What Will You Do?
What is Disability Friendly?
It is a community that values and welcomes the potential and participation of each of its citizens and visitors – including those who live differently.
Throughout our first century, we evolved as an organization and adapted our programming to fit the needs of consumers. In our next 100 years of service, we aim to remove barriers within:
Employment
Education
Housing
Health care
Transportation
Access
Our movement to become the most disability-friendly community in the country starts with each one of us changing our perspective and becoming a more welcoming community for all.
January 16, 2020
Our kickoff to our 100th year was one of celebration, standing atop a century of service, looking forward to our goal of working with our partners to create the most disability-friendly community in the country. Hosted at the Renaissance Hotel, the centennial event was attended by stakeholders committed to our mission, media to share our message, and partners who will move our mission forward.
The Ability Center was represented an official letter of recognition from Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur and a congratulatory letter from Senator Teresa Fedor. We thank them for their support and acknowledgement of our 100 years of serving people with disabilities in northwest Ohio.
Kickoff Partners:
- Wade Kapszukiewicz, Mayor
City of Toledo - Jason Kucsma, Director
Toledo Lucas County Public Library - Jack Hollister, CEO
Employers’ Association - Erik Ibsen, Executive VP & General Manager
Toledo Mud Hens - Dr. Sharon Gaber, President
University of Toledo - Lera Doneghy, Commissioner
Metroparks Toledo
Toledo Lucas Country Library:
With 20 locations, Toledo Lucas County Public Library serves more than 3 million customers annually and circulates more than 5.2 million books and materials. Library offers everything from storytimes to coding classes and job search assistance. You can apply for a passport, check out telescopes, use a 3D printer, take art classes and more.
Disability-Friendly initiatives:
Training: All public facing staff will participate in hands-on disability awareness training designed to help staff deliver the best service possible to guests with disabilities.
Podcast: The Disability Dialog podcast will be produced at the Main Toledo library and will offer listeners informative, educational, and though-provoking episodes covering all people, places and spaces that are disability friendly.
