Abilities Unlimited

What Abilities Unlimited does

Abilities Unlimited is a Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 1983 as COMTEP and later known as Winners' at Work, that delivers employment, vocational training, and community-integration services to individuals with disabilities on Oahu. Its core offerings are organized into three programs: the Medicaid Waiver Program (serving adults with developmental disabilities referred by the State of Hawaii Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Division with Personal Assistance, Habilitation, Adult Day Health, Community Learning, and Employment Services); the Employment Program (serving consumers referred by the Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation under three contracts — Supported Employment Services, Training and Placement Services, and Ticket to Work); and a Training Program of regularly scheduled on-site and community-based classes. Supporting offerings include the PAES Lab (Practical Assessment Exploration System) launched Fall 2024 for hands-on career exploration across five industries, the Jump Start school-to-work program reaching 14-19 public high schools, Industry Standard Workshops (ISW) in foodservice, retail, and grounds maintenance, Project SEARCH, the Wellness Through Work Camp summer youth internship at Camp Erdman, the SMART class, and the annual Abilities Unlimited Film Festival.

The business model is a hybrid of fee-for-service through state government contracts and charitable giving. The Medicaid Waiver contract with the Hawaii Department of Health and the three DVR contracts constitute the primary revenue engine, while tax-deductible donations (facilitated through preset PayPal tiers of $10 to $1,000 plus custom amounts) supplement program funding, special projects, and facility upkeep. Services are not priced directly to end clients; participants are referred through state programs. Go-to-market is primarily referral-driven through state agencies and schools, supplemented by community outreach, employer partnerships with hundreds of local and national brands (CVS Health, Zippy's, Jersey Mike's, Pizza Hut, Safeway, Applebee's, Foodland, YMCA, among others), presentations at DVR events such as Boot Camp 2024, and awareness events such as the annual film festival. The underlying technology stack is intentionally minimal — a Squarespace-hosted marketing site, no mobile app, no public API or SDK, and no disclosed AI capabilities — consistent with a high-touch, human-delivered vocational services model rather than a software-driven platform. Operations are headquartered in Honolulu across three locations: an admin office at 200 N. Vineyard Blvd, the Employment Program and PAES Lab at 680 Iwilei Ste 600 in the Dole Cannery complex, and the Medicaid Waiver Program office in Suite B256.

Name

Abilities Unlimited

Legal name

Abilities Unlimited

Website

https://auhawaii.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Abilities Unlimited is a Hawaii 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers employment, vocational training, and community-integration services to individuals with disabilities on Oahu, funded primarily through state Medicaid Waiver and DVR contracts plus charitable donations, and operating the PAES Lab, Jump Start, and ISW programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Employment and Vocational Rehabilitation Services

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Special Education Vocational & Transition Programs (18–22) (EDAKAAAG), Special Education Staffing & Contracted Providers (Paras, Therapists, Specialists) (EDAJAKAL), Benefits Counseling & Financial Literacy for Transition-Age Youth (EDAKANAJ)

Keywords

• Disability employment services
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Medicaid waiver services
• Job readiness training
• Supported employment programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Honolulu

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Abilities Unlimited is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on supporters donations to fund programs, special projects, and general upkeep of facilities and technology. Donations are made through PayPal at various preset amounts ($10, $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1000) or custom amounts.
2. Government Contracts - Medicaid Waiver: The organization has a Medicaid Waiver contract with the State of Hawaii Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Division to deliver services to adults with developmental disabilities including Personal Assistance and Habilitation Services, Adult Day Health Services, Community Learning Services, and Employment Services.
3. Government Contracts - DVR Services: The Employment Program serves Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) consumers under three DVR contracts: Supported Employment Services (SES), Training & Placement Services (ET&P), and Employment Network for Social Security Ticket to Work Program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Abilities Unlimited delivers vocational rehabilitation, job readiness training, job placement, and supported employment services to individuals with disabilities on Oahu, Hawaii. It operates three primary programs - the Medicaid Waiver Program for adults with developmental disabilities, the Employment Program for state DVR consumers, and the Training Program - funded through state government contracts and supplemented by charitable donations. Supporting offerings include the PAES Lab, Jump Start high school program, Industry Standard Workshops, Project SEARCH, and youth programs like Wellness Through Work Camp.

Product overview

Abilities Unlimited is a non-profit organization offering a suite of interconnected programs designed to help individuals with disabilities gain employment and achieve independence. The core offerings include the Medicaid Waiver Program (for adults with developmental disabilities referred by the State Department of Health), the Employment Program (for consumers referred by Division of Vocational Rehabilitation), and the Training Program (with regularly scheduled classes). Supporting programs include the PAES Lab (Practical Assessment Exploration System) for career exploration, Jump Start Program for high school students, Industry Standard Workshops (ISW) for vocational pathway exploration, Wellness Through Work Camp for youth, and the Abilities Unlimited Film Festival. The organization was originally established as Winners at Work (COMTEP) in 1983 and rebranded to Abilities Unlimited.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Medicaid Waiver Program A program helping adults with developmental disabilities referred by Hawaii DOH develop the skills needed to work competitively at integrated sites throughout Oahu. Provides support including independent living skills, health and safety habit building, prevocational services, Personal Assistance and Habilitation, Adult Day Health, Community Learning Services, and Employment Services.
• Employment Program Professional job readiness training, job placement, and job maintenance services for individuals with learning, physical, or emotional barriers to employment. Serves consumers referred by the Hawaii Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind Division.
• Training Program Regularly scheduled training classes including on-site task-based training and community-based classes covering academics, vocational goals, self-expression, self-management, fitness, community service and integration.
• PAES Lab (Practical Assessment Exploration System) A career exploration program allowing participants to explore hundreds of real world job tasks across five different job industries including construction, inventory, food prep, and other hands-on skills. Provides hands-on real-world job skills to prepare for competitive employment.
• Jump Start Program Job readiness skills training class designed for students in the special education system, preparing them for competitive employment before exiting high school.
• Industry Standard Workshops (ISW) Industry pathway exploration program for students with disabilities covering foodservice, retail, and grounds maintenance industries. Includes hands-on worksite experiences at partner employers like Ewa Beach Zippy's and CVS Pharmacy.
• Project SEARCH A unique 9-month internship program teaching individuals with disabilities in a real-life and fully supported work setting.
• Wellness Through Work Camp A 6-week internship program for youth including employment readiness training, peer-to-peer mentorship, and a two-week stay at Camp Erdman with employment, independent living, and camp activities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 150 adults with significant disabilities gained and maintained competitive employment
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Applebee'sminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner employer who has hired individuals with disabilities as valuable staff members.
• Big Brothers and SistersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner organization supporting individuals with disabilities.
• Big City DinerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal business community partner.
• City MillminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal business community partner.
• Denny'sminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner employer who has hired individuals with disabilities.
• FoodlandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner employer.
• Hampton Inn & SuitesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner employer.
• Honolulu Biennial FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArts organization partner supporting community engagement.
• Longs DrugsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner employer.
• Kamaaina ReservationsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal business community partner.
• Kountry Style KitchenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal business community partner.
• Papa John'sminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational brand community partner employer.
• Pizza HutminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational brand community partner employer.
• SafewayminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational brand community partner employer.
• SaversminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner employer.
• Simply OrganizedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal business community partner.
• YMCAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner organization offering fitness and community programs.
• Zippy'scoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey community partner; Ewa Beach Zippy's provides hands-on worksite training for ISW Food Service program including front dining room and back of house kitchen duties. Local brand with strong community ties.
• CVS HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCVS Health Workforce Initiatives partnered with Abilities Unlimited to provide ISW Retail/Stock students training at Ewa Beach CVS in customer service, inventory, and re-stocking using electronic devices.
• Jersey Mike's KapoleicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployer partner where Juan Paolo Arnobit was placed as crew member in March 2024. Store Manager Esteban Bonilla hired Paolo for stocking duties.
• Paco's Tacos KapoleicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternship partner for Kristy Norman's Dishwasher internship with job coaching support. General Manager Liz shared how the partnership has been beneficial and inspiring.
• Camp ErdmancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner location for Wellness Through Work Camp - 6-week internship including two-week stay where interns experience employment, independent living, and camp activities.
• State of Hawaii Department of Human Services Division of Vocational RehabilitationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary referral source for Employment Program consumers. AU serves DVR consumers under three contracts: Supported Employment Services, Training & Placement Services, and Employment Network for Social Security Ticket to Work Program.
• State of Hawaii Department of Health Developmental Disabilities DivisioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary referral source for Medicaid Waiver Program. AU holds Medicaid Waiver contract to deliver services including Personal Assistance, Habilitation, Adult Day Health, Community Learning Services, and Employment Services to adults with developmental disabilities.
• Spectrum Local News HawaiiminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFeatured PAES Lab and Open House event on local news in October 2024.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Arc: National nonprofit advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including employment and community-based services. Highly comparable to AU's IDD-focused employment and Medicaid Waiver services, though operating through a federated chapter model.
• SourceAmerica: National nonprofit focused on creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities, including AbilityOne program management and vocational rehabilitation services. Comparable to AU's employment placement mission with a similar vocational rehabilitation orientation.
• National Industries for the Blind (NIB): Nonprofit organization creating employment opportunities for people who are blind or have significant disabilities through AbilityOne contracts and vocational rehabilitation services. Comparable to AU's DVR-funded employment placement model, though with a narrower disability focus.
• United Cerebral Palsy (UCP): National nonprofit providing services for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, including employment supports and community living services. Comparable to AU on disability services and employment focus. Note: AU explicitly launched Project Worthy in partnership with UCP of Hawaii in 2017.

Regional players

• Hawaii Vocational Rehabilitation Division Contractors: Other Hawaii-based providers of vocational rehabilitation services under Hawaii DVR contracts (e.g., other community rehabilitation programs serving Oahu). Direct regional peers competing for the same DVR contract vehicles that AU holds.
• AHRC New York City: Large regional nonprofit providing services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including employment services, day programs, and Medicaid-funded supports. Comparable to AU's Medicaid Waiver-funded services model, though operating in a different geography (NY vs. HI).

Broad incumbents

• Goodwill Industries International: National nonprofit network providing vocational rehabilitation, job training, and placement services for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Directly comparable to AU's mission and service model, but operating at vastly greater national scale.
• Easterseals: National nonprofit providing disability services including employment support, vocational training, and community integration for individuals with disabilities. Comparable to AU across employment, training, and community-based service lines, though with much broader geographic and program reach.

Emerging players

• Best Buddies International: Nonprofit organization supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through friendships, employment, and leadership development. Comparable to AU on employment and community integration for IDD populations, with overlapping programs like AU's Friendship and Dating Program.
• Project SEARCH: International school-to-work transition program for students with disabilities offering yearlong unpaid internships in workplace settings. AU has been a Project SEARCH site since 2017, making this both a partner and a comparable model for AU's school-to-work transition services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Abilities Unlimited