Success Stories

Bob is a 98-year-old WWII veteran who has been an active member of his community for decades. Since his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, Bob has become increasingly more unsteady. Recently, while standing in a long line, Bob unfortunately fell, and that’s when his family realized it was time to look for assistance. Since Bob had previously received a shower chair from The Ability Center, his family knew exactly who to contact for additional durable medical equipment (DME).

Bob’s stepdaughter inquired about obtaining a rollator from the Ability Center and learned that this type of DME requires a doctor’s prescription. She shared that the Ability Center staff was helpful and guided her through that process, allowing them to receive the required documentation more swiftly. Bob was able to receive a brand-new rollator, thanks also to a generous donation from Pension Innovations and Consulting. The family is thankful for the peace of mind that the rollator will provide to support Bob’s balance and safety.

Bailey works in the medical field and shares that she has been recommending The Ability Center to her patients for years! However, it wasn’t until Bailey’s own daughter, CoCo, was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition at ten (10) months old that Bailey personally reached out to the organization.  

Before her diagnosis, CoCo struggled with low muscle tone and had difficulty eating, which led to a lack in quality nutrition necessary for growth and development. Bailey was relieved when she was able to connect CoCo with phenomenal doctors at the Cleveland Clinic. But they discovered that  CoCo was in need of different equipment to continue to support her growth. While the family waits for approval from their insurance, Bailey reached out to The Ability Center for support.  

Thankfully Bailey and CoCo were able to receive a pediatric stander immediately from the ACT. Bailey was also searching for a gait trainer, but unfortunately ACT did not have one available. Even more discouraging, Bailey learned that gait trainers had not been approved by insurance in seven (7) years. Just days after Bailey received that news about the insurance, she received an unexpected call from Jennifer, the Youth and Family Services Coordinator. The Ability Center had a gait trainer for her daughter! Bailey and her family were overjoyed and so thankful to the ACT for their assistance. CoCo is now using the equipment daily. Once she is walking and no longer needs it, Bailey plans to re-donate the items back to the ACT to support another child in need.  

Students at Tiffin Middle School in Tiffin, OH have designed a new outdoor space called Cooper’s Corner for their beloved Ability Center school facility dog, Cooper. The students designed and built the area, which includes an outdoor classroom and an agility course. The project, funded by a $5,000 grant, has provided a much-needed break for both Cooper and the students, promoting mental health and creating a lasting impact for future generations.

 

Featured On:

 

Guardian angels come in all shapes and sizes and you never know when one's gonna to pop into your life and be there to give you a hand.”

Christine “Chris” of Maumee, served others as a nurse for over 25 years at St. Luke's Hospital. Always caring for others - Chris never perceived herself as someone in need of services.

Throughout college, Chris' daughter volunteered with The Ability Center, assisting people with disabilities to create their own unique works of art. “Folks wanted to learn how to paint, she’d guide and teach them to make beautiful art and paintings. The work helped her in her degree and that is how I found out about The Ability Center,” she shares.

“I was busy doing all the mom things and I just put it in the back of my mind.”

Years passed, and after the loss of two of her three daughters, Chris found herself as a single mother searching for a home that she could grow old in. After looking high and low for the perfect home, Chris landed in Maumee close to her church and favorite stores. Collections of hand painted art and birdhouses fill the home she shares with her beloved dog, Anthony. As her arthritis began to worsen, she quickly realized steps in front and back of the home were high and made it unsafe to step in and out.

“I remember, it clicked. I thought about The Ability Center and I called, spoke to the staff, went to the library to fill out the application and that was it. Then, out of the clear blue sky I got a call that I could get a ramp. I could hardly sleep that night. I was going to get my own miracle.”

Having a ramp was useful not only for Chris, but also for her friends. “They weren't able to come to visit me because of the awkwardness of how high my steps were to get into. I love cooking, so I can invite them over for a meal and have a good time with them.” With a special fondness for Jiggs dinners, Chris cherishes dinners with close friends.

Fran, Chris’s lunch guest, observes Chris as she precisely plates the table and gently folds napkins in each place. “This is bountiful,” Fran explains. “No one makes a spread like Chris.”

Our carpenters' work impressed Chris so much that she sent them cookies as a note of gratitude. Chris says, “You know, love grows in small houses. This gives me the opportunity to make memories with my friends again. Without it, I would be stuck in my home.”

By age 17, Chris Riling had already earned his first Cisco^® equipment certification—and a reputation for having outstanding technical skills.

When he was just a high school senior, a software contractor sought his help completing a complicated project for the City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities. That secured his standing as an IT prodigy.

Chris was born with cerebral palsy, which initially caused potential employers to wonder how well he could perform their jobs. Early positions in network administration and engineering gave him additional experience. But what Chris really wanted was to work for Cisco. After applying persistently for two years, he ultimately landed a position at the company.

Today, Chris holds Cisco’s CCIE^® certification, the networking industry’s highest credential. As a system architect, he travels worldwide, supporting one of his employer’s top 26 customers. He prides himself on having expertise in both technical and business arenas.

Chris hopes people realize he reached the top of his profession despite his disability—not because of it. He never shies away from talking about his cerebral palsy with those who are curious; indeed, he encourages people to ask questions without worrying they might offend him. And rather than wondering whether he requires assistance, he prefers they consider how he can help them.

“This work is personal for me,” says Nate, who faced losing his eligibility for needed public benefits once he began working.

Born with advanced cerebral palsy, Nathan Turner has considerable personal experience dealing with Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and other public benefits. He understands the challenges in navigating those systems’ complex eligibility requirements—especially while actively pursuing a career. That’s why he devotes much of his time to advocating for justice, accessibility, and equal rights in the disability community.

Nate knows that many employers view individuals with disabilities as incapable of competing in the job market. Then, when they secure jobs, some are expected to forgo the critical public benefits that enable them to work. But unlike so-called welfare-to-work programs intended to lessen public assistance, the need for disability benefits does not end when someone becomes employed.

“My experience has resulted in a commitment to social justice, human rights, and strengthening community inclusion, especially as they relate to the Black, Indigenous, and Other People of Color (BIPOC) and disability communities.”

Nate is deeply involved in advocacy within the developmental disability system and was the first person to serve on the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities eligible for services. He is also involved with the Ohio Tech Ambassador Network, advocating for supportive technologies that enhance independence.

When he’s not advocating for higher levels of self-determination in the disability community, Nate works as a Senior Web Quality Rater for Lionbridge Global Support Services. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies from Wright State University and serves on several area boards.

Ty Ruddy has been overcoming hurdles since birth—and he considers his life richer for it.

A combination of heart defects associated with Holt-Oram syndrome led to multiple cardiac surgeries before his third birthday, cost him his left thumb, and has often meant working harder to keep pace with others. But Ty credits those challenges for inspiring an unmatched personal resolve and strong work ethic.

A 2022 recipient of a scholarship from The Ability Center Auxiliary, Ty is pursuing degrees in applied mathematics and English at Hillsdale College while considering economics and physics as potential career paths. He graduated from Whiteford High School in Ottawa Lake, Michigan, where he earned academic honors and played football, basketball, and track.

Because of Holt-Oram, Ty must frequently discover ways to complete tasks most people do without thought. But rather than focusing on his medical history, he prefers that people see him as a student, an athlete, and an overcomer.

“I want others to look at my determination and intelligence, not my physical characteristics,” says Ty. “I feel my life exemplifies how perseverance and hard work can function cooperatively with a disability.”

Jimmy’s journey with The Ability Center began in 2017. Cooking/nutrition, financial management, sex education, and personal safety are just a few of the Youth and Transition classes Jimmy has mastered. Throughout these classes, he socialized with many peers, leading to lasting friendships.

In 2018, Jimmy enrolled in the Next Steps Summer Program, a unique summer experience where students stay on the campus of The University of Toledo while working during the day. “I remember how shy I was when I was in the room
with new Ability Center consumers, but I eventually became so motivated to answer every question,” Jimmy said.
“During school, I never liked to raise my hand unless the teachers asked me a question, but I felt so comfortable during this program.”

After completing the program, Jimmy decided it was time for him to learn how to live independently on his own. With the help of Lucas Board of Development Disabilities, he was approved for his own apartment. “Once I got approved to live in my apartment, I felt amazing and happy,” Jimmy said. “I am not fully independent yet but that’s okay. I’m still learning.”

The Ability Center connected him with resources to furnish his apartment and offered resources to learn skills like meal preparation, budgeting, and time management to make sure he continued to take care of himself. “I thought I would live with my parents for the rest of my life,” Jimmy said. “But one night I realized I wanted to become more responsible and more independent. You never know what you will achieve in your life. I never thought this would be my life and I’m truly happy about it.”

"Ron and I try to make each day the best day ever,” Brent of Tiffin shares.

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1997, Brent worked at American Standard for 17 years until it closed, then at Cooper Tire for 14. A hard-working man all his life, Brent quickly realized after his sudden diagnosis, he would need support to continue living the independent life he knew.

After finding us through a Google search, Brent did his homework. “After reading the reviews and success stories, I knew this place was for me.”

In August 2021, Ron entered Brent’s life. His tasks stretch beyond typical tasks of a service dog, he keeps the activities Brent loves at the top of his to-do list. “Crafting my own Christmas presents is one of my favorite things to do,” Brent shares. Ron grabs his tools and keeps him moving and creating. An avid runner, Brent ran in marathons and other races prior to his diagnosis.

“I think Ron and I bonded from day one. It's hard to pick one task because Ron does well at all of them. He always gets my shoes every morning.” Balance and stability, grabbing items out of the fridge, tugging a clothes basket, helping in and out chairs, putting on socks and getting in and out of bed are tasks Ron was trained to do specifically for Brent.

Brent is not shy about sharing his experience with others who may need assistance. “The wait that it takes to get a dog is worth it. I thank the staff for giving me a great companion. I am more confident in public and not worried about falling in the stores or out in about. When I'm not at my best, he is there.”

An autoimmune condition is relatively rare, so having more than one is highly uncommon. Olivia Ohmer has three.

At age three, doctors diagnosed Livy with Type 1 Diabetes. A year later, they discovered she had Hashimoto’s Thyroid Disease. For Livy, managing those chronic conditions meant learning personal responsibility far earlier than most people her age. By her estimate, she makes an extra 30-40 daily decisions most of us never need to consider.

Olivia attends Adrian College, where she plays on the school’s golf team. Not long ago, doctors informed her she had Solar Urticaria, a rare allergic reaction to sun exposure. Determined not to let that diagnosis prevent her from playing competitive golf, Livy resolved to overpower this condition as she does the others.

Livy received a college scholarship from The Ability Center Auxiliary in 2022. A member of the Honors College, she studies biology and public health and plans on becoming a physician assistant specializing in elderly care. Olivia understands the importance of patient care needs at all ages and hopes to advocate on behalf of vulnerable patient populations.

While most golfers go a lifetime without making a hole-in-one, Livy has two to her credit. Whether beating the odds on the golf course or handling the rarest medical conditions, she is truly one in a million.

Greg Lattanza is a consumer of our Home Accessibility Program (HAP). Greg utilizes a power scooter to help him get around the house and out in the community. He initially had a simple wood ramp leading up to his house and a wood threshold ramp inside. The Ability Center installed grab bars through his waiver to help him maneuver around his home.

Although Greg’s home was accessible, the next focus was on more safety. His ramp did not have handrails, so The Ability Center HAP added wood handrails to his outside ramp. They also replaced the wooden threshold ramp inside with an aluminum ramp because it was too steep. “Thank you all so much for what you do! You have no idea how much you’ve helped me or what it means,” Greg said. “The Ability Center is a local treasure! As long as you guys are around, I know that angels walk among us!”

Born with spina bifida, Gary Peters has lived with a disability all his life. That doesn’t deter him from pursuing his passions.

”I don’t know anything different,” says Gary Peters, matter-of-factly describing his experience living with a disability. He’s not trying to brush over the subject, mind you. But he would much rather discuss his primary interests: athletics and wildlife photography.

Gary began playing wheelchair basketball as a youngster, one of the few early sports available to disabled athletes. Around that time, he also became active in the local wheelchair road racing scene, competing in 5K, 10K, and half-marathon events.

Then several years ago, he discovered sled hockey, in which players sit in specially designed sleds fixed to skate blades. Participants carry two hockey sticks instead of one and use the metal picks on each butt end to propel themselves along the ice. After injuring his shoulder while playing hockey, Gary decided to heed his doctor’s advice and find a sport with less contact.

Now into playing wheelchair tennis, Gary is part of the Glass City Backspinners. The wheelchair tennis group gathers to compete on Friday evenings at Twos Athletic Club in Toledo. (The Ability Center sponsors the Backspinners’ weekly practice session.)

An active wildlife photographer, Gary is part of two local birding groups. Some of his stunning photographs are available on his Facebook page.

Gary is a stay-at-home caregiver and looks out for his two older siblings.

”Sports and photography are my escape,” he says.

Perrigrine (Perri) is a single mother of three living with cerebral palsy. Her life, like many young parents, is centered around her children. The co-captain of her daughter’s cheerleading team, Perri volunteers frequently at her daughters’ school activities. Community members share, “She is a faithful, hardworking, dedicated, respectful person who communicates timely and efficiently. I have witnessed these traits in her as a mom and school volunteer.” What sets Perri apart from other young moms is her determination to remove barriers associated with her disability.

Shortly after birth, Perri had a stroke. She explains, “Even though I was diagnosed with a pediatric stroke as a child, it wasn’t until after I had my third child when I was 25 years old that I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and debilitating chronic pain. I made the difficult decision to quit a well-paying career in retail management because of the chronic flare in new symptoms relating to pre-existing conditions. I soon realized there were not many effective treatments for chronic pain especially for adults like myself that had grown from childhood-related disabilities.”

After this career shift, Perri was accepted into the Pharm D Program at The University of Toledo (UT). Strength in academics paired with a passion for helping others pushed her into this rewarding career. Support staff at the University of Toledo explain, “I am always impressed by her listening skills, self-advocacy, and willingness to learn. She is conscientious about always asking questions to understand best to support her personal and student success.” Though she was aware of The Ability Center through the Zoo Day event, it was a referral from Disability Services at UT that connected her more resources.

Perri shares, “They made my home more accessible by getting me a more usable door handle and lock. Before the lock and new door handle, it would take me multiple attempts to open the front door, now it’s extremely easy to open, lock and unlock! Also, the food chopper cuts down on meal prep by half the time. I don’t have to worry as much about cutting myself or being as exhausted while trying to cook. Everyone I have interacted with at The Ability Center has been knowledgeable, kind, and supportive. I would love to be more involved and give back to others in need through The Ability Center, just as they have done for myself and my family.”

In spring 2021, Perri received a scholarship through the Auxiliary to The Ability Center. She shares, “Without the help of grants and scholarships I would be unable to pursue my dream of a better education. I know that I have the passion, thoughtfulness, willpower, and determination to make the world a better place by making a positive contribution. I feel that the disability community needs to unite more than ever, and we need to empower each other to make a difference in our lives.”

After graduation, she’d like to combine her years of experience in retail and pharmaceutical knowledge and become a retail pharmacist. She genuinely loves to help people, which is the reason why she studies pharmacy. Perri reflects, “Even though I have physical disabilities, I have always told myself that no matter what obstacles may be in your way if you put the mental effort into a goal it can be accomplished.”

Mike has been a wonderful addition to our household. He is sweet, affectionate, very engaged and always trying to help. Ben and Mike are quickly becoming very good friends, and a friend is exactly what Ben needs. Ben doesn’t have any true friends other than family, but he and Mike are already very close companions. Mike is also helping to teach Ben a greater sense of responsibility, as Ben is responsible for feeding Mike twice each day and also responsible for other portions of Mike’s care. Mike is also very helpful when Ben is working on education-related tasks, where Ben can become frustrated or agitated. Mike sits with Ben while Ben is doing his school-type work, and Ben will use the soothing feel of Mike’s fur to help him stay calm, focused, and on-task. Mike also helps us keep an eye on Ben and ensure Ben’s safety while we sleep or are otherwise engaged. For instance, since Ben doesn’t require very much sleep at all, Mike stays with Ben and watches him while he sleeps. if Ben gets up in the night and we – his parents – don’t hear Ben, Mike will come get us to let us know that Ben is awake and on the move. We’ve also found that when Ben does sleep, if we allow Mike to be the one to wake Ben in the morning, Ben has a better early morning attitude and in general a better day all around. And, in addition to the help Mike gives us with Ben, Mike is extremely helpful to me due to my physical limitations. Mike picks things up from the floor for me. He gets things that I need so that I don’t have to get up or walk through the house to get them, and he is learning to do a variety of other helpful tasks. Also, it should be noted that Mike has quickly become a very good friend for me, too. He stays up with me when I’m waiting for Ben to go to sleep. Mike sits beside me when I’m dealing with my chronic pain issues and helps me refocus my mind on things other than the fact that I am in pain. Mike has brought enjoyment, entertainment, assistance, and love into our household. We just adore this furry guy.

Zach Roecker is a longtime consumer of The Ability Center. Seeking a way to live a more independent life, Zach, who has cerebral palsy and uses an electric scooter, received his first ramp from our Home Accessibility Program at age 11. The Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University installed a wooden ramp at the front door of his home in south Toledo in 2011. Thanks to the ramp, Zach could safely enter and exit his house.

His wooden ramp eventually began to deteriorate and in October 2020, Zach received a new aluminum ramp thanks to a grant from Toledo Elks #53. Now at 20 years old, Zach’s goals are to continue increasing his independence and to attend college.

“It’s much easier for Zach to catch the bus in the morning, get to appointments, and get outside for exercise and fresh air,” Robert Roecker, Zach’s father, said. “Having the ramp is a tremendous help for us.” Zach is a senior at Bowsher High School and is looking at post-graduation options.

Zach explains, “I want to work with animals or work athletic events at the Huntington Center or the University of Toledo.”

The ramp will help Zach and his family for many years to come.

Brooke Coan, 19, first learned about The Ability Center when her family moved to the area in 2020. One of her goals when she became a consumer was to find a job. Brooke has a developmental disability which made school challenging, so she decided that working a job would be a better fit for her after high school graduation.

To help prepare for the job hunt, Brooke participated in The Ability Center’s Youth Leadership Forum in the summer of 2020. “My favorite part of the Youth Leadership Forum was seeing the different kinds of interesting speakers come and talk to us,” Brooke said. She credits the program with helping her gain more confidence. “I was very shy and didn’t really like talking to people,” Brooke said. “Because of this program, I became more confident in myself.”

As a result, Brooke is currently working part-time for Barry’s Bagels and is enjoying her work. In the future, Brooke would like to explore a career as a tour guide in a history museum.

From 13abc

The Ability Center of Greater Toledo has been helping make life better for people with disabilities for 100 years. One of the many ways the organization does that is through its Assistance Dogs Program. September is National Service Dog Month.

The pandemic has of course changed the program, but the need for the specially-trained animals has not slowed down a bit. The dogs spent about two years in training. The training had to be done virtually for awhile. However, in-person sessions with safety protocols have started up again.

This has been a life-changing program for so many including the fosters who devote countless hours to the dogs. Karin Johnstone has been a foster for a couple years.

“A part of your heart goes with the dog, but the reward is seeing how they make a difference in someone’s life. It has been a wonderful experience. It is a community. I have made great friends. We work with each other, and together. It is fantastic. It has added a dimension to my life I did not know was missing or needed,” says Johnstone.

“She is always so happy to help. I think she gets up in the morning thinking about what she can do for me. Ginny is the best dog we have ever had. She loves everyone and everything. She loves to train, but she also loves to play. The Ability Center has done so many wonderful things through the years for so many people. I think adding the Assistance Dogs Program is one of the best things they ever did,” said Dussel.

Some of the dogs are trained by inmates at the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility in Adrian. That’s been put on hold because of the pandemic. So there’s a growing need for fosters.

Watch video here.

A heartwarming story of a child with Down syndrome receiving an adaptive tricycle from The Ability Center, with the help of the Toledo Police Department. Discover how the tricycle brings joy and the opportunity for physical activity to the child and his mother. Read more about their journey and the generosity that made it possible.

https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2023/06/26/child-receives-adaptive-tricycle-from-the-ability-center-tpd/stories/20230626109

(Scholarship Recipient)
The Ohio State University, Nursing

My professional goals are driven by my life experiences and triumph over the disease that has tried to take so much from me and has robbed me of some of life’s advantages that most people take for granted. Cancer struck me at the age of 2 and attacked my brain at an alarming rate and required immediate resection of the tumor followed by the long and highly aggressive Head Start protocol.

I won that battle but it forever changed my life as I permanently lost a percentage of my hearing, requiring me to wear hearing aids since the age of 3. For 9 years, every aspect of my life was challenged as I forged ahead tenaciously to prove that my cancer would not define me. In 2012, I was struck again with a major blow of cancer, a second primary cancer that is very rare that required the reconstruction of the right side of my face. The procedure was done perfectly by a fantastic skull/base team at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital in Manhattan. This presented a whole new set of challenges as I had to persevere past the psychological impacts to my self-esteem and self-worth. Through the grace of phenomenal physicians, medical support
personnel, and their strong beliefs, I have become the exception in a long list of morbid statistics. I have worked very hard to not let cancer define me but in fact it is what makes me who I am today – a survivor of faith. For the last 20 years, I aim to serve others in ways that others cannot because I have lived it, I have overcome it, and I have the compassion for all those that are in need of love, care, and understanding. This is what drives me everyday as I continue to grow and strive to be the best person I can possibly be.

Cancer is the impetus of my disability, hearing, motor skills, and cognitive challenges but it is also what sets me apart from others. I have persevered and become stronger than I ever could have without my challenges. By no fault of my own, I have become an inspiration to others and have become a champion to those that fear a world without normal hearing or other mobility challenges. I am truly blessed for what I have overcome and as I continue my second year of nursing school at The Ohio State University. I come closer to my dream of compassionately working with others and sharing my story with those that are in need of healing both physically and mentally. This scholarship is instrumental in helping me achieve that goal.

(Scholarship Recipient)
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
International Relations

I was born with arthrogryposis, meaning that I have congenital joint contracture. According to Wikipedia this means, ” … children born with joint contractures have abnormal fibrosis of the muscle tissue causing muscle shortening, and therefore are unable to perform active extension and flexion in the affected joint or joints.” In my case, it is present in both of my arms. At a young age, I experienced lots of physical therapy. There they worked hard on keeping my arms flexible, so that the muscles in my arms could remain active and useful to me as I got older. I will never forget when the physical therapists were in awe as I swung on monkey bars; this simple action showed great improvement in my arm’s flexibility. Even still at 18, it is important that I keep my arms flexible, otherwise I risk the chance of my arms becoming rigid. This did not concern me when I was younger as physical therapy was a part of my childhood like playing foursquare.

As I grew older, I began to become more aware of the different ways arthrogryposis affects me. In grade school, I would notice when I couldn’t do a cartwheel like the other kids. For a while I had a hard time washing my hair, as I struggled to reach the back of my head. Whether it is putting on a necklace or making wide turns when driving, arthrogryposis, and its effects, vary. What I think my disability has hindered most is my confidence. My condition is rare, and as a shy kid I hated sticking out. Although my disability has provided me with a unique perspective, it can also feel very isolating. I am still learning how to feel comfortable in my own body. I am proud of myself as I have come a long way in my journey with arthrogryposis; but I still have a ways to go.

Besides my disability, what sets me apart from other students is my background. I was born in South Africa and then moved to Syria when I was three. For four years, I called Syria home. I explored ancient castles, studied Arabic, and drank mango juice with chicken shawarma and falafel. While Syria was my home, I grew up in an American household. I read Archie comics, listened to Linkin Park, and ate peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches. My background has sparked my interest in international relations and history. It has also made me more determined to make an impact, given the devastating war in Syria right now. I plan on earning a bachelor’s degree in international relations so that I can fulfill my career goal of working in diplomacy. I hope to attend George Washington University, which is listed among top tier schools as one of the best undergraduate institutions to study international relations. There, I plan on taking courses with a geographical focus on the Middle East or Europe. Although working in diplomacy will not be easy, I am determined because I feel that this is my calling. Considering how my experience living overseas sparked my interest in diplomacy, I want to give back to the refugee community. I recognize that not all are as lucky as me to go back to a safe country such as America. For a semester, I helped tutor refugee children with the University of Toledo’s Family Education Program. There, I had an amazing experience and was able to connect with a young girl who had also lived in Syria. The Family Education Program made Toledo feel more like home for me, and I am very grateful for that. Although George Washington University is a great school, it is also very expensive. I am not too deterred by the price as I really feel like I am meant to go there and that I will find the means to afford it. Arthrogryposis has played a huge part in making me the person I am today. Where I lack in muscles and functionally joints, I have gained compassion, strength, and thoughtfulness. Living with a rare condition has provided me with a unique perspective that has given me more opportunities to grow and connect with others.

Amanda sometimes found it difficult to navigate the world.

Socialization exercises, cooking and financial management classes have supported her development of critical life skills. One-on-one meetings with staff help her keep track of her progress and give her a fresh perspective when she needs it.

“I have trouble processing information in a conversation and at school and in my everyday life. Which means if someone talks too fast then I cannot hear everything they are saying, so I would have to ask them to repeat again,” Amanda explains.

A friend introduced her to programming and she soon discovered the difference was in the outlook. “We are encouraged to go out into the world and do life with people. Not to be nervous to try even if we fail. The Ability Center teaches me resilience and how to bounce back.”

Her quest for growth led Amanda to discover a passion for working with children with disabilities. A student at Owens Community College, she aspires to become a paraprofessional to help kids feel better about themselves. Ultimately, she hopes to become an intervention specialist or occupational therapist to make an even bigger impact in the lives of those with disabilities.

Amanda learned the value of trying new things and pursuing her passions through her experience with The Ability Center. She takes advantage of her newfound organization skills to stay on task, and she schedules some time for creative expression – whether it is doing karate, playing music, or creating art.

And, of course, this story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning her mean taco-making skills.

(THERAPY DOG)

Handel will work as a facility therapy dog at the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility. Our partnership with the institution has granted us capacity to train more assistance dogs. He was fostered by Tammy Conlan, David and Becky Black, and inmate trainer Mario S. He was sponsored by Trinity Door Systems.