Home Accessibility Program
Staff of the Home Accessibility Program
Ash Lemons - Director of Housing Resource Center
Charlie Martin – Manager of Home Accessibility
Mindy Metzger – Home Accessibility Coordinator
Terry Lanning - Home Accessibility Assistant
Roger Lemle - Home Accessibility Assistant
Young girl using new ramp.
**ATTENTION: ELIGIBLE PEOPLE NEEDED**
The Ability Center serves seven Ohio counties, including Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Williams, and Wood. For specific program eligibility, please contact the center.
Summary of Program
The Home Accessibility Program utilizes federal, state and local grant dollars to assist individuals with accessible home modifications necessary to maintain quality of life and independent living.
Who Is Eligible?
The various funding sources have different age, income and residency requirements. Depending on funding availability, we can assist individuals who cannot afford to pay for a ramp or other minor home accessibility modification.
Contact The Ability Center’s Information and Referral Department at (419) 885-5733 for an application or download one here: Home Modification Application.
How Does It Work?
After application completion and income verification, an Ability Center staff member or approved contractor will make a home visit to determine actual needs. Upon approval of the requested project, the Home Accessibility Manager will design a ramp, or other project that meets appropriate building codes and individual needs. The homeowner and the local building inspection department must also approve the project design before construction can begin.
What Does It Cost?
For individuals who meet income guidelines established by our state and local funding sources, The Ability Center provides all materials and labor at no charge.
Making Independent Living a Reality, one person at a time.
Funding And Program Partners
The Ability Center currently receives funding and support for this program from the following:
• Toledo-Lucas County Housing Trust Fund
• The City of Toledo/CDBG
• Lucas County/CDBG
• Ohio Department of Development/OHTF
• Area Office on Aging/OHTF
• 84 Lumber
Working in partnership with our agency, the Directions Credit Union developed the Ability Loan Program, which allows persons living with disabilities to obtain loans at lower-than-market rates and at longer terms for home accessibility projects, assistive technology, modified vehicles and other adapted equipment. For more information on this program, please visit contact the Directions Credit Union online or by calling (888) 508-2228.
Mr. Neeley on his new ramp.
What People Are Saying About The Program
“Everyone I dealt with on this project was very personable and professional – which I appreciate. With my disabilities, the ramp affords me much more freedom and ease of mobility getting to my van. Without it, my activities would be much more limited and I would be literally house-bound.” – Robert W. Neeley
Volunteers Are Welcome
The Ability Center welcomes community volunteers to help build and assemble ramps for individuals with disabilities. Anyone over the age of 16 can volunteer. We welcome individuals and groups. Encourage your organization to volunteer so you can help someone with a disability maintain their independence. If you would like to become involved in this valuable independent living program, please contact Amy Kerchevall, Adaptive Equipment and Events Coordinator, via email or by calling (419) 885-5733.
