Ability Beyond

Ability Beyond is a non-profit whose mission is to help people with disabilities to access essential community services – from residential support and employment to transportation and recreational opportunities – all with the goal of living full lives in connection with their communities.

When we arrived, we found a rich heritage, shared mission, and extremely dedicated staff. However, the organization’s name, identity, and communications lagged behind its growing vision.

After months of research with employees, external partners, and industry experts, we developed a brand and messaging strategy to organize Ability Beyond’s communications and drive a complete brand transformation.

In parallel with its new name and logo, Ability Beyond now focuses all of its communications around the essence of what the organization embodies: “We discover, build and celebrate ability in all people.”

Client: Ability Beyond
Industry: Health and Human Services, including Employment, Rehabilitation, Housing and Community Supports for Adults with Disabilities
Employees: 1,000 and growing
Locations: Multiple sites across Connecticut and New York
Communications Impact: Brand Strategy, Naming and Brand Architecture, Corporate Identity, Visual System and Design Guidelines, Messaging Platform, Launch planning and communications, Fundraising campaign development, Newsletters and Printed Communications, Signage, Corporate Website, Content Management System

  • Ability Beyond’s initial company name was “Ability Beyond Disability.” Based on our research findings, we recommended removing the negative-sounding "disability" from the brand,—and adopting an approach that celebrates "ability." The old logo had a, with its less-than-positive feel as well, which we thoroughly refreshed to embody become... pPositive imagery, a p. Positive name, and a p. Positive attitude. By focusing on "ability," the organization is now perceived in a more optimistic light.
AB’s website underwent a full redesign to create an intuitive user experience. By clearly presenting information in easy-to-navigate tabs, the organization’s resources are displayed in an eye-catching, effective manner.
Our goal is to create a seamless user experience while staying within brand guidelines. Here, we established not only color palette and logo design, but organized AB’s resources so site visitors can easily find what they need – from getting involved to registering for programs.
  • In conjunction with the website redesign, all of AB’s marketing collateral needed an overhaul to sync their image across various media, from digital to print. This brochure covers AB’s work in the New York/Connecticut area and features colorful, action-oriented photographs that convey the dynamic mission of the organization.
Professional stationary is necessary at an organization that focuses on community engagement – a plain folder or business card is not nearly as effective or memorable as branded items featuring a distinct color palette and imagery.
Ability Beyond is a visible and active part of the community, and their signage needs to be public-facing. We also designed all exterior and interior signage for their office – this team reaction says it all!
  • Ability Beyond needs to tout its success on multiple levels to raise awareness and funds to keep its mission alive. Case studies are the perfect way to communicate achievement while demonstrating the organization’s potential to change lives for the better.
We wanted to capture AB’s staff and volunteers in their daily work helping individuals and families navigate disability – photos such as this work well in marketing collateral to wordlessly demonstrate their mission of empowering all, regardless of ability.
We wanted to capture AB’s staff and volunteers in their daily work helping individuals and families navigate disability – photos such as this work well in marketing collateral to wordlessly demonstrate their mission of empowering all, regardless of ability.
  • The AB staff business cards received the same upgrade in branding strategy to promote their solution-oriented mission.
When presenting to potential fundraising partners or fellow non-profit organizations, AB gives a comprehensive look at what they are capable of as they seek to improve lives. We designed charts, graphs, and infographics for these presentations to communicate their vision in a cohesive, professional way.
To further celebrate AB’s mission and success, we designed and produced inserts for marketing folders to champion their impact on the community and meeting fundraising goals.

What can we do for your non-profit?

Within a cluttered, competition–filled environment exists an opportunity to be better, to be distinctive. Our greatest value is helping brands define and differentiate themselves while simultaneously creating a lasting emotional connection.

For more information about how Berry Creative can help you, please contact us at 203.750.9698