Who we are

The Shadow Project partners with special education teachers to help close the achievement gap for students with complex learning challenges. Just as wheelchair ramps foster independence for persons with physical disabilities, The Shadow Project helps make learning accessible for boys and girls whose ‘invisible’ disabilities include dyslexia, ADHD, autism and communications disorders. We serve 28 Portland-area schools, providing life-changing classroom enrichment that helps struggling students reach goals and turn “I can’t” into “I can!”

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Michael Phelps. Whoopi Goldberg. Charles Schwab. Orlando Bloom.

These are just a few of the many accomplished individuals who are dyslexic or have ADD. Yet beliefs persist that kids with disabilities can’t learn. Through our partnership with teachers, The Shadow Project helps instill attributes longitudinal research has determined is key to these children leading successful, productive lives. Help us shatter the myth about learning challenges and take the shame out of special education.

Inspire a struggling student to learn.

You can change a child’s life for less than the cost of a weekly latte. Gifts of $100 and up (or just $10 a month) will be matched dollar for dollar by the James F. & Marion L. Miller Foundation of Portland.
Give the gift of learning today.



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The Boy Who Learned Upside Down

tells how one boy’s quest for courage wound up helping thousands of other children with special needs. Alex and his loyal dog, Shadow, will bring laughter, tears, and inspiration to any child who has faced discouragement or just wanted to fit in.