our story

How spork! got started

SPORK! is a 501 (c) 3 Nonprofit and website for people who have Cognitive (mental), Physical and Non-Apparent (invisible) differences / disabilities. We are directed and managed by people with disabilities. Our main and most important goal is assist in giving a unique, united and authentic voice to the Disabled community.

We accomplish this goal by documenting the works of both individuals and businesses who support and fight for the Disabled community, as well as creating an integrative network of resources for individuals, activists, designers and care workers

 SPORK! Exclusive: Videos        Articles        Projects          

HISTORY

While still in attendance at the School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago (2010), Whitney Hill and associate, Willa Crolius were both drawn to the idea of an informative magazine publication for those with non- apparent differences (i.e cognitive and learning differences). The new title that was created for the aforementioned groups was unique intellectual.

It was then decided that in order to truly represent and connect with the differently able community, there needed to be more informative and humanizing content than what was typically found in medical journals. It was important that this new content also broke stigmas and misconceptions about the community. And with there being an overall lack of collective published information specifically for adults with non- apparent differences, Whitney and Willa decided that one was desperately needed. 

At the beginning of January 2013, Whitney started to develop SPORK!'s website and social media presence. She also decided to expand the scope of SPORK! by actively soliciting writers, volunteers and videographers who are/advocate for the differently able. 

In September 2013, SPORK! became an Illinois nonprofit and on January 2016 (formally received November 2015), became 501 (c) 3 tax exempt. Whitney currently runs and manages both the website & nonprofit while offering reviews and consultancy services to individuals, while Willa serves on SPORK!'s Board Of Directors.

WHY ARE YOU NAMED SPORK?

Unique. Quirky. Versatile. Innovative. Beloved.

These are the words that describe the characteristics of a spork - a utensil that is neither a spoon or fork, (despite how it looks), but instead an independent merger of the two. 

In a similar manner, regardless of ability or subculture within the differently able / disabled community, it is not difficult to feel caught between the intersectional divide in our society. Being one or the other; living with imposed labels that don’t quite really fit who you are.

We are named SPORK! because we believe the very characteristics that make us, the differently able / disabled stand out, is the exact same thing that makes us unique, quirky, versatile and overall, beloved.

Never forget, an instrument of change comes in a lot of different forms 

why do you Also use the term 'differently able' ?

Differently abled is a euphemistic term for someone who is disabled. It can also apply to people with predominantly physical or cognitive challenges.

Although there is some debate within the community on whether or not “differently able” is an ableist or antiquated term such as “handicapped”, “challenged”, or “special needs” - for many the term recognizes the diversity within the spectrum of disability while also positively describing one’s own ability. Many individuals and societies still struggle with not only the stigma of having a difference, but also by how their environment literally interprets the historical origins of the word “disabled”.

Emptimology of the word disabled (adj.):

"incapacitated," 1630s, past-participle adjective from disable. Earlier it meant "legally disqualified" (mid-15c.)

Ultimately with nearly 90% of SPORK!’s team and writers identifying with having a difference / disability, we continually strive to observe, honor and innovate the community by allowing room for self-identification and cultural intersection.

For those who especially lack a support group, diagnosis, label, platform and/or place within the larger Disabled community, SPORK! proudly welcomes you and your differences.

what is the writing PROCESS like?

SPORK!s Writers are the heart of the organization!

Founder and Director, Whitney Hill, works closely with all Volunteer Writers to help provide technical assistance via. roundtable sessions, writing aid and personal support. Since a large number of SPORK! Writers are new to openly discussing their differences / disabilities, it is very important to us that we ensure a high level of comfort throughout the writing process.

In this remote position, all interactions between Whitney and SPORK! Volunteers are conducted through phone, email and video calls at the convenience and availability of the volunteer. All writing topics and deadlines are self-assigned but can be delegated upon request.

Become a writer!

What is the narration process like?

A majority of SPORK! Volunteer Narrators are professionally trained as Voice Over Actors / Artists. SPORK! tries to ensure that our volunteer narrators are of this quality so that each recording provides a fully immersive experience for readers who are visually impaired and/or have cognitive concerns.

Of course, nothing can compare to a writer reading their own story! We also work with writers who wish to narrate their work by providing light technical assistance for submitted audio files.

In this remote position, all interactions between SPORK! Founder and Director, Whitney Hill, and Volunteers are conducted through phone, email and video calls at the convenience and availability of the volunteer. Deadlines for narrations vary. All completed narrations are added to the Audio Library and accompanied article.

Become a Narrator!

Does SPOrK! sell any of its content?

NO.

At the moment SPORK! operates fully off of volunteer assistance. Outside of donations, we make no profit off of the service we provide to the Disabled community and operate purely out of the need within the community for accessible, non-judgemental, innovative platforms for creatives. 

We do not sell content and claim no ownership to our writers original work, art and/or illustrations.

Have a question? Contact whitney@sporkability.org