Continued from Page 9 Activation Authentic Authors (Video Series) Hosted by Chrys Peterson, the goal of the series is to rewrite the story of disability told by the people who live it. Aiming to transform what the community believes and redefi ne what people with disabilities believe about themselves. The program will feature regional advocates and those empowering people with and without disabilities. 68 Words (Podcast) Hosted by radio personality Eric Chase, 68 Words captures people, places, and spaces doing disability differently, sharing fi rst-hand experience in a monthly podcast. A number of inclusive events and accessible attractions can be highlighted, as well as the stories of guests with disabilities. On the Menu (Lunch and Learn Series) Diving into a broad range of topics impacting people with disabilities, The Ability Center will bring in subject matter experts and community members to gain tactical knowledge and network with peers in the space. Lunch and Learns will occur monthly at The Ability Center’s campus. Jupmode (Apparel Line) Capitalizing on the success of the Toledo is for Everyone community shirt, a new line of apparel will be available for purchase at Jupmodesupply.com. Disability Awareness Experience (New Training Offering) Gaining knowledge about disabilities and connecting over shared experiences, participants meet new people and learn about disabilities. Training available for groups of 30 or less per session. The Ability Center has also launched a new website: abilitycenter.org. The grant to the Metroparks Toledo Foundation will be used to purchase two pieces of equipment to expand Metroparks adapted program offerings: An Action Trackchair, (photo below) which uses tracks rather than wheels so people with disabilities can venture over various terrain, not just paved paths. The chair will be available by reservation for personal use in the Metroparks, and by request at nature walks and other programs. A portable, 32-by-22-foot pool that will be used to introduce people to kayaking and stand up paddleboard at community events. The pool will also allow the Metroparks program staff to provide programs adapted for people of varying abilities. “Nature belongs to everyone, and one of our main objectives is to make the Metroparks accessible and welcoming to all,” said Dave Zenk, executive director of Metroparks Toledo. “With this grant, we will be able to expand our existing services to people with disabilities and introduce people to new ways of enjoying the outdoors.” The Christopher & Dana Reeves FoundaChristopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Grant Will Help Make Metroparks Programs Accessible A $24,700 grant from The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center will help Metroparks Toledo purchase equipment to provide adaptive outdoors experiences for people with disabilities. tion awarded 67 Direct Effect Quality of Life grants totaling $1.4 million from its Quality of Life Grants Program, which supports nonprofi t organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 3,490 grants totaling over $36 million have been awarded. Funding for this program was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living. “This cycle of Direct Effect grant projects offers a robust and impactful addition to our Quality of Life grants program,” said Mark Bogosian, Director, Quality of Life Grants Program, Reeve Foundation. “Grant funds are supporting wide-ranging projects including accessible community areas, adaptive sports, fi tness and wellness, consumer education, peer mentoring and support, and transportation. These projects represent the true essence of our Quality of Life grants program by fostering inclusion, involvement and community engagement, and promoting health and wellness for those affected by paralysis.” About the Reeve Foundation: The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. By uniting the brightest minds in the fi eld, we are working tirelessly to accelerate scientifi c discovery across the fi eld of spinal cord research by investing in labs across the globe. Additionally, through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, the Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) promotes the health, well-being, and independence of people living with paralysis, providing comprehensive information, resources, and referral services assisting over 100,000 individuals and families since its launch in 2002. The Reeve Foundation is committed to elevating our community’s voices and needs to achieve greater representation and independence. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB’s Charity Seal. For more information, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292. There is no such things as small with Toledo ih T ld ith Toled g Page 11
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