Many people face struggles and inconveniences on a day-to-day basis. But unlike common bottlenecks that have solutions, people with disabilities do not have a quick fix to it. And while their living situations can be tough enough as it is, society makes it even harder by being filled with discriminatory people and policies that put those with disabilities at an even bigger disadvantage. Seeing and experiencing this happen to her child firsthand, Lisa Ciao decided she had had enough of it. If the world could not provide people with disabilities a level playing field and opportunities that others got to have a go at, she resolved to take matters into her own hands and build an organization that would.
While she is more known for stellar cleaning services from her company, Maid For You Inc., and the irreplaceable decades’ worth of value they’ve brought to the community, Lisa Ciao is a supermom who juggles more than the average human can carry. She has co-authored multiple anthologies and even singularly authored a children’s book inspired by her son, “Anthony’s Way, I AM ME!” But, aside from all these endeavors, Lisa is also a loving mother.
Upon Anthony’s diagnosis of Kleefstra Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability, Lisa’s life changed significantly. Her experiences are captured by pen and paper, with personal parts of her life littering the books she has written. Centered around the goal of not only telling the story of her son but also spreading awareness about his special needs and uniqueness, Lisa hopes to inspire special needs families throughout their own journey. By churning out content and books that let them know they’re not alone, she hopes to encourage others to take steps to reach out to communities that are there to help – just like Anthony’s CIAO.
Anthony’s Center For Independent Adult Opportunities, abbreviated Anthony’s CIAO, was inspired by Lisa’s son, whose name was also used for the nonprofit. With the aim to provide an opportunity for growth and independence for those living with intellectual disABILITIES like Anthony, the organization helps to promote job training, job creation, and recreation. In addition, they are a safe space offering support and a community of similar people working to live their best lives.
More than providing help and support to people with disABILITIES, in order for them to be able to live meaningful lives, Anthony’s CIAO hopes to be a self-sustaining community. The nonprofit is slowly working towards becoming a center that comes with housing, support staff, and community facilities. Their ultimate goal is to become a safe haven and a place where people with disABILITIES can live independently while also receiving the support they need.
Though status-quo is constantly failing people in the community, much more so those with special needs, it is people like Lisa Ciao that step up to fill in the gaps. With initiatives like Anthony’s CIAO nonprofit organization to make sure people with disABILITIES are not left behind, society is one step closer to a better and more inclusive world.
