Every Child Deserves to Be Seen.
Every Family Deserves Support.

Building compassion, inclusion, and understanding for children with severe disabilities through awareness, connection, and community.

What We Do

The Emily Hughes Foundation helps students, families, and communities build empathy, inclusion, and belonging through real exposure and meaningful connection. We envision schools and communities where children of all abilities are seen, included, and supported as a natural part of everyday life.

Family posing with Minnie Mouse in a pink dress at a Disney-themed character meet-and-greet
Abstract lavender floral swirl pattern with a central dot on a white background
Smiling young girl in a wheelchair wearing a purple owl-print shirt and multiple colorful medals
Young girl with a purple hair bow using a yellow walker outdoors
Abstract lavender three-lobed loop symbol with a central circular dot on a black background
Young woman in a wheelchair wearing a cream sweater, surrounded by pink hearts, flowers, stars, and decorative squiggles.

Our Story Begins With Emily

Emily was a thriving toddler until Rett syndrome changed the course of her development. She lost skills, her speech disappeared, and daily life became complex. But Emily is more than her diagnosis. She understands, she laughs, she has preferences and personality, and she feels deeply.

What hurt most was not the diagnosis, but the way people responded. Stares. Uncertainty. Distance. Not from cruelty, but from lack of exposure.

The Emily Hughes Foundation was created to change that—so children like Emily are seen, included, and surrounded by understanding.

Read Emily's Story

Join us in creating belonging.

Support the mission