Who am I
Amanda Oquist
Founder
Hi, I’m Amanda. I grew up in DFW Texas and since I was 15 years old and first volunteered at Camp Summit (a camp for adults and children with disabilities) I knew that working with individuals with disabilities was my passion. I volunteered there from the ages of 15-17 and then worked there from ages 18-22, working as a camp counselor, unit leader and camper relations cordinator until I got my Emergency Medical Technician license and began working there on the medical team.
I then started running a special needs ministry and working as a caregiver to an amazing young lady Reese who has autism became my best friend over the years. Through this I have gained immense experience in behavior management, personal care, specialized medical care and the management of almost any situation.
Since moving to Pittsburgh I have began working as an Emergency Medical Technician and have been working to grow this nonprofit to ensure that all adults have access to activities and the ability to explore Pittsburgh while making new friends.
Where the Idea Came From
While in college in Texas I began volunteering with an organization called Adventures Unbound that hosts supervised outings for teens and adults with disabilities. After moving to Pittsburgh I could not find any organization that host events for adults with disabilities to with the support of the founder Carrie I was able to launch Ability Outings Pittsburgh to ensure that these outings are accessible to as many people as possible.
Mission and Goals
About Us…
Ability Outings Pittsburgh is dedicated to offering unforgettable, supervised group outings for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. Our team is committed to providing personalized support for adults, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on every outing.
Our Mission…
Our mission is to empower individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities by facilitating inclusive social experiences through group outings. We aim to provide the highest level of care, enabling participants to engage in meaningful activities with dignity and respect.
Our Goals…
We strive to expand access to outings for as many individuals as possible, helping to foster inclusion and community connection. Our goal is to ensure that all participants are medically stable and able to comfortably enjoy group activities while maintaining safety and a sense of independence.