Supporting the Access Center: How You Can Help
The Access Center is here to ensure that people with disabilities have full and complete access to the community of our choice. We also work to empower people with disabilities to achieve independence.
As a dedicated non-profit organization, we rely on the support of individuals like you to expand our reach and connect with more people who can benefit from our services. Here is how you can be part of our journey and support our mission.
Core Services ACIL Offers:
1. Information & Referral: We provide access to essential resources and support, ensuring those in need can find the right help.
2. Peer Support: By fostering a community of shared experiences, we offer a network of understanding and encouragement.
3. Independent Living Skills Training: Our programs empower individuals with the skills necessary for everyday life, promoting self-reliance.
4. Advocacy: We advocate for individual, self, and systemic rights, ensuring opportunities for all.
5. Individual Transitioning: We assist individuals in their journey towards greater independence, including transitioning from long-term care to community-based settings through programs like Ohio’s HOME Choice.
In addition to these services, our Recycled Equipment Donated for Independence (REDI) program offers donated gently used durable medical equipment to those in need, helping people become more independent and live life to the fullest in the community of their choice.
We also facilitate Disability Awareness Training through our engaging “Think This Is Easy” (TTIE) program. TTIE is an in-person, immersive experience perfect for service providers working with individuals with disabilities or anyone who wishes to learn about the challenges and barriers faced by the disability community. Developed by some of our staff over 20 years ago, it consists of activities that simulate various types of disabilities, including cognitive, visual, speech, hearing, dexterity, mobility, and autism.
Additionally, we would like to highlight Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), which we provide in partnership with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) for students with disabilities beginning at age 14. These services are introductory and are meant to help students identify career interests early on. Pre-ETS is available to students with disabilities who need these services and have been determined eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services or are potentially eligible but have not applied for VR services.
How You Can Support Us:
As a community-based organization, we rely heavily on donations to continue our vital work. Your support can help us increase our online visibility, allowing us to reach more people in need and make a significant impact. Here are ways you can contribute:
– Get Involved: Volunteer at ACIL
ACIL is currently seeking volunteers for our REDI program to assist with picking up and delivering donations. Consequently, having a truck and the ability to lift heavy would be helpful for this role. This role offers the chance to engage directly with the community and see firsthand the positive impact of your efforts.
ACIL also has opportunities for volunteers to assist with administrative tasks around the office, such as filing and researching opportunities for community engagement. These tasks are critical in ensuring the smooth operation of the center and require individuals who are organized and detail-oriented.
For those who have a knack for fixing things, ACIL also needs help with small handyman projects around the office. These projects might include minor repairs or maintenance tasks, which are essential for maintaining a welcoming and functional space for everyone at the center.
A clean and well-maintained environment is crucial for both staff and visitors at ACIL. Volunteers can contribute significantly by assisting with custodial tasks, such as vacuuming and cleaning restrooms. These tasks are vital for ensuring a safe and pleasant space for everyone who visits or works at the center. Volunteers engaging in these activities help maintain the high standards of cleanliness and hygiene that ACIL strives for, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere for all.
– Spread the Word: Share our mission on social media to help us connect with a wider audience. ACIL has been active on Facebook and LinkedIn for some time and joined Instagram as well as TikTok in 2025.
– Donate: Your financial support is crucial in sustaining our services and expanding our outreach. If you’re interested in donating or learning more about how you can be involved, please visit our website at http://www.acils.com/make-a-difference/ or contact us at [email protected].
Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Join us in supporting independence of people with disabilities and creating a lasting community impact in Dayton and surrounding communities.