About us
A movement founded and run by students
Empower InvisAbilities began with high school students in Virginia who watched people they love struggle with disabilities the world could not see. We decided to change what the world sees.
Invisible disabilities are everywhere: in our classrooms, our families, and our friendships. What is missing is recognition. That is the gap we exist to close.
Empower InvisAbilities was founded from our deep personal connections to those we love and care about. We watched individuals with invisible disabilities like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, chronic illness, and hearing loss get overlooked, not because their challenges were not real, but because they were not visible.
We started this organization to raise awareness, advocate for inclusion, and provide resources for those facing these challenges. Today we are a registered 501(c)(3) with 23 chapters in 14 countries, specialist-approved teacher toolkits, and programs that have reached more than 10,000 people.
Every chapter, workshop, and campaign is planned and led by students. We believe environments should value people for their abilities rather than their appearances, and we are building that world one community at a time.
Our mission
To raise awareness, promote inclusion, and advocate for the needs of individuals with unique abilities through community engagement, education, and targeted support initiatives.
Our vision
Free and accessible education about invisible disabilities for every community, so that everyone feels recognized, valued, and supported, no matter how visible their disability is.
Core team
The people behind the mission
Navya Tuteja
Navya is passionate about advocating for individuals with invisible disabilities. After witnessing firsthand the challenges her loved ones faced in gaining awareness, understanding, and support, she founded Empower InvisAbilities to bridge that gap. Her mission is to foster a more inclusive society where everyone is valued and empowered, no matter how visible their disability is. She is also the author of the children’s book The Day the Colors Disappeared.
Aashi Bandam
Growing up, Aashi watched close friends struggle with invisible disabilities, often facing misunderstanding and a lack of support from the people around them. Seeing their challenges firsthand showed her how important it is to create spaces where people feel seen and heard. She helped establish Empower InvisAbilities to inspire others to recognize the impact of invisible disabilities and take real steps toward a more understanding world.
Arya Takalkar
Arya helped start Empower InvisAbilities, inspired by her personal connections with loved ones who face the unique challenges of invisible disabilities. Through her work, she aims to build, and to inspire others to build, a supportive environment where anyone and everyone feels valued.
From our founder
The story we read everywhere we go
The Day the Colors Disappeared helps young readers feel what it is like when your struggles are invisible to everyone around you. It anchors our book readings in schools and libraries, and copies have traveled with our donations to classrooms across India.
There is a place for you on this team
Intern with us, volunteer at an event, or lead a chapter in your own city.
Get involved