Empowerment. innovation. IMPACT.
Leading with Purpose
Ondréa L. Burton
Founder & CEO, Always You
Coalition Builder. Strategic Architect. Relentless Force for Systems Change.
Ondréa L. Burton is a powerhouse voice reshaping what equity, access, and leadership look like across education, workforce development, and community transformation. A former policy and advocacy advisor in the U.S. House of Representatives, she brings a rare combination of policy fluency, relationship capital, and lived experience as a mother of a young adult with a developmental disability.
Out of that personal journey, Ondréa created Always You—a pioneering, outcomes-driven model that operates from college campuses and redefines how individuals with disabilities are supported, empowered, and celebrated.
Known for her executive presence, undeniable momentum, and deep commitment to building lasting systems of dignity and opportunity, Ondréa galvanizes stakeholders across sectors. Whether in front of policymakers, funders, educators, or families, she brings vision with strategy—and turns bold ideas into measurable, sustainable outcomes.
Always You is a blueprint for sustainable, dignity-driven systems—bold, impactful, and built to endure.
And Ondréa L. Burton is the force bringing it to life.
Empowering Opportunities
Ondréa L. Burton had the distinct honor of meeting with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth to engage in a powerful dialogue around advancing workforce development legislation for individuals with disabilities. Their conversation centered on expanding access to meaningful careers, driving economic mobility, and affirming the right of every individual to live with purpose, dignity, and independence. Together, they underscored a shared commitment to building an integrated future where opportunity is not limited—but fully realized.
Championing Change
Ondréa L. Burton had an impactful meeting with U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, engaging in a powerful discussion on advancing advocacy and transformative legislation to uplift individuals with a disability. Together, they explored strategies to drive meaningful change, forge pathways forward, and enhance the quality of life for all. Their shared commitment underscores the urgency of creating a society where integration, opportunity, and thriving are guaranteed for everyone.
A Defining Moment at the White House
Empowerment Begins with Knowing Your Rights
your government. your rights.
your government. your rights.
your government. your rights.
Federal legislation plays a pivotal role in shaping the services and supports available to individuals with a disability.
Laws like the Medicaid Act and Medicare Act govern the allocation of federal funding for healthcare and long-term care services. Medicaid, in particular, serves as a lifeline, offering critical support through federal
Federal legislation plays a pivotal role in shaping the services and supports available to individuals with a disability.
Laws like the Medicaid Act and Medicare Act govern the allocation of federal funding for healthcare and long-term care services. Medicaid, in particular, serves as a lifeline, offering critical support through federal and state partnerships. These partnerships enable states to distribute funds via waiver programs, providing flexibility to deliver specialized services, including in-home support, employment assistance, and community integration.
Federal-level decisions have a direct and profound impact on the resources states can allocate to support individuals with a disability. This funding ensures access to programs that empower individuals to live with dignity, independence, and opportunity.
Explore these resources to learn more:
Each link provides valuable insight into how federal and state funding is allocated, managed, and distributed to ensure individuals with a disability have access to the critical care and programs they need.
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Overview: Learn about how Medicare and Medicaid programs work at the federal level, including their role in funding healthcare for individuals with disabilities.
https://www.cms.gov
Medicaid Waiver Programs: This link offers a comprehensive guide to Medicaid waiver programs by state and explains how states allocate federal funds for specialized disability services.
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/index.html
National Council on Disability (NCD): This organization provides policy recommendations and information on disability rights and the impact of federal laws on disability services.
https://ncd.gov
The Arc – Understanding Medicaid Waivers: The Arc provides valuable information about Medicaid waivers and how they benefit individuals with a disability, including resources by state.
https://thearc.org/learn-about/medicaid-waivers/
Americans With Disability Act
your government. your rights.
your government. your rights.
Always You is honored to partner with former Congressman Tony Coelho, the visionary author of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), H.R. 2273, signed into law on July 26, 1990.
Together, we are steadfast in our commitment to expanding rights and opportunities for individuals with a disability ensuring the ADA’s enduring lega
Always You is honored to partner with former Congressman Tony Coelho, the visionary author of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), H.R. 2273, signed into law on July 26, 1990.
Together, we are steadfast in our commitment to expanding rights and opportunities for individuals with a disability ensuring the ADA’s enduring legacy continues to break down barriers, foster integration, and enhance the quality of life for all.
This partnership reinforces Always You’s mission to create a world where every individual is empowered to live with dignity, independence, and success, driving transformative change and building lasting legacies.
Your Voice, Your Policy, Your Future.
your government. your rights.
Your Voice, Your Policy, Your Future.
Individuals with a disability must champion policies that directly impact their access to quality services and support. By amplifying their voices, they ensure that policymakers prioritize their needs, paving the way for greater independence, expanded employment opportunities, and full integration into society.
Advocacy is essential to hol
Individuals with a disability must champion policies that directly impact their access to quality services and support. By amplifying their voices, they ensure that policymakers prioritize their needs, paving the way for greater independence, expanded employment opportunities, and full integration into society.
Advocacy is essential to holding the government accountable, driving programs to adapt and evolve with the community's needs. This effort not only transforms individual lives but also uplifts families, creating a ripple effect of positive change. When you advocate for better policies, you lay the groundwork for a legacy of empowerment, self-determination, and progress.
Empower yourself as a disability rights advocate with these impactful resources:
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD):
This site provides resources, advocacy programs, and tools for engaging in disability rights advocacy.
https://www.aapd.com/advocacy/
National Council on Independent Living (NCIL):
NCIL offers various ways to get involved in disability advocacy and provides resources for learning how to advocate for policy changes.
https://ncil.org/advocacy/
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF):
This site has resources on how to become an effective advocate for disability rights.
https://dredf.org/
"Voting is how we claim our place, shape our future, and drive the change our communities deserve. It’s not just a right—it’s our legacy in motion."
Ondréa L. Burton, CEO and Founder of Always You DQC
