Our Story
25 years of caring, education, research, experience, passion and resiliency
Our Mission & Vision
The PARClife Foundation is committed to bridging the widening gap in support for the education, employment, and independent living our neurodiverse community members will need throughout their lives.
To become a national model of neuro-affirming, community and research-based therapeutic services for people with disabilities of all ages.
Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance! We bring Research-Proven Therapeutic Techniques to Real Life Experiences.
How We Got Here
Founded by Dr. Mari MacFarland (PhD, BCBA-D, LBA) after 25 years working in special education and behavior analysis. From classroom settings to public school administration to leading PARClife — a national model of inclusive, adult-respecting neurodiverse services. Today, our foundation partners with civic institutions from Michigan State Police to Ford Motor Company, ensuring that every adult — regardless of neurodevelopmental differences — can access the support, employment, and community they deserve.
Our Language Philosophy
We use identity-first language (e.g., "autistic person") when preferred by the community member, and person-first language (e.g., "person with autism") when that is their preference. We follow each person's lead because everyone deserves to be seen on their own terms.
Our Partners
Our civic partnerships make the mission possible. From the Michigan State Police VIP Program to Ford Philanthropy to Diversified Members Credit Union — our institutional relationships demonstrate the depth of community trust PARClife has earned over 25 years.