About

Expanding Opportunities for Children with Communication and Developmental Disabilities

Across the United States, a growing number of children are being identified with communication-related disabilities, including speech, language, social communication, and developmental challenges. These conditions can significantly impact a child’s ability to learn, connect with others, and thrive in everyday life.

As awareness increases, so does the demand for effective therapies, educational supports, and specialized interventions. While progress has been made in expanding services, many families still face substantial financial barriers. Intensive, evidence-based therapies are often costly, and public schools frequently lack the resources to provide the level of individualized support many children require.

Research consistently shows that the long-term financial burden of supporting individuals with developmental and communication-related disabilities can be overwhelming for families. Ongoing education, therapy, and medical care may add thousands of dollars in additional annual expenses—costs that place critical interventions out of reach for too many children.

We believe every child deserves access to the tools and support they need to communicate, learn, and succeed. C.A.D.E. exists to help make that possible.

Through grants, C.A.D.E. provides financial assistance for evidence-based education, therapy, and medical interventions for children with communication-related disabilities whose families lack the necessary resources. Since 2014, C.A.D.E. has distributed more than $500,000 in support to families in Minnesota—helping children build skills, confidence, and independence so they can lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Our mission is driven by families, for families.

C.A.D.E. is a 100% volunteer-run organization, from our Board of Directors to our event volunteers. This ensures that every dollar raised through donations and fundraising events goes directly toward funding grants for children and families in Minnesota.

Our founders, board members, and volunteers have firsthand experience supporting loved ones with communication and developmental challenges. This personal connection fuels our commitment to expanding access to effective education, therapy, and medical care—while also supporting efforts to better understand the causes of these disabilities and improve intervention outcomes.

And we’re just getting started.

C.A.D.E. is dedicated to growing its impact and reaching more families in need. Together, we can help ensure that every child has the opportunity to find their voice and reach their full potential.

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we're making a difference

We empower communication so every voice can be heard.

About

Communication and Disability Empowerment

Making a Difference Through Communication

Communication and Disability Empowerment (CADE) is dedicated to supporting individuals and families by ensuring access to communication tools, advocacy, and inclusive resources. We believe communication is a fundamental human right—every voice deserves to be heard without labels, limits, or barriers.

Through grants, education, and advocacy, we work to remove obstacles that prevent people from expressing themselves and fully participating in their communities.

CADE exists to amplify the voices of non-speaking people with disabilities and to dismantle the barriers that prevent full participation in education, healthcare, and civic life.

Support Communication Access

We believe:

  • Communication does not require speech

  • Intelligence is not measured by spoken language

  • Access to communication is foundational to autonomy, dignity, and safety

  • Non-speaking individuals must be included in policy and program design

  • Families deserve accurate information and meaningful support

CADE’s work includes:

  • Education on spelling- and typing-based communication

  • Advocacy for non-speaking individuals in schools, healthcare, and public policy

  • Support for families seeking communication access

  • Collaboration with disability-led and community organizations

  • Engagement with local, state, and federal policymakers

Our approach is grounded in presuming competence, lived experience, and respect for neurodiversity.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower individuals of all abilities by funding communication tools, amplifying advocacy efforts, and sharing practical resources that create inclusive and accessible environments for everyone.

We focus on meaningful, impact-driven support that helps people communicate in the way that works best for them.

Our Impact

With the support of experienced professionals, volunteers, and advocates, CADE continues to expand communication access for individuals and families. Every grant awarded and resource shared moves us closer to a more inclusive and accessible future.

Jennifer Larson

Jennifer is a parent to a child with Autism. She has been interviewed by Brent Bowers of the New York Times (Out of Adversity an Opportunity, Entrepreneurs Press On, and Obstacles Fall) and wrote Is He High Functioning on the Age of Autism. She graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a B.A. in Marketing, Psychology and Speech Communication and with a minor in Studio Arts and Art History.

Parent & Advocate

Jennifer is a parent to a child with Autism and actively advocates for the autism community.

Experienced Author & Speaker

Featured in the New York Times and author of Is He High Functioning on the Age of Autism.

Educational Background

Holds a B.A. in Marketing, Psychology, and Speech Communication, with a minor in Studio Arts and Art History from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.