Building leaders of tomorrow by serving people with disabilities today
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The Ability Experience


​The Ability Experience is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves people with disabilities. The Ability Experience was founded in 1977 as the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity with the purpose of instilling lifelong service in its members and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. Although the organization is still fulfilling the purpose for which it was intended, The Ability Experience has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit with numerous programs educating undergraduates, alumni and communities about the abilities of people with disabilities.  

​Through programs of all kinds, participants display The Ability Experience’s four core values (abilities, teamwork, empathy and integrity) while serving others. Although the funds raised are invaluable, just as important is an increased awareness of the amazing things people with disabilities can do, as opposed to focusing on what they can’t.
The Ability Experience’s mission is, “We use shared experiences to support people with disabilities and develop the men of Pi Kappa Phi into servant leaders” which has been fulfilled for more than 35 years. 

Journey of Hope

The signature event of The Ability Experience, Journey of Hope, is a 60-day bike ride across the country. There are three routes (North, South, and Trans-America) which start on the west coast and all arrive in Washington, DC. Participants ride up to 100 miles a day with stops for "friendship visits" with individuals with disabilities. Journey of Hope allows Pi Kapps to see the country in a whole new way, while raising money and awareness for people with disabilities. Our chapter is one of the most active, sending representatives nearly every year.  ​

Ability Experience Carnival

The Ability Experience Carnival is unique to the Virginia Tech chapter of Pi Kappa Phi and we take great pride in this incredible one day event. 

The second annual Ability Experience Carnival drew huge crowds to the Commonwealth Ballroom for a day of games, activities, and dancing. The carnival achieved our goal of creating a welcoming and friendly environment that helped break down the barriers between the VT community and the Southwest Virginia disability community. The carnival theme allowed everyone to interact with our amazing guests while showcasing their impressive abilities.

Sudflood

Sudflood is an all-day music festival hosted by the Virginia Tech chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at Top of the Stairs, a restaurant and bar in the heart of downtown Blacksburg. 100% of the proceeds raised from the concert go to support Ability Experience, the Pi Kappa Phi's national philanthropy-- benefiting people with disabilities since 1977.

Fundraising

Over the years, the Delta Alpha chapter of Pi Kappa Phi has held countless fundraisers for a plethora of pressing issues. Among our favorite fundraisers are the times we've helped local people in need, giving them much needed support and financial assistance. Last year the chapter came together upon hearing of two amazing friend that needed help building an addition onto one of their homes to provide necessary care for a debilitating condition. Last month, the chapter rallied around a family who lost their father in the San Bernardino terror attacks. Part of what makes this brotherhood so strong is our commitment to our values and to helping people in our community. We have never backed down from supporting those in need and take great pride in the work we have done.

Special Olympics Bowling

One of the qualities that distinguish Pi Kapps is unending empathy for others. For more than a decade, Pi Kapp has participated in Special Olympics Bowling every thursday night at the New River Valley Superbowl. We have over 20 brothers on bowling teams with athletes with disabilities and many of our alumni continue this weekly event even after graduation.