Mayor’s Office on Disability Announcement

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz during a virtual news conference today announced the creation of a Mayor’s Office on Disability, a first-of-its kind initiative in Ohio.

The mayor was joined by Angie Goodnight, chairperson of the Toledo-Lucas County Commission on Disabilities, and Katie Hunt Thomas, disability rights attorney and director of advocacy at The Ability Center.

“We believe this is the first office of its kind in the state of Ohio,” Mayor Kapszukiewicz said. “Every municipality must have an ADA coordinator, which Toledo has had for many years, with varied effectiveness. This office establishes a Mayor’s Office on Disability, which is a huge leap forward in ensuring that Toledo is the most disability-friendly city in the nation.”

Other American cities with Mayors’ Offices on Disability include Chicago, San Francisco, Baltimore, Houston, Austin, Philadelphia, and Tampa.

“This goes beyond Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Mayor Kapszukiewicz said. “This sets up Toledo to send the message to all residents and visitors with a disability that we are a disability-friendly community. This is a city where you belong, you can thrive, you can live independently, and everything we have is open and available to you.”

The new office will have influence in every area of city operations.

“The Ability Center of Greater Toledo has been honored to be part of this effort and to work collaboratively with the City of Toledo and our other partner disability agencies to ensure that Toledo is the most disability-friendly community in the country,” Ms. Hunt Thomas said.

“Today, Mayor Kapszukiewicz took a big step toward making Toledo the most disability friendly community in the country,” said Toledo Councilman Sam Melden, who is also director of strategic engagement for The Ability Center. “I’m extremely thankful for all the self-advocates and leaders from the disability community for working with the Mayor’s administration to establish this office.”