ACIL has partnered with Wright State University (WSU) to launch a needs assessment survey aimed at gathering insights from the community about the programs and services we offer as a Center for Independent Living.
This initiative seeks to identify gaps in current services and explore opportunities for new programs that can better empower individuals with disabilities to lead independent lives and gain better access to the communities in which they live.
ACIL is excited to give WSU students hands-on experience with community-based research and disability advocacy.
“The Access Center for Independent Living (ACIL) partnered with WSU to conduct a needs assessment to combine community expertise with academic research methods—creating a more thorough, data-driven understanding of the needs of people with disabilities in the region,” said Jeremy Caffee, Executive Director at ACIL.
Community participation is a critical piece of this endeavor. The insight of people with disabilities is essential. No one understands the needs of people with disabilities better than people with disabilities. Participating in the assessment gives residents of local communities with disabilities a voice in the future and helps build a stronger, more inclusive community for all.
The survey, which takes on average between 20 to 30 minutes to complete, invites participants to provide feedback on a range of topics, including accessibility, healthcare, employment, transportation and housing. The survey can be accessed at the following link: ACIL Needs Assessment Survey.
To encourage widespread participation, ACIL is reaching out to community partners, service organizations, and consumers to promote the survey.
Community partners collaborating is another key piece of this endeavor. Collaboration ensures that organizations across sectors—health, education, housing, transportation, and more—can align efforts, strengthen advocacy, and work together toward creating a more accessible and equitable community for people with disabilities. Working together is the best way for ACIL and our community partners to develop a meaningful action plan for the future.
ACIL is aware that many individuals face challenges when accessing services or resources that can assist them in achieving independence. Addressing these issues is critical for the organization.
“Needs assessments give individuals with disabilities a direct voice in shaping the services that affect their lives—keeping things inclusive and empowering,” Caffee explained. “To ensure our future goals align with community needs, ACIL needs to understand the real, current needs of people with disabilities in our area so we can prioritize programs and services that make the biggest impact.”
ACIL is prepared to support its partners with promotional materials, such as flyers and social media posts, to facilitate sharing the survey within their networks because we know the more responses we receive, the better equipped we will be to serve our consumers effectively.
ACIL urges the community to rally in support of this initiative. Our staff is confident that by working together our organization, community partners, and consumers can build a future where every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential
Feedback from the survey will be invaluable to our organization as we develop strategies to implement new programs and refine existing ones. By participating in the needs assessment survey, individuals with disabilities can contribute to shaping the trajectory of ACIL programs and services.
Needs assessment survey responses will be collected until June 1st, 2025. Each person who participates in the assessment will be entered into a drawing and have the chance to win a $50 Mastercard. Again, the survey can be accessed at the following link: ACIL Needs Assessment Survey.
For more information or to assist in spreading the word, community members can contact ACIL at 937-341-5202 or via email at [email protected].
