Mission
The mission of the Bright Future Fund (formerly O’Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund) is to offer financial assistance to adults with Down syndrome who are seeking to continue their educational journeys through a postsecondary educational program, an employment training program, a private-pay enrichment program, or local community classes.
History
The NDSS Bright Future Fund, formerly the Joshua O’Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund, was established in January 2005 by Zeshan Tabani to honor his friend, Joshua O’Neill. Joshua, son of former NDSS Board Chair Tom O’Neill, was fortunate to participate in a postsecondary education experience and benefited greatly from this opportunity. Joshua now lives independently, with supports, in New Haven, Connecticut. He works part time and leads a productive and happy life.
As inclusive education opportunities in grades K-12 continue to expand for individuals with Down syndrome, the next step for many young adults with Down syndrome includes pursuing postsecondary educational and employment opportunities. This may include various types of school or training programs beyond the high school level (i.e., community college, four-year university, vocational training program) or community enrichment opportunities.
Financial aid for these opportunities is difficult to come by, and while many young adults with Down syndrome want to continue to enrich their lives through further education after high school, they frequently do not have the financial means to do so.
NDSS is proud to have been chosen to facilitate and administer this grant in connection with the O’Neill family to benefit individuals with Down syndrome as they pursue enrichment and education opportunities.
2024 Scholarship
In collaboration with NDSS, the Bright Future Fund will be providing funding to adults with Down syndrome.