The Ability Center

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The Ability Center Making our region the most disability-friendly in the nation since 1920.

The Ability Center of Greater Toledo is a nonprofit that provides services to people with disabilities in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

09/28/2026

*LOCATION CORRECTION* Disability rights, resources, and lived experiences are at the center of an upcoming community conversation.

On October 1, State Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson, in partnership with the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Disability Rights Ohio, The Ability Center, and other organizations, will bring the community together to discuss disability rights and resources across Ohio.

Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about available resources, connect with local and statewide organizations, and share their experiences.

📅 Thursday, October 1
⏰ 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
📍 GLASS CITY PAVILION
1001 FRONT STREET
TOLEDO, OHIO 43605

This event is free and open to the public of all ages.

We hope to see you there!

09/26/2026

This is what Family Fun Day is all about. 💛

Bringing families together for a day filled with fun, connection, and inclusion. Family Fun Day is one of the many ways our Independent Living team creates opportunities for people with disabilities to connect with their community.

And we’re already looking forward to next year!

Interested in being part of Family Fun Day 2027 as a participant, community partner, volunteer, or sponsor? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to our team to get connected.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s event possible!

🎥 Calen Gray Media

Meet Luke. When Luke first connected with The Ability Center, he was looking for housing support and ways to become more...
09/25/2026

Meet Luke.

When Luke first connected with The Ability Center, he was looking for housing support and ways to become more involved in his community.

Since then, he’s found an apartment he loves, discovered new ways to connect through Adaptive Judo, Crash Football, pickleball and game nights, and is working toward his next goal: a career as a welder.

For Luke, it’s all part of becoming more independent and building the life he wants.

His advice for anyone going through a difficult season?

“Fall seven times, get up eight.”

Read more of his story at abilitycenter.org/success-stories

We’re still smiling about Family Fun Day! 💛Our 5th Annual Family Fun Day was filled with so many great moments, from tre...
09/24/2026

We’re still smiling about Family Fun Day! 💛

Our 5th Annual Family Fun Day was filled with so many great moments, from tree climbing and bounce houses to the petting zoo, Toledo Mud Hens, dunk tank, and more.

Take a look back at some of our favorite moments from the day! 📸

Thank you to everyone who made the day possible, including our incredible sponsors, partners, volunteers, staff, and families who joined us!

📸 Dougiefresh Photo

🐾 PAWS & PLAY IS BACK!This was one of our most-loved events last year, and it sold out, so we definitely recommend grabb...
09/18/2026

🐾 PAWS & PLAY IS BACK!

This was one of our most-loved events last year, and it sold out, so we definitely recommend grabbing your spot early!

Join DOT Playspace + The Ability Center for a special morning of play with some very adorable four-legged guests. 🐶 Kids will get to play, explore, and meet Assistance Dogs in training while supporting the incredible program that raises and trains them.

Even better? A portion of every ticket sold will be donated directly to The Ability Center’s Assistance Dogs program. So your morning of play gives back, too. ❤️

📅 Sunday, October 4
🐾 Session 1: 9:00–11:00 AM
🐾 Session 2: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM

Last year sold out. Reserve your session early!

🎟️ Registration is open now at dotplayspace.com/events

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Voters’ Forum! Candidates and members of the disability community came ...
09/15/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Voters’ Forum!

Candidates and members of the disability community came together for an important conversation about issues impacting people with disabilities throughout our community.

Thank you to each of the candidates who joined us:

• Commissioner Lisa A. Sobecki, Lucas County Commissioner
• Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson, Ohio Senate District 11
• James Nowak, Candidate for State Senate District 11
• Representative Erika White, Ohio House District 41
• Ian Chamberlin, Candidate for Ohio House District 41
• Representative Elgin Rogers Jr., Ohio House District 42
• Representative Michele Grim, Ohio House District 43
• David Karmol, Candidate for Ohio House District 43
• David J. Fournier, Candidate for Ohio House District 44
• Edward L. Schimmel, Candidate for Ohio House District 44

We also want to thank Katie Shelley, Community Engagement & Advocacy Specialist at Disability Rights Ohio, for moderating, and for Lucas County Board of DD for hosting the forum.

This event would not have been possible without the organizations that came together to make it happen. Thank you to Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Toledo-Lucas County Commission on Disabilities, Avenues for Autism, and The Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio for partnering on this year’s forum.

Most importantly, thank you to the members of our community who attended, submitted questions, and participated in the conversation.

The disability community deserves a voice in the decisions that impact our lives, our independence, and our communities. Thank you!

09/14/2026

Happening now! The Voters’ Forum at the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. 📣

The 2026 Voters’ Forum is TONIGHT! 📣 📅 September 14 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.📍 Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities T...
09/14/2026

The 2026 Voters’ Forum is TONIGHT! 📣

📅 September 14 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities Training Center

Can’t make it in person? Watch LIVE on our page starting at 5:30 p.m.

Register to attend: AbilityCenter.org/events

09/12/2026

Join us on Monday for our 2026 Voters’ Forum from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities Training Center.

Confirmed candidates include:
• Commissioner Lisa A. Sobecki, Lucas County Commissioner
• James Nowak, Candidate for State Senate District 11
• Representative Erika White, Ohio House District 41
• Ian Chamberlin, Candidate for Ohio House District 41
• Representative Elgin Rogers Jr., Ohio House District 42
• Representative Michele Grim, Ohio House District 43
• David Karmol, Candidate for Ohio House District 43
• David J. Fournier, Candidate for Ohio House District 44
• Edward L. Schimmel, Candidate for Ohio House District 44
• Richard Rettig, Candidate for Ohio House District 75

Register at: AbilityCenter.org/events

Shout out to our amazing partners: Toledo-Lucas County Commission on Disabilities, Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Avenues for Autism, and The Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio.

Address

5605 Monroe Street
Sylvania, OH
43560

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 3pm

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