, cycling over 12,000 miles combined, it is solely comprised of members of Pi Kappa Phi and continues to spread a message of acceptance and understanding for people with disabilities.
Gear Up Florida
Since 1997, over 500 Pi Kappa Phi men have participated in Gear Up Florida. Each year, the team raises over $80,000 to benefit people with disabilities. Gear Up Florida was created with one mission in mind: to reach out to as many people as possible across the state of Florida, spreading a message of acceptance and understanding on behalf of people with disabilities. Gear Up Florida has served that mission well by creating an event that is touted as "The best two weeks of programming The Ability Experience has to offer.”
Build America
Started in 2003, Build America is a four-week team event traveling the country promoting accessible recreation for people with disabilities. From the construction of accessible amenities at camps to wilderness adventures with athletes with disabilities, Build America teams exemplify our mission better than anyone!
Best Buddies
As Our national partner, Best Buddies and the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi actively engage with the community and strive to diminish the differences between individuals with disabilities and the major society.
Here at Florida Gulf Coast University, We value Our relationship with Best Buddies by collaborating in large scale events and creating inclusive environments that persist in shaping the culture and perception on people with disabilities.