Ability Center of Greater Toledo

𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘: Every 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 Ohio voter will soon receive an absentee ballot request form in the mail. The Ability Center is here to help answer questions relating both the 2020 election and completing the census. Call 419.885.5733 or www.abilitycenter.org to connect with our live chat 𝗢𝗰𝘁. 𝟱: Deadline to register as a voter and be eligible to vote in the 2020 general election (30 days before Election Day). 𝗢𝗰𝘁. 𝟮𝟳: Applications for absentee ballots to be mailed for the 2020 general election 𝗡𝗼𝘃. 𝟯: Polls across Ohio will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. • You can also check your ballot request here: https://bit.ly/32MhE0M • View more resource here: https://bit.ly/3hmcoae

𝟓𝟏% 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬. We are proud to not only provide connections to individuals seeking employment, but our own workforce is inclusive to individuals of all abilities. Thank you to the Toledo Business Journal for highlighting us during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth

Tonight's Focus on Disability Issues - Candidates will highlight local candidates running for office including Lucas County Commissioner (2 races), Lucas County Sheriff, and Lucas County Probate Court Judge. View statements provided below from candidates that will be represented in tonight's forum. All candidates were given an opportunity to provide a statement. To watch the forum, please sign up here: https://bit.ly/2SduHDq Hosted by The Ability Center, Toledo/Lucas County Community of People with Disabilities, and Maumee Valley Chapter Partners for Inclusion. -- "My campaign is about inclusion. I want to know what your concerns are. I want to listen to you and learn from you. I want every single person in Lucas County to know, that your voice matters to me. I will always respect you. I will always work hard for you, and I will always be there for you. I look forward to serving you and helping you in any and every way I can, thank you." Ron Murphy For Lucas County Commissioner -- "My name is Mike Navarre and I am a candidate for the office of Lucas County Sheriff. Having been involved in public Service since 1977, I have always strived for positive change in Lucas County and the State of Ohio. I have been a Police Chief for the past 22 years in both the City of Toledo (13 years) and the City of Oregon (9 years). I am a strong advocate for positive police reform and served two terms (2014 - 2020) on the Governor's Task Force to improve Community and Police relations. If I am elected on November 3, the disability community can count on me to "follow the law". The law I am referring to is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and provides equal opportunity by breaking down barriers for people with disabilities in communication, physical access to programs, and services in our community. The most important action I can take is to educate all Lucas County employees in the provisions of the ADA and ensure total compliance. Further, I will support efforts to educate all the residents and business owners in the County. As a member of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) Legislative Committee, I have supported laws such as House Bill 115, enacted in 2018, which serves to assist individuals with a "communication disability" in potential interactions with law enforcement officers. If elected Sheriff, I will continue to support positive legislation." Mike Navarre for Sheriff -- "The Board of County Commissioners are deeply committed in supporting persons in Lucas County living with a disability. Our journey began years ago with the enhanced effort to combine the City of Toledo’s effort with Lucas County to have a Toledo Lucas County Commission on Disabilities. We continue to provide staff for this effort. We remain open to learning, and taking action steps on social and economic justice that impact the lives of those we serve. We want Lucas County to be a welcoming community to live work and play. Thank you for the collaboration." Tina Wozniak

ICYMI: 13abc highlighted Tom Dussel of Maumee and his service dog, Ginny! Lissa Guyton 13abc also explored ways to get involved in The Ability Center's Assistance Dog Program. Visit our website to sign up to become a volunteer: http://bit.ly/2B9tDrB 13ABC.COM The Ability Center’s four-legged heroes 13abc October 1 at 3:30 AM · The Ability Center of Greater Toledo has been helping make life better for people with disabilities for 100 years.

13abc October 1 at 3:30 AM · The Ability Center of Greater Toledo has been helping make life better for people with disabilities for 100 years.

Visit our page filled with resources for local employers and job seekers with disabilities. abilitycenter.org/employment #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth WHATCANYOUDOCAMPAIGN.ORG Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) October 1 at 9:02 AM · U.S. Department of Labor has announced that “Increasing Access and Opportunity” is the 2020 theme for October’s annual observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Read more: http://ow.ly/ke7i50BD9q1 #NDEAM #Accessibility #Employment Find out more about Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL)'s Transition & Employment program. Visit www.lvcil.org/transition-employment Image: Image shows a round logo with the words, "What Can You Do? Proud Supporter: Campaign for Disability Employment."

Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) October 1 at 9:02 AM · U.S. Department of Labor has announced that “Increasing Access and Opportunity” is the 2020 theme for October’s annual observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Read more: http://ow.ly/ke7i50BD9q1 #NDEAM #Accessibility #Employment Find out more about Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL)'s Transition & Employment program. Visit www.lvcil.org/transition-employment Image: Image shows a round logo with the words, "What Can You Do? Proud Supporter: Campaign for Disability Employment."

"Thanks to The Ability Center, Ricky was able to borrow an iPad to aid him in completing his schoolwork. Before getting the help, he was struggling to complete his schoolwork on the chrome book. With the iPad, he is able to navigate it a lot easier and it’s less frustrating for him. This has been an extreme help and we are very grateful to be a part of The Ability center community!” - Andrea Greener, mother to Ricky (Assistive Technology consumer) View more in Toledo Area Parent TOLEDOPARENT.COM Assistive Technology Program | Toledo Parent Toledo Area Parent 10 hrs · Read more about how The Ability Center of Greater Toledo works to ensure that individuals with disabilities can live as independently as they desire. https://toledoparent.com/features/assistive-technology-program/

NOW LIVE: Do you need help being linked to resources? Hear from local disability services providers. Participating Agencies: • The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio • Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities • Toledo Public Schools • Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities • Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities • NAMI Greater Toledo The Ability Center of Greater Toledo was live. 12 hrs ·

Tune in today at 10:00 a.m. to hear from local disability organizations provide an update on current service offerings. Can't watch live? Sign up to receive Zoom link and recording: https://bit.ly/3mZhgFj THU, OCT 22 Transition-Aged Youth: Resources in Lucas County

In 2010, only 5% of workers reported receiving accommodations in their workplace. You can change the conversation around inclusivity in your company culture by educating yourself on resources. • View employment resources in our disability-friendly toolkit here: https://bit.ly/33MY1aB • Learn about assistive technology in employment: https://bit.ly/3dJsObE #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth #NDEAM #NDEAM75 #ADA30

We are proud to be a part of the Ohio Home and Community Based Services Coalition (OHCBSC). OHCBSC advocates for a strong home and community-based supports system that provides all Ohioans the opportunity to thrive and stay connected and engaged in our homes and communities. #BetteratHome #HCBS Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council October 18 at 5:57 PM · It’s official: over 50 member organizations and self-advocates have come together to form the Ohio Home and Community Based Services Coalition (OHCBSC). What started as a small group of organizations dedicated to protecting and expanding HCBS in Ohio quickly blossomed into a diverse, comprehensive coalition. The Coalition, comprised of consumers, providers, non-profits, and other advocates, recently sent a letter to the DeWine administration and the General Assembly urging budgetary action to protect Ohioans amidst the pandemic. To learn more about our goals, mission, and HCBS in Ohio, visit our website at https://www.ohiohcbscoalition.org/about-ohcbsc. Follow our page to get the latest updates about the Coalition and how you can get involved! #BetteratHome #HCBS

𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 Ability Center consumer, Richard Pilgrim, was quoted in this month's edition of Mature Living News on how he is dealing with social distancing guideline during the pandemic. Contact us to learn how we can help provided services needed most. abilitycenter.org | 419.885.5733 https://bit.ly/3kessLE

𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑎 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦-𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒? Affordable and accessible housing is a building block of a community where everyone can feel at home. 🏠 📷: Flanders Creatives

Our future assistance dogs need to feel confident and prepared during moments our consumers need them most. Public transportation can be a lifeline for people with disabilities. Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority drivers recently spent the day reviewing procedures with our dogs as part of their two years of training. Learn about our assistance dog program at abilitycenter.org/programs. 📸: B.Piri Photography

We remember and recognize a governmental powerhouse who had a lasting impact on the rights of people with disabilities as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Regardless of political affiliation - your voice matters, do your part and vote in today’s election to choose people and policies that will benefit individuals with disabilities for years to come. Blog written by Ability Center Disability Rights Attorney and Director of Advocacy, Katie Hunt Thomas. https://bit.ly/3mMuTqv ABILITYCENTER.ORG Remembering her Impact on Disability Rights - Ruth Bader Ginsburg - The Ability Center

If people with disabilities voted at the same rate as people without disabilities who have the same demographic characteristics, there would be about 2.35 million more voters. - American Association of People with Disabilities View quick reminders if you are heading out to polls today: https://bit.ly/3jTHoyH #ElectionDay #Election2020 #CripTheVote

Disability Rights Ohio Hotline: If you have questions or concerns related to participating in this election, please call 614-466-7264 or 800-282-9181. Disability Rights Ohio November 3 at 7:30 AM · Disability Rights Ohio's Voter Hotline is now open and will be taking calls until the polls close at 7:30 p.m. this evening. If you have questions or concerns related to participating in this election, please call 614-466-7264 or 800-282-9181.

Each year, the Auxiliary to The Ability Center of Greater Toledo collaborates with us to award local students with disabilities college scholarships. Ensuring that people with disabilities have opportunities to achieve higher education is critical. This year’s application is live and due on March 31. Please visit http://bit.ly/2MT8LxP to apply and for more information.

Head to Deet's BBQ to pick up a Pacer Cookie to support Pacer's dream of going to culinary school! A portion of the proceeds will also go to The Ability Center. WTOL.COM 'Stay safe, spread love, take it easy' | Chef uses cookie creativity to raise money for culinary school and give back to the community

Today, we signed a memorandum of understanding with The Toledo Museum of Art, establishing a new, multi-year strategic partnership. The collaboration will support our shared efforts to create a community and a Museum that are disability-friendly. The partnership will simultaneously serve as an ongoing proving ground for The Ability Center’s initiatives while fueling regional conversations about accessible spaces, inclusive programs, and employment opportunities.

Toledo Museum of Art and Ability Center of Greater Toledo Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony

Amtrak January 29 at 12:01 PM · We have reached an agreement with the US Depart of Justice @CivilRights to resolve station inaccessibility that impacts our passengers with disabilities. To learn more about the Compensation Fund for certain passengers with mobility impairments visit AmtrakDisabilitySettlement.com

"I was very shy and didn’t really like talking to people. Because of this program, I became more confident in myself.” Brooke participated in our 2020 Summer Youth Leadership program. The skills she learned helped her find a part-time job. Read more about Brooke here: http://bit.ly/3an2N0r