About — Grace Fisher Foundation

About Grace Fisher Foundation

The Grace Fisher Foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities through the transformative power of the arts.

At the age of 17, Grace faced a life-altering challenge when she was diagnosed with a rare polio-like illness that left her paralyzed from the neck down. Despite this daunting setback, Grace's spirit and love for life found renewed expression through the power of the arts. With a mission centered on fostering community inclusion, education, creation, and self-discovery, we strive to create an accessible space where people of all abilities can connect with music, art, dance, and various forms of artistic expression.

The organization is committed to breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity by integrating individuals with disabilities with the typical population, emphasizing shared experiences and fostering kindness. Through its multifaceted approach, The Grace Fisher Foundation aims to create a more vibrant and inclusive society where the arts become a powerful tool for connection, understanding, and personal growth.

The Inclusive Arts Clubhouse, inaugurated in March 2023, stands as a beacon of creativity and inclusivity within the community, representing the tangible embodiment of The Grace Fisher Foundation's mission. This enchanting space serves as the epicenter for The Foundation's diverse array of programs, providing a whimsical and inclusive environment for individuals of all abilities to unleash their creativity.

Our Programs

About Grace

In 2014 at the age of 17, Grace Fisher faced a profound challenge when she was diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis, a rare polio-like illness that left her paralyzed from the neck down. Previous to her diagnosis she was a gifted musician, playing piano, cello and Guitar and always knew music would be a significant part of her life. Grace embraced her passion for music and the arts, using them as a means to navigate the challenges that came with her disability. Through the grace of God and the unwavering support of her family and community, she embarked on a mission to create a space where the arts could flourish, offering solace and empowerment to those often overlooked by mainstream opportunities. 8 months after her arrival home she was approached by Make A Wish Foundation in Santa Barbara, CA. Grace’s wish before she turned 18 was to help other children with disabilities through art and music. It is a haven where people of all abilities can experience the joy, healing, and sense of community that the arts brought to Grace during her darkest hours. Grace's story serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that in the face of adversity, creativity and community can pave the way to a brighter and more inclusive future.

In 2022, Grace graduated from UCSB with a degree in Music Composition. Her work has been recognized by the Kennedy Center, Forbes and various film festivals around the world. In 2020 there was a documentary made about her story titled “Amazing Grace“, that premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The film is now available on Amazon Prime!