A Full Life Well Spent

Photograph by William Greenblatt

For almost a decade, Louis Knittel, 37, has been hard at work at a company that creates dentures, bridges, and porcelain crowns for patients.

Mr. Knittel, who was born with cerebral palsy, found his job with the help of the Life Skills Foundation, in St. Louis.

The Life Skills Foundation was founded 35 years ago by a group of parents whose children had disabilities. The parents wanted their kids to find jobs, vote, socialize, and be active members of their community. Today, about one-third of the members of the organization’s Board of Directors are parents of children with disabilities.

“Our philosophy has always been that people with disabilities should be included in the community,” says Wendy Buehler, executive director of Life Skills. “They are always capable of much more than we suspect.”

In a typical year, Life Skills — which operates on an $8-million annual budget — aids 1,200 people with disabilities. In addition to helping some find jobs, Life Skills offers other services, such as a summer camp and other activities for youth.

Mr. Knittel (shown here) was referred to the organization by a relative who signed him up for Life Skills’ socialization program — which helps people with disabilities become involved in their neighborhood and develop personal relationships through various clubs and activities.

Ms. Buehler says the program has helped Mr. Knittel make several new friends, and he has done so well that he has been promoted.

“Years ago, he’d be at home collecting disability-insurance payments, hanging out with his parents,” Ms. Buehler says. “But now he’s out there working, paying taxes, being part of his community.”