Inclusion Matters!

It started with riding a bike.

In 2006, our founder and Executive Director, Ann Donaca, was eager to teach her son Cody to ride a bike. Cody, who experiences Down syndrome, struggled. They realized this would be a much longer journey.

Ann discovered adaptive bike devices that help riders learn the skills to ride a typical two wheel bicycle. She knew the technology could help Cody and others with disabilities — but community support would be just as important.

Ann brought adaptive bikes to town and rallied friends, neighbors, and cycling enthusiasts to volunteer at a bike camp. It worked: Cody rode on two wheels, and Bike First! was on a roll.

Since then, hundreds of riders and volunteers have joined us. Riding a bike is more than exercise - it’s independence, connection, and joy.

Today, by evolving our name to Inclusion Matters!, we are broadening our reach beyond yearly Bike First! camps to host events, workshops, and programs that support people with disabilities, their families, teachers, and peers.

Interested in supporting us?

Check back for more updates in early fall of 2025!

Inclusion Matters! is an Oregon-based public benefit nonprofit corporation* that aims to create an environment where everyone, especially those with disabilities, can fully participate, learn, and discover the freedom of new skills.

* Inclusion Matters! is complying with state and federal laws and regulations governing public benefit nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We are confident that we will successfully receive a favorable determination of its 501(c)(3) tax exempt status from the IRS.