Disability Awareness Training

The Program

Interpreter shares information on the needs and issues of People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Real Information from Real People

As a service to the community, The Ability Center of Greater Toledo offers 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.

Disability Awareness Training Pic 2

Disability Awareness Trainer explains a piece of equipment

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

Thanks so much for the Light year of training! –Recent Training Participant

3-STARS

Current Planned Training Dates

For a list of dates to 2011-2012′s regularly scheduled public Awareness Trainings at The Ability Center, please go to the bottom of this page. There is information there on signing up.

Friday, May 4, 2012; 9:00 AM-12:00 PM (spaces available)
Friday, November 2, 2012; 9:00 AM-12:00 PM (spaces available)

These dates are for individuals and small groups wanting to participate in a full training. You must register to attend. Numbers are limited to 40.

Registered participants should to arrive before 9:00 AM. Coffee, juice and lite pastry fare is available beginning at 8:30 AM. Dress casually. This is an informal setting meant to be both informative and entertaining in a very relaxed setting.

To schedule a training or request more information, please contact Dan Wilkins, Director of Public Relations and Community Partnerships. To register for a current training, please email Barb Manning, Information Systems Coordinator, or call (419) 885-5733.