Accessibility & Inclusion

At Advocate Fundraising, inclusion isn’t a buzzword—it’s a starting point.

From Lived Experience to Lasting Change

Nichole Yamchuk, the Founder of AF, has lived with hearing impairment since childhood. She was often misunderstood—labeled a “difficult child” and later a “distracted employee”—before being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood.

These lived experiences shaped not only her resilience, but her deep commitment to creating systems where everyone is seen, heard, and respected.

From working hands-on with children and youth with disabilities to supporting organizations that provide housing and assistive technology for persons with disabilities, Nichole has never stopped advocating.

She’s stood alongside foster youth with complex needs, helped launch adaptive devices like netClé, and fundraised for inclusive housing initiatives.

But even in the disability sector, barriers persist.

Twice, Nichole was denied basic accessibility accommodations in the workplace—once being told, “You’ll be fine,” when she requested audio support for virtual meetings, and another time denied flexible meeting participation because it might “disrupt the team.”

Both organizations proudly served people with disabilities—just not the ones working for them.

At Advocate Fundraising, We Lead Differently

We believe accessibility isn’t something you have to prove. If someone says they need an accommodation, we trust them. Full stop. Inclusivity isn’t an afterthought—it’s our foundation

Nichole’s 2021 birthday fundraiser (peer-to-peer) video to support the Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation and its 6 affiliated partner

While the fundraiser has ended, you can still support this amazing organization by donating to the Disability Foundation

volunteering-and-delivering-masks-to-people-with-disabilities-and-their-families-before-masks-were-readily-available.

Volunteering and delivering masks to people with disabilities and their families before masks were readily available.

Access for All: AF’s Commitment to Inclusion

Advocate Fundraising, firmly believes in the principles of inclusion and accessibility for all. Advocating for a more supportive and inclusive environment for individuals of varying abilities is central to the work she does.

AF actively pushes for accessible solutions that meet people where they are—whether that means adapting physical spaces, simplifying communication tools, or reimagining how services are delivered.

netClé

Between 2019 and 2022, Nichole was a part of the team that facilitated the successful market launch of the netClé (pronounced net-clay) device for Tetra Society of North America, as a part of their Social Enterprise initiative.

The netClé device was developed to enhance accessibility for individuals with limited hand and/or arm mobility/function, providing them with a more customized and user-friendly way to operate their computers. 

netClé-add-ons

The netClé device comes with a range of add-ons, including:

  1. Sensors

  2. Small and Large Joysticks

  3. Switches

  4. Head Gyro

Contact the Tetra Society if you or someone you know could benefit from a customized assistive device

netClé-Tetra-Society-of-North-America

“I had the pleasure of working with Nichole Yamchuk and saw firsthand her dedication, to our organization and a desire to make the world a better place. She has the ability to connect with people and was very successful in raising funds for our organization. Including the number of national grants. Nichole will do her best to understand what your organization's needs are and help you reach your fundraising goals. I look forward to working with her again in the future.”

 

- Eric Molendyk, Program Manager

Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation