Disability Awareness Training
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To schedule or for more information:
Dan Wilkins – Director of Public Relations and Community Partnerships
The Program
As a public service, The Ability Center of Greater Toledo offers to area businesses, schools and organizations its very popular Disability Awareness Training Program.
There is no charge and no catch. Our goal is simply to help you and your colleagues gain a better understanding of people living with disabilities; to feel comfortable interacting and communicating with people who may speak, see, hear, learn or get around differently. When we come to realize that living with a disability is not a bad thing, just a different thing, it benefits everyone.
Big Numbers
Nearly 60 million Americans, one in five, live with some sort a disability … and this number is rising. This means that your organization, and the people who are a part of it, will undoubtedly need to feel comfortable with communicating with persons with disabilities – as customers, as employees, as board members and business associates. Is your organization ready?
What We Offer
Using an enjoyable mix of videos, speakers, discussions and hands-on activities, our training sessions are specifically designed to give each participant a deeper appreciation of the issues and obstacles faced by people living with disabilities in everyday life.
Simple things like ordering in a restaurant, banking, making purchases in retail stores and many other customer service activities can be difficult and frustrating, for everyone involved … but they do not have to be. Our simple approach and easy-to-use tips will help your staff to reduce their apprehension and enhance communication when interacting with a person who has a disability.
Participant Groups
The suggested minimum number of participants in a training class is 20. They can all be from one organization, or the class can consist of people from a number of organizations brought together as a collaborative activity.
Time Allocation and Location
Trainings can take from one to four hours, depending upon many factors. Trainings in Lucas County take place at The Ability Center’s main office in Sylvania. Trainings may also be scheduled at other locations in our seven county service area.
What People Are Saying:
“The Ability Center has taken what could be just another training session and made into something special. Our staff gained valuable insights as they bonded as a team… and actually had fun!”
Dr. Anne Baker
Executive Director
The Toledo Zoo
“Each year I bring every student in Leadership Toledo to The Ability Center to experience the terrific program they have created. Year after year our students RAVE about the experience. It is routinely given the Best Day of the Year award. There is no better venue than The Ability Center’s program to learn about and experience differing abilities.”
Dave Schlaudecker
Executive Director
Leadership Toledo
“The Ability Center’s awareness training was a great experience for our management team and staff. The training enlightened our staff to the challenges and obstacles persons with disabilities encounter in their day to day activities. The training gave our staff an understanding and sensitivity that will allow them to better assist persons with disabilities both inside and outside of the workplace.”
Barry Shaner
President & CEO
Directions Credit Union