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Community Living Newsletter
October 2021
We believe people should have choice and control over where and how they live their lives. Our Community Living Programs help people achieve their goals for independent community living.
100 years of 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀
100 years of 𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀
100 years of 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀

Looking forward to our next century of service. Watch our video below.
Stuart
NEW LEADER NAMED
The Ability Center announced that Stuart James will be the new Executive Director of the organization. Following an extensive nationwide search that began in November 2020, James was selected to lead the organization into its next century of service supporting individuals with disabilities. He came to the independent living movement seven years ago as the Executive Director at the historic Center for Independent Living in Berkeley (TheCIL).
More on the announcement here.
Two people walking by paths
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Creating Healthy Communities at the Toledo Lucas County Health Department is hosting a series of neighborhood Farmers’ Markets. Be sure to check out the one in your neighborhood and say hello to The Ability Center staff member as well as other community organizations in attendance.

These markets will accept: SNAP, WIC Farmers’ Market Coupons, Senior Nutrition Coupons, Produce Perks, and Cash payments.

Each event is from 11am – 2pm. 

October 19: Toledo Lucas County Health Department
(635 N. Erie St., Toledo, OH 43604)

Tour the Manor House, a Georgian Colonial home that is more than 30,000 square feet and formally owned by the Stranahan’s. Sensory-friendly days were created to serve those folks who may be overstimulated by coming on an open tour day. These are open house style and include additional sensory friendly activities.

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Stay connected to our Facebook page for Metroparks Monthly highlight of inclusive events.
Trick or Treat sign with Halloween cookies
ABILITY CENTER OFFERING | PEER SUPPORT
Often the encouragement and support of others can be the building blocks to helping us reach our own goals for independent living. 

Join us to discuss relevant topics, empower others by sharing resources, knowledge of living with a disability, or simply enjoying conversation. There are two meeting options, in person or virtual. Feel free to register for one or both!

Virtual 
Thursdays from 11:00 – 12:00

Zoom link will be provided to those registered. If you need a virtual device or internet to participate, please let us know.

Thursday, October 28th: virtual Halloween party for adults ages 25+. Register in advance so that we can send you interactive activities to complete during our peer support meeting. You can register by calling a Consumer Engagement Specialist at 419-885-5733.

Tech Support
Do you need assistance utilizing technology to socialize with friends, attend medical appointments or, achieve your independent living goals? We can help! Please schedule a 1:1 session with a Consumer Engagement Specialist to learn how to navigate common platforms such as Google Drive and Zoom.
survey link
CONSUMER SPOTLIGHT | YOU!
YOU! Our consumers are this month's spotlight - Ability Center programs support people with disabilities to live independently in the community of their choosing. Please complete this survey so that we can best serve you as we plan and develop future programming
Woman in wheelchair smiling near raised bed garden
Consumer Vicki Warner, received a raised garden bed to keep her doing what she loves - gardening!

“Having an organization like The Ability Center is a true blessing for those like me with disabilities. At home, whenever I needed something or someone, they gave it to me or found something for me to do. I have known them for a few years now and never have been disappointed. My last request was for a raised garden bed. The woman built it specifically for my needs and even delivered it. I want to thank everyone at The Ability Center for all they do,” Vicki shares. 

The raised garden was provided by The Harvest Doctor, LLC a company specializing in ADA compliant garden beds.
Libbey House Announces Fall Lecture Series: 100 Years of Disability History in Our Community

A Lecture Series in Honor of Tim Harrington, Executive Director, The Ability Center
The Libbey House Foundation is announcing its fall lecture series titled “100 Years of Disability History in Our Community.” The lecture series will honor the legacy of The Ability Center, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020, and the work of its long-time executive director, Tim Harrington. Harrington has announced that he will be retiring by the end of 2021.

(The series will consist of four lectures)

Thursday, October 7: “The Boy Who Changed the World: Toledo and the ‘Crippled Children’s Movement’”—Lecture by Barbara Floyd, Libbey House board member and local historian. This lecture will look at Toledo’s early history of assisting persons with disability, beginning with a young boy born without legs and arms in 1901.

Thursday, October 14: “The Ability Center of Toledo at 100”—Lecture by Dan Wilkins, Director of Special Projects, The Ability Center of Toledo. This lecture will examine the 100-year history of The Ability Center, which began as the Toledo Society for Crippled Children in 1920.

Thursday, October 21: “The Toledo State Hospital: A History”—Lecture by Kim Brownlee, author of the recent book The Toledo State Hospital. This lecture will examine the fascinating history of Toledo’s institution that helped those with mental illness.
Thursday, October 28: “Disability History: A Personal View”—Lecture by Tim Harrington, Director of the Ability Center of Toledo. Harrington will discuss his life and how society has changed the way it regards persons with disabilities.

All lectures will begin with a reception at 6:30 and lecture at 7 p.m. in the Libbey House, first floor. The lectures are free, but space is limited. Tickets are available from the Libbey House Foundation’s website: www.libbeyhouse.org

Accessible parking is available behind the Libbey House through the entrance off Woodruff. All attendees are asked to wear a mask.

This lecture series is made possible in part by a grant from the Ohio Humanities Council.
For more information, contact Barbara Floyd, Libbey House Foundation board member.
PARTNER PROFILE
The Ability Center is committed to supporting any measure that improves the lives of people with disabilities, including transportation services that allow us to live well and thrive. Visit our website to view important election dates, submit your transit story, or request a yard sign.
Vote for TARTA
Man using TARTA
Woman with hearing aid typing on computer
JOB OPPORTUNTIES
Join our team!

We are actively recruiting these positions to help us reach the goal of becoming the most disability-friendly community in the country.
  • Director of Youth and Transition Services
  • Assistive Tech/Medical Equipment Coordinator
Woman in wheelchair painting with wheelchair
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CORNER (AT)
Assistive technology refers to any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. 

Zot Artz designs and makes adaptive art tools that persons with disabilities can use to create huge, amazing art pieces. We were pleased to bring them to The Art Commission's Momentum Festival in downtown Toledo. 

View more photos of our Facebook here.
LOCAL ADVOCATE FACEBOOK
This group is designed for sharing information, resources, action alerts, and relevant information throughout the northwest Ohio disability community. Membership is comprised of local individuals looking to advocate for people living with disabilities.
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