Our History

Our dream for a place for everyone began many years ago when Melodie began to realize that as her son Matthew got older, the availability of inclusive programs for him dwindled. As a child, Matthew loved going to community programs. As he grew older, his love for these programs remained a constant source of happiness, and he thrived in the routine, care, and community they provided. Matthew’s mom, Melodie, is no stranger to navigating uncharted territory. In the face of adversity, Melodie embraced a constant repetition of 'pivot, regroup, and keep moving forward'—a skill she developed while parenting Matthew, who has Down syndrome and autism.

The struggle truly began when Matthew went from the same age as the other participants to the same age as some of the staff members and then was continually denied support for teen programs due to his developmental level and support requirements. Determined not to see Matthew isolated, Melodie faced countless rejections. In this frustrating journey, Ashley, Matthew's older sister, and Austin, a supervisor and advocate within these programs, joined forces. Both professionally and personally invested, they tirelessly sought alternatives alongside Melodie, driven by their shared passion for inclusivity.

For years, the three of them had countless conversations expressing frustration with the current support available, joking with one another about just doing it themselves. In May 2023, their collective frustration transformed into 'All Around & Upside Down.' The name, inspired by a photo of Matthew being silly during one of his soccer programs, reflects the spirit of the organization—a place where being different is not only accepted but celebrated.

Matthew and his friends are the heartbeat of AAUD, a testament to the organization's genuine understanding of the need for inclusive and affordable programs. Facing the challenges of raising children and teens with diverse abilities, families will find comfort in AAUD's mission—to foster a community where individuals of all abilities and their families can feel supported and have a space where they are accepted and understood.

Behind the scenes, our dedicated Board of Directors, consisting of individuals with a long history of community impact, is working tirelessly to turn AAUD's dream into a reality. Along the way, we have continued to encounter setbacks and unforeseen challenges. Yet, our commitment to creating a community where everyone feels not just included but truly welcomed, supported, and cared for remains unshaken.

Our journey is a testament to the belief that inclusivity is not merely a goal; it's a heartfelt commitment. As we reflect on our history, we see the passion, resilience, and love that extends beyond Matthew's story—it encompasses the beautiful narratives of every individual we aim to embrace and support.