Supporting The Special Needs Community
Supporting Every Ability & Empowering Every Life.
At The Payton Nash Foundation, we’re dedicated to building inclusive opportunities, meaningful support, and stronger community connections for individuals with special needs and their families.
Driven by Community. Fueled by Love.
The Payton Nash Foundation was born from the Nash family’s journey and has grown into a mission that reaches beyond one experience to champion all individuals with special needs. Our purpose is to cultivate belonging, expand access, and support unique journeys — whether developmental, physical, cognitive, or emotional — with dignity and joy.
✔ Inclusive support for all abilities ✔ Community-focused events and programs
✔ Resources and connections for families ✔ Partnerships that expand opportunity
Why It Matters
Every Story Is Unique — Every Person Matters
Every individual’s path is different. Some navigate life with developmental differences, others with physical or cognitive challenges, and many with overlapping needs that deserve compassion, understanding, and community support.
At PNF, we see strength, potential, and purpose in each person and believe a supportive community can open doors to confidence, learning, and belonging for everyone.
Payton’s Story
Payton’s Journey — A Story of Courage and Growth
Payton has lived life with Autism with bravery and grace, achieving personal milestones like graduating from the Dan Marino Foundation’s Business Office Support Program and pursuing passions like piano, art, and adventure.
Payton’s experience inspires our work, but our mission reaches far beyond one narrative — it’s about uplifting all abilities and supporting every family’s unique journey.
Working In The Community 💜
Working In The Community 💜
Programs, Events, and Partnerships That Make a Difference
Community Events — Family-friendly fundraisers like Payton’s Pals Golf Tournament have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local support organizations and special needs programs.
Partner Programs — We collaborate with groups like The Dan Marino Foundation, ACEing Autism, and others to expand access to inclusive programs.
Family Resources — Practical connections, educational tools, and compassionate support to help families navigate daily challenges and opportunities.
Local Partnerships — Working with schools, therapists, local businesses, and nonprofits to broaden community engagement and specialized services.
Community Highlight
Ryan Nash Inducted into the 2025 Broward Education Foundation Hall of Fame & Honored with the BRAVO! Award
The Payton Nash Foundation proudly celebrates co-founder Ryan Nash’s induction into the Broward Education Foundation’s 2025 Hall of Fame, where he received the distinguished BRAVO! Award for his leadership and service to Broward County.
A Nova High School Class of ’91 graduate and Division President of William R. Nash, LLC, Ryan has spent more than 30 years supporting life-saving healthcare infrastructure while championing opportunities for individuals with special needs. Through the Foundation, co-founded with his wife Brandi, more than $500,000 has been raised to help young adults with developmental disabilities achieve independence and meaningful employment.
Ryan’s permanent granite star on the BrightStar Credit Union Walk of Fame Plaza stands as a lasting tribute to his impact — and to the collective support behind the Foundation’s mission to strengthen our community for the special needs population.
Resources
While there are an unlimited amount of resources available, we believe the first step in helping your child(ren) or family member would be to visit their pediatrician or primary care provider. Other resources that are available to you include:
*This is not a comprehensive guide regarding ASD. It is our goal to provide resources that may be beneficial in your own personal learnings about ASD.