About the Ability Experience
Realizing the Potential of Every Individual
Since our inception, thousands of members, alumni and communities have joined us, engaging in meaningful, hands-on service opportunities. Through programs like the Journey of Hope and Gear Up events, we’ve raised millions and provided direct support to countless people, proving that the greatest impact often comes from serving others.
Our four core values — abilities, teamwork, empathy and integrity — are at the heart of everything we do. It’s not just about raising funds; it’s about raising awareness and changing perspectives.
Our Mission
We use shared experiences to support people with disabilities and develop the men of Pi Kappa Phi into servant leaders.
Our Vision
Create a community, one relationship at a time, where the abilities of all people are recognized and valued.
Our Values
Abilities, Teamwork, Empathy and Integrity
Our History
A Fraternity with a Heart: The Birth of a National Service Project
In the 1970s, Executive Director Durward Owen saw a chance to unify Pi Kappa Phi brothers behind a meaningful cause. After a few attempts at collaborations with service organizations did not pan out, he remained determined. In 1976, Owen met sculptor Thomas Sayre, whose accessible play units for children with disabilities sparked a bold idea. By 1977, Pi Kappa Phi had adopted P.U.S.H. as its national service project. What began as one hands-on initiative soon evolved into a movement that transformed the Fraternity’s purpose and culture forever.
The Ride That Set Our Mission in Motion: Journey of Hope
In 1987, Bruce Rogers, Chi (Stetson), cycled from Oregon to Virginia to raise money for PUSH America. His ride sparked a movement. The next year, a 21-member team led by Jim Karlovec, Delta Sigma (Bowling Green State), completed the first Journey of Hope. Since then, more than 2,400 Pi Kappa Phi brothers have cycled across the country, raising awareness and funds for people with disabilities. The teams ride more than 8,000 combined miles each summer, stopping for Friendship Visits and spreading a message of inclusion. The Journey of Hope remains a powerful tradition of endurance, empathy and brotherhood.
A Fraternity with a Heart: The Birth of a National Service Project
In the 1970s, Executive Director Durward Owen saw a chance to unify Pi Kappa Phi brothers behind a meaningful cause. After a few attempts at collaborations with service organizations did not pan out, he remained determined. In 1976, Owen met sculptor Thomas Sayre, whose accessible play units for children with disabilities sparked a bold idea. By 1977, Pi Kappa Phi had adopted P.U.S.H. as its national service project. What began as one hands-on initiative soon evolved into a movement that transformed the Fraternity’s purpose and culture forever.
The Ride That Set Our Mission in Motion: Journey of Hope
In 1987, Bruce Rogers, Chi (Stetson), cycled from Oregon to Virginia to raise money for PUSH America. His ride sparked a movement. The next year, a 21-member team led by Jim Karlovec, Delta Sigma (Bowling Green State), completed the first Journey of Hope. Since then, more than 2,400 Pi Kappa Phi brothers have cycled across the country, raising awareness and funds for people with disabilities. The teams ride more than 8,000 combined miles each summer, stopping for Friendship Visits and spreading a message of inclusion. The Journey of Hope remains a powerful tradition of endurance, empathy and brotherhood.
Brotherhood in Action: Building a Better Tomorrow
Construction-based service began in 1989 with the first Ability Weekend at Holy Angels in Charlotte. In 1991, brothers gave up spring break for Ability Camp, a week of hands-on service and fun. The work expanded to include AccessABILITY projects in 1994 and the launch of Build America in 2003, a six-week journey to camps across the country. Though Build America paused in 2020, the spirit lives on in local Ability Camps. Brothers continue to build accessible spaces and lasting bonds through construction that serves a greater purpose.
Continuing the Journey in the Sunshine State: Gear Up Florida
In 1997, Gear Up Florida was born as a two-week cycling experience inspired by the Journey of Hope. Each May, riders cycle 850 miles through 13 cities, ending at the Capitol in Tallahassee. The trip is packed with Friendship Visits where brothers connect with local groups that support people with disabilities. More than 500 Pi Kappa Phi members have completed the ride, helping raise more than $200,000 annually. Though shorter in length, the ride delivers a lasting impact and carries on the legacy of service on wheels.
A Bond Beyond the Ride: The Pi Alpha Society
After completing Journey of Hope, many riders wanted a way to carry the experience forward. In 1990, the Pi Alpha Society was created to honor those who gave their time and energy to Journey of Hope, Gear Up Florida, Gear Up New York or Build America. With fewer than one percent of all Pi Kappa Phi members eligible, Pi Alpha is a lifelong reminder of the bonds formed through service. Members of this society share a unique connection that goes far beyond the miles they traveled.
More Than a Name: Becoming The Ability Experience
What started as P.U.S.H. became Push America, then The Ability Experience in 2014. The new name was chosen to better reflect the mission to recognize abilities and develop the men of Pi Kappa Phi through shared experiences. The logo, featuring clasped hands, represents the empathy, lessons and moments shared between brothers and people with disabilities. Chapters nationwide raise more than $1,000,000 each year to support the cause. With more than $30 million raised to date, The Ability Experience continues to change lives on both sides of the handshake.
Changing Language, Changing Lives
In 2009, Pi Kappa Phi and The Ability Experience joined the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. The effort encouraged people to stop using the R-word and adopt People First Language, which emphasizes the person rather than the disability. This simple shift helps change attitudes and promote respect. Even after Rosa’s Law passed in 2010, brothers remain active in hosting events and raising awareness. The campaign is now about more than words; it’s about building a world where all people are valued.
The Heart to Serve
Pi Kappa Phi’s commitment to servant leadership is at the core of The Ability Experience. Through hands-on service, fundraising and shared experiences, members become leaders by learning to serve first. Whether cycling cross-country, building a ramp or visiting a local partner, brothers grow in empathy, purpose and confidence. With millions of hours served and millions of dollars raised, this is more than a philanthropic initiative. It is a leadership program that continues to shape better men for life.
True Leaders Empower Others
Servant leadership is a lifelong journey, and we believe that true leaders emerge when they lift others up. We empower the men of Pi Kappa Phi to embrace hands-on service and see firsthand the incredible difference they can make.
Through Ability Camps, War of the Roses and volunteer partnerships that serve individuals within the disability community, our members don’t just fundraise or volunteer. They grow into compassionate, confident men who listen, learn and lead with empathy. They see the world through new eyes, realizing that leadership isn’t just about influence but about lifting others.
Becoming Better Together
When our members and individuals with disabilities come together, something powerful happens – everyone’s life becomes fuller. We believe in the power of service through connection, so we foster events and programs that bring people closer, celebrating the abilities and potential of those living with disabilities.
When we work together, the possibilities are endless, and our members and friends with disabilities build new skills, enhance confidence and embrace their abilities, making our world and Pi Kappa Phi a better, more inclusive place for everyone.
“Disability” Doesn’t Mean “Inability”
People with disabilities contribute powerfully to their communities. Too often, society imposes limiting perceptions and language on these individuals, but at The Ability Experience, we’re committed to changing that narrative.
By promoting empathy and understanding, we can shift the world’s perspective to focus on the abilities and potential of every individual. Our mission prioritizes opening doors to inclusivity, increasing access and creating spaces where people of all abilities can thrive. We focus on empathy over sympathy, striving to understand a person’s situation, thoughts and feelings while actively working to remove barriers.
We are leading the way in changing how people view disabilities – and how they view fraternities. We show our true commitment to building a more inclusive, compassionate world for all through service. Our programs and events provide real opportunities to make spaces more accessible and raise awareness across the country, demonstrating the power of fraternity members united in service.
