Friends on the accessible play structure at Camp Cricket
The purpose of Community Connections is to create and support community options for people living with disabilities. The Center does this by assisting individuals in developing goals, identifying dreams, and defining their vision for their life. The Center also assists individuals in achieving their personal goals by making appropriate connections within the community and providing necessary information, resources, accommodations, and support.
If you would like to develop individual recreation, work or social life goals please contact the Customer Services Department at (419) 885-5733.
Socialization Opportunities
Teens enjoy each others' company at Teen Dance
Sometimes Life comes at us fast.
When we are folks who live differently, get around differently, see, think, speak or learn differently, we have probably spent the majority of our time, energy and youth trying to find our place in the world, where and how we fit in, often having to prove that we belong …
Combine this with being told we couldn’t, shouldn’t and wouldn’t and there is not much time to focus on Social Skills, what it takes to easily move through the world: make friends, get a job, live independently.
We know this because we’ve been there. We know this and have the ability to help.If you wish to improve your social skills and be more active in your community, please check our monthly community activities or contact the Community Connections Department.
Extreme Sports and Other Recreational Opportunities
Learning to Row
The Ability Center partners with area sport and recreation groups in order to provide the opportunities for individuals to tryout a variety of adaptive sports including water skiing, snow skiing, cycling, wheelchair football, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, rowing, camping, rope courses, kayaking, fishing, swimming, golf, scuba diving, and much more. If you are interested in any of these sports or have a sport of your own that you would like to make adaptable please contact Sarah Krueger at (419) 885-5733.
If you want to participate in wheelchair football, please visit Toledo Crash’s website.
IL in Action
IL in Action is an Independent Living Skills Training (ILST) program with youth and adult components. The youth program involves individuals under age 25 learning basic IL skills in a fun and interactive way. The the adult component is for those age 25 and older who need one-on-one ILST. The focus of IL in Action is to learn how to perform some of the basic requirements of living on your own. For details on the program, please visit the ILST page.
Transitioning to Adult Life
Coffee shop worker
The Transition Program serves individuals that determined ineligible for services through the Pathway and BVR (Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation) programs. However, the program is open to any youth outh, ages 16-22, who would appreciate assistance with transitioning from high school to adult life (work, recreation, post secondary education). Services include:
- Interest Testing
- Career Exploration
- Informational Interviews
- Job Shadowing
- Volunteer Experiences
- Independent Living Skills Training
- Job Seeking Skills Training
- Social Skills Training
- Advocacy and Leadership
- Parent Education
- Community Connections and Recreation
To get involved, please contact Customer Services Department at (419) 885-5733.
Camp Activities
Summer is a time for fun, but it’s also a time to interact and make new friends; friends with diverse backgrounds and ability levels. Throughout the Summer, The Ability Center is partnering with the community to provide inclusive opportunities for youth age 5 and up. Please visit the Summer Opportunities page for more information.
2012 Summer Programs For Kids With Disabilities (pdf)
The First Tee Program, an extension of the GAIN™ Program, is an inclusive golf program for young, first-time golfers. This program teaches children and youth the game of golf while also incorporating lessons designed to assist with the development of social skills.
Mentor Program- Breaking Social Barriers
Through partnerships between community members and organizations, people with and without disabilities will be given the opportunity to build relationships with the purpose of producing friendships and mentorships, both personal and professional, that will assist people to live, work and socialize in an inclusive community. For more information, or if you are interested in participating in the program as a mentor or mentee, please contact Jack Rasar, Transition Coordinator. You may also visit the Mentorship page.
Peer Support
Knowing you are not alone in the world is a powerful feeling. Whether you have a new disability or are just dealing with life’s many issues, The Ability Center provides Peer Support for individuals and groups wishing to better understand living life with a disability.
Group Support
The Center offers space for meetings to disability-related support groups. If you have a group that wants to use one of the Center’s meeting rooms, please contact Chris Daunhauer at (419) 885-5733 or email her.
** Internships, Clinical, and Volunteer experiences are available. Contact Annie Kim for details.
