PUPS PAIRED WITH PRISON INMATES
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SUMMER 2018
A program of The Ability Center
The Newsletter of The Ability Center (ACT) and Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence (ADAI)
PUPS PAIRED WITH PRISON INMATES
Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence (ADAI), a program of The Ability Center, has
recently entered a new partnership that is impacting lives in more ways than one. Gus Harrison
Correctional Facility located in Adrian, Michigan, will assist in training our assistance dogs
throughout the two-year training process.
The program launched on July 9 and introduced eight puppies into the program. Inmates at Gus
Harrison are responsible for basic obedience for the puppies, and advanced skills training will begin
in October. Structure of the program will improve the training experience for the ADAI dogs, as
well as improve the morale of the inmates. Dogs will receive constant attention, detailed training,
and socialization. Fifteen inmates were chosen after an application and interview process to ensure
the dogs’ safety and well-being. Program participants were selected by meeting requirements
including being a model inmate, being misconduct free for over a year, and achieving their GED or
high school diploma.
Dogs will live in dorm-stye housing units Monday through Friday and go home with ADAI furloughs
on the weekends for community socialization.
“The mission of the Michigan Department of
Corrections is “Offender Success.” By having this
partnership with The Ability Center, offenders
are gaining skills that will set them up for success
when they reenter society, including responsibility,
accountability, and dependability. Also, the
offenders are able to give back to the community
by training these dogs that will eventually be
paired with someone with a disability. Overall, it
is a win-win situation and we couldn’t be happier
with our partnership.”- Steve Kindinger, Warden’s
Administrative Assistant
OUT AND AROUND TOWN
If you see us cruising around town, give us a wave! Thanks to
the generosity of donor Sue Frankie, ADAI is riding in style
with our new van wrapped in adorable puppy photos from
our program. The van will be utilized to transport our dogs to
outings, presentations, and visits in the community. If you
have a vehicle you would like to donate, The Ability Center
accepts vehicles in good condition. For more information on
donating a new or used vehicle, contact The Ability Center.
MUD HENS NIGHT
There was magic in the air on June 30 as our
world famous Toledo Mud Hens transformed
Fifth Third Field into Diagon Alley at Harry
Potter Night! Thank you, A-Gas, company out
of Bowling Green, for sponsoring the game
and allowing us to share our mission while Muddy and P
raising funds. Proceeds from the jersey auction sponsored by
otter, who is
benefited our program created for high school ProMedica
Physicians C
students. The Next Steps Summer Program enter
Office Billing
supports students with disabilities in our
community to prepare for college and beyond.
Tyler Mahoney, Steven
Swanson, Ana McGuire,
Next Steps Summer
SEE THE Program Participants
See the Person is a community event and fundraiser hosted by ProMedica Foundations and benefits
local disability-centered organizations. See the Person looks beyond the disability and celebrates the
person. ProMedica’s goal is to provide individuals and families with valued, life-changing resources.
Videos promoting the campaign are featured online and highlight two of ACT’s consumers.
Ricky Murphy, Home Accessibility Consumer Sara Devlin, Equipment Loan Consumer
September 6, 2018
6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Promenade Park
promedica.org/seetheperson
for tickets
SAVE THE DATE, WE’LL SAVE A SEAT
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Our calendar is chock-full of events that will leave you feeling inspired. Connect with us on social
media to view complete details on upcoming events and how you can get involved.
See the Person, ProMedica fundraiser - Thursday, September 6, 2018
6:00 - 10:00 p.m. / Promenade Park
Fall in Love, Auxiliary to The Ability Center Style Show - Wednesday, October 3, 2018
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. / The Pinnacle
Bryan Reverse Raffle - Saturday, October 27, 2018
5:00 - 9:00 p.m. / Bryan Eagles
Pasta for Pooches - Saturday, March 23, 2019
4:00 - 7:00 p.m. / St. Michael Lutheran Church
ADA Zoo Day: 6,507 people packed the Toledo Zoo to attend ADA
Zoo Day 2018. Our annual vendor fair recognizes the passing of the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Event organizers thank guests
that supported the event, over 60 vendors that shared information,
and staff at the Toledo Zoo for continuing to allow us to host this annual
event.
TARTA Mall Bus Stop Celebration: Our advocacy team along with other
local disability groups, will come together on August 20 to welcome
a new TARTA bus stop at Franklin Park Mall. TARTA’s newest stop is
located outside of the Charming Charlie’s entrance and will greatly
increase access to the mall for individuals living with disabilities. Addition
of the stop marks the culmination of four years of grassroots efforts to
improve transportation to the mall.
Candidate Forum: ACT had an active role in the planning committee for
the 2018 Candidate’s Forum on Disability Issues held on the anniversary
of the signing of the ADA. Executive Director Tim Harrington
introduced the keynote speaker, John D. Kemp, Esq. Representatives
for the Senate and Gubernatorial Candidates for Ohio’s 2018 Elections
shared their positions on transportation, education, health care,
community integration, and employment.
Petals for a Purpose: Petals for a Purpose, SAVE THE
our annual plant sale, was held in May DATE!
and featured flowers from Lakewood Join us as we rewind to
Greenhouse. This growing event is in its the ‘80s for the 35th
anniversary of ADAI
third year supporting the Next Steps August 24, 2019
Summer Program. To all who volunteered and
purchased plants, thank you for raising money
for this budding program.
WELCOME THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF
THE ADAI FAMILY
When Maggie applied to ADAI for a therapy dog, she had high
expectations of the bond she’d experience with her canine
companion. Maggie shares, “I want the dog to be a good friend to
me.” Goals of gaining independence and becoming comfortable
with spending more time by herself will be easily achieved with
Pearl by her side. At their first meeting, Maggie could not stop
beaming as she cued Pearl, a black Labrador retriever, to complete
all her commands. Maggie stays active with Special Olympics,
working, perfecting art projects, and attending social events.
Margaret (Maggie) & Pearl
Riley’s family was confident that receiving a service dog
would help him achieve a greater level of mobility and
independence. They share, “We feel that a service dog can
add love, support, friendship, security, and assistance.”
Henry, a yellow Labrador, will be joining Riley’s family
to support him both at home and in the community. At
home, Henry can pick up items Riley drops, retrieve the
phone, and tug off clothing items. Henry will also comfort
Riley during doctor’s appointments. Henry is sponsored by
Supplemental Staffing.
Riley & Henry
Olivia shares what she is most looking forward
to when she receives Madison, her service dog,
“An assistance dog will lessen my dependence
on other people, and will help build confidence.”
Madison will navigate with Olivia around the
halls of Williamston High School, and serve as
a contact support during difficult situations.
Madison will brace Olivia as she opens her
locker at school, grab items on the floor, bring
her pieces of mobility equipment, and assist
in performing exercises at physical therapy.
Madison is sponsored by the Auxiliary to The
Ability Center.
Olivia & Madison
ADAI GRADS CONTINUED
Truman is ready to hit the ground running
Abby keeps busy with a
steady social calendar, as soon as the school year begins at
piano practice and other Jefferson
hobbies, but this teenager Primary
discovered she could use School and
extra assistance. Abby Chamberlin
shares, “Because of my Hill
fatigue and challenges Intermediate
with using a wheelchair, I School.
am not able to get out of The staff at
the house as frequently as Jefferson
I would like. At 15 years says, “We will
old, I would really like to use our dog
Jefferson Primary &
be able to do more on for students
Truman
Abigail & Dill my own.” Dill will make that are
independence possible for having anxiety,
Abigail. any issues at home, and help build social
Some helpful tasks Dill will complete for Abby skills. We look forward to the dog helping
include retrieving her medication and water bottles with group work and classroom lessons.”
when she isn’t able to do so.
HARLEIGH POORMAN - SUCCESS STORY
ACT believes that consumer choice leads to a path of independence. That principle is supported
through all of our programming, including our Home Accessibility Program. Our program installs
home modifications including ramps, stairlifts, and grab bars for those living with physical disabilities.
Tina, mother to Harleigh, a four-year-old living with Angelman syndrome, discovered our services
through her advocate at the Board of Development Disabilities. Tina reflects, “Since receiving our
ramp, I no longer have to carry my daughter and her adaptive stroller up and down steps. It has given
me much needed relief. Thank you!”
Details matter when it comes to home accessibility and our staff
takes the time to answer questions and provide information
to the family. “Our experience with The Ability Center was
wonderful from start to finish,” Tina shares.
Mom shares, “The ramp benefits us greatly by being able to
easily get in and out of the house on a daily basis without the
worry of falling down the steps.” The feeling of safety and
security for Harleigh is experienced by all members of the
family. Any chance she gets, Harleigh is outside soaking up
the sunshine, staying active by swimming and swinging.
Our programming is made possible by small and large donations
that support projects. Tina appreciates the donor dollars that make it all happen, “Without the donors,
this project would not have been possible. I would like to thank them for their generosity and I hope
that they know how much we appreciate their role in making our daily lives a little bit easier.”
TOLEDO METROPARKS UNVEILS ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND ACT’S Advocacy Program partnered with Metroparks Toledo to establish their new accessible play area at Secor Metropark. The inclusive playground is a national demonstration playground with ramp access, multiple transfer points, and play elements for children of varying abilities and interests. Our staff provided letters of support to increase funding necessary for the playground and provided feedback to make the playground and surrounding park area more accessible. The Secor Metropark playground opened to the public in June and will have additional inclusive play elements installed next year. Our staff met the team from the Metroparks to review renderings of the park and discuss funding opportunities for this and other accessibility projects. Thank you, Toledo Metroparks for being a strong community partner! ACT AUXILIARY INVITES YOU TO “FALL IN LOVE” Auxiliary members have been busy lending a hand at Petals for a Purpose and planning their biggest fundraiser of the year coming this fall. For several months, style show committee members have been meeting under the leadership of event chair, Lisa Rozanski, and prepping for the best style show yet. “Fall in Love,” this year’s theme, captures the essence of the season and welcomes you to fall in love with Style Show Committee all seven programs of The Ability Center. Save the date and pick out your dress to impress for October 3, 2018 at The Pinnacle. Join us to enhance the lives of those living with disabilities in our community.
NEXT STEPS SUMMER PROGRAM 2018
The Ability Center’s Next Steps Summer Program 2018 began on July 8 and wrapped up on
August 9. During the summer experience, 16 students perfected independent living skills such as
grocery shopping, meal preparation, and laundry while living on the campus of the University of
Toledo for five weeks. Local high school students built on employment tools, sparked confidence in
their abilities, and created lasting friendships. Area work sites were cultivated to prep participants
for the job market after they graduate high school. Our innovative initiative takes a hands-on
approach to programming and provides opportunities to address challenges youth with disabilities
face. This program impacts students for years to come by putting transition plans into action. The
goal is for every student to leave the program more prepared to enroll in college or begin work in a
competitive employment environment. Enrollment is now open for next year’s program.
e.”
“My goal is to find a job I lov
- Megan Braun
LIFE SKILLS CLASSES:
Employment: August 28
FIVE STUDENTS Cooking: September 5
AWARDED COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Education for young people with disabilities is an agency focus supported by our annual scholarship
fund. The Ability Center pairs up with our Auxiliary to award college scholarships to students who
represent hard work, perseverance, and leadership.
Nick Gulch Tony Schweinhagen Cori Fischer
Owens Community College Westminster College Gannon University
Conor Smenner Uhunoma Aguebor
Bowling Green University of Toledo
State University
“The start of my life was not ideal, living through nine years of
foster care before being adopted at age 12, could have had a
negative impact on my life. I put the past behind me and with
my parents’ support, I feel I have become a well presented
young man. This scholarship will allow me to pursue my goal
of becoming a teacher. - Tony Schweinhagen, Scholarship
Recipient and Next Steps Summer Program Participant
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
TOLEDO, OH
PERMIT NO. 242
5605 Monroe Street
Sylvania, Ohio 43560
419.885.5733
866.885.5733
abilitycenter.org
ACT Board of Directors
Chair
Colleen Mandell, Ed.D. Tom McArdle
Retired, BGSU Retired, Cubbon and Associates
Vice Chair Gary Mossburg
Molly Branyan Paramount Healthcare
Danberry Company
Malcolm Richards
Treasurer Supplemental Staffing
Mark Stutler
Healthcare Provider Solutions Jennifer Schaefer
University of Toledo Foundation
Secretary
Tami Williams Alice Schorling
Advocate Auxiliary to The Ability Center
Wanda Brown Sandra Sundermeier
Advocate Retired, CPA
Claire Browning Wendy Wiitala
Welles Bowen Real Estate Advocate
Kimberlie England Jeff Witt
Findley Davies, Inc. University of Michigan
Bill Logie Timothy Harrington
Retired, University of Toledo Executive Director
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