The Barbara Stone Foundation’s Annual CAN Talks amplifies disability voices across Upstate
October 22, 2026
Foundation announced its $22,500 Community Innovation Grant award recipients at event
The Barbara Stone Foundation (BSF) brought the community together for its annual CAN Talks event last evening at Centre Stage and raised $20,000 for the organization. Inspired by the TED Talk format, CAN Talks gives individuals with disabilities a platform to share their perspective, lived experiences and the challenges and opportunities that shape their lives. Six speakers shared personal stories with the ultimate goal of challenging assumptions about disabilities and inspiring expanded inclusion and opportunities for those living with a disability in the Upstate and beyond. This year featured special celebrity guest Riley Fincher-Foster, a Greenville-based actor, dancer and singer, who took the stage for a live performance.
In addition, the foundation announced the five recipients of its Community Innovations Grants, a total of $22,500 in grants will be awarded, to promote programs and initiatives that address unmet needs and provide creative solutions for the disability community in the Upstate. Organizations are chosen based on their innovative approaches to bridging service gaps and fostering inclusion in the community. The Fall 2026 recipients include: Building Futures Farmstead ($5000), Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired ($2,500), YMCA of Easley, Pickens, and Powdersville STRIVE Program ($5,000), KD Collective ($7,500) and Upstate Carolina Adaptive Golf ($2,500).
Photo courtesy of The Barbara Stone Foundation
More than a storytelling event, CAN Talks aims to spark meaningful conversations and awareness of barriers faced by people with disabilities, highlighting opportunities to build a more inclusive community.
“CAN Talks is such a meaningful program for us and really gives the community an opportunity to better understand the challenges that those with disabilities navigate each day,” said Executive Director Lara Ceisel. “In our seventh year, I’m proud to be able to continue this tradition that supports our mission of inclusion and working toward a community where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute and flourish.”
The funds raised will support The Barbara Stone Foundation’s ongoing work to create more equitable opportunities for individuals with disabilities by providing sustainable support for programs and initiatives. Proceeds will directly expand access to employment support through the UP Employment Initiative, Access GVL, Greenville CAN and more.
Founded in 1991, the Barbara Stone Foundation works to influence community systems, policies and culture to create equitable opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The Foundation has awarded more than $450,000 through its Community Innovations Grants, launched the UP Employment Initiative, produced CAN Talks, partnered with the City of Greenville to launch Access GVL, and convened more than 40 organizations through Greenville CAN.
