Damian Buchman is the founder of The Ability Center (TAC) and a passionate advocate for universal accessibility and inclusive recreation. A two-time childhood bone cancer survivor, Damian turned his personal story into a lifelong mission to ensure that people of all abilities can play, move, and connect together. Under his leadership, TAC is transforming Greater Milwaukee into a national model for inclusive spaces—where every child, parent, and friend can participate side by side. His work has earned numerous community awards and national recognition for advancing diversity, equity, and accessibility. A devoted father of three, Damian continues to inspire change through his belief that no one should ever be left on the sidelines.

In this episode, Brad and Damian discuss:

• How Damian’s journey as a two-time childhood cancer survivor led him to create The Ability Center
• The challenges and realities of running a nonprofit like a business on limited resources
• What “universal accessibility” really means and how design can erase disability barriers
• The importance of inclusive recreation spaces that allow everyone to play together
• How the Ability Center’s initiatives, like adaptive sports and the Universal Park, are transforming communities nationwide

Key Takeaways: 

• Running a nonprofit requires the same business discipline as any company, but with far fewer financial resources. It’s about strategy, trust, and maximizing every dollar to create impact.
• Inclusive design can remove barriers that disable people when environments are built for everyone; disabilities often disappear.
• Universal accessibility benefits entire families, not just individuals with disabilities. Designing for inclusion brings social and economic rewards for communities.
• The Ability Center’s mission goes beyond disability. It’s about bringing people together through shared play, movement, and connection.
• The future of accessibility lies in collaboration: when governments, donors, and communities invest in inclusion, everyone wins.

“You are disabled by the environment, and if you create environments that are inclusive and accessible, the disability almost disappears.” - Damian Buchman

Connect with Damian Buchman: 

Website: https://tacwi.org/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacwi/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianbuchman/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/theabilitycenter/ 

Additional Resource: http://www.universalpark.org 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.