Toledo, Ohio offers a variety of services and resources to support individuals with disabilities. Here’s an overview of the programs and services our community provides.
MAYOR’S OFFICE ON DISABILITY
A Commitment to Accessibility
Advancing Inclusive Housing, Transportation, and Public Spaces
Progress and Opportunities for Growth
In the four years since its creation, the Mayor’s Office on Disability has worked to influence city operations. Here’s a look at its tangible results and areas for further improvement:
Housing
The City of Toledo has funded an Accessible Housing Study in partnership with The Ability Center. The study focuses on identifying the existing community-based accessible housing in the City of Toledo while gathering data concerning additional accessible housing and specific features that are needed. The study is expected to be conducted in 2025.
Transportation
The City of Toledo installed concrete pads and enhanced accessibility at area bus stops. The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) enhanced public transportation services, fostering a more inclusive transit system for the region.
Employment
The City continues to promote inclusive, non-discriminatory hiring practices. Agencies like the Ability Center and the Mayor’s Office on Disability ensure that city projects
address the needs of all individuals, including those with disabilities.
Public Spaces
Efforts to create inclusive public spaces include significant updates to Toledo’s park system. Last summer, an inclusive playground was completed in Ottawa Park, representing a $1 million investment aimed at promoting accessibility and inclusion within the community. Additional projects to enhance accessibility are ongoing at the Glass City Metropark, Secor Metropark’s accessible playground and the Toledo Botanical Garden’s Doneghy Inclusive Garden. While progress is being made,
Toledo strives for continued improvement to become the most disability-friendly city in the nation.
For more info:
Email diversity&inclusion@toledo.oh.gov
toledo.oh.gov/departments/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/accessibility
The Ability Center
Changing How People Look At Disabilities
In February 2021, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, in collaboration with the Ability Center of Greater Toledo and the Toledo-Lucas County Commission on Disabilities, announced the creation of the Mayor’s Office on Disability, making Toledo one of the few cities in the United States—along with Chicago, San Francisco, Baltimore, Houston, Austin, Philadelphia, and Tampa—to establish an office, highlighting a commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
Mayor Kapszukiewicz has prioritized accessibility as a fundamental goal, emphasizing the importance of exceeding accessibility requirements for state and local governments.
With over 1.3 billion individuals worldwide living with a disability, we strive to advocate for change and inspire a new perspective on people of all abilities. We serve over 3,000 individuals annually in 13 counties in Northwest Ohio. Providing services and programs that promote Independent Living, Home Accessibility, Advocacy, and Assistance Dogs so that people in our communities can live independently in a safe environment. These services and programs intertwine our commitment to transforming Toledo into the most disability-friendly community in the nation. If you are ever in need of making connections, needing an advocate, medical equipment, home modifications, or a resource for your independence, contact us at 419-885-5733 or come see us at 5605 Monroe Street, Sylvania, OH 43560.
Visit abilitycenter.org to learn more information about us.
