LEAP Cleveland

03/20/2026

Elizabeth Brassell, one of LEAP’s Community Engagement Specialists, spoke today at the Every Vote Counts event hosted by Cuyahoga DD at Bedford’s Ellenwood Center. She spoke about her voting experiences and advocacy efforts for people with disabilities who want to vote. Elizabeth was also featured in the documentary “Voting in the Land” that was shown at the event.

To get more information about voting from Cleveland Votes, check out www.clevotes.com.

03/18/2026

🎉Honoring Alice Wong for Women’s Awareness Month! 🎉

Alice Wong (1974-2025) was a powerhouse! As a disability rights activist and the founder of the Disability Visibility Project, she dedicated her life to amplifying disabled voices and creating a more inclusive world. Her work shines a light on the importance of disability media and culture, fostering understanding and breaking down barriers.

This Women’s Awareness Month, let’s celebrate Alice’s incredible contributions and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. She’s a true inspiration!

If you would like more info, Click Here:

Alice Wong, disability rights activist and founder of the Disability Visibility Project, passed away in 2025. Learn about her life, advocacy, and enduring legacy in promoting disability justice.

03/17/2026

Two weeks ago, LEAP staff members Saphire Murphy and Elizabeth Brassel were on a panel for the screening of Voting in the Land as part of the “Short. Sweet. Film Fest.” Both were interviewed as part of the film and shared their experiences as voters with disabilities.

Cuyahoga DD is showing the film this Friday at 10am. It will be a great opportunity to share valuable voting information for adults with disabilities, their families and staff, and advocates. If interested, sign up for free at surveymonkey.com/r/BBYL7KT.

Bring your ID for an opportunity to register to vote at the event.

03/16/2026

We had a fantastic time at Spring Fling this past Friday! Lots of dancing, fun, and friends!

We hope to see you at future events!

03/14/2026

🌟Celebrating Selma Blair this Women’s Awareness Month! 🌟

Selma Blair isn’t just an actress; she’s a force of nature! From her unforgettable roles on screen to her journey with multiple sclerosis, she’s shown us what it means to be resilient. Selma has used her platform to advocate for disability rights and raise awareness about MS, inspiring countless individuals around the globe.

Let’s take a moment to honor Selma’s strength and her advocacy. She embodies the essence of Women’s Awareness Month, reminding us to support and uplift each other through every challenge.

If interested in more info, Click Here https://people.com/health/selma-blair-stands-strong-as-she-marks-ms-awareness-month-may-we-all-find-the-strength/ #:~:text=Selma%20Blair%20is%20standing%20strong,Intentions%20star%20previously%20told%20PEOPLE.

Send a message to learn more

03/12/2026

Remembering the Capitol Crawl for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Most people are unaware of one of the most impactful protests in history. On March 12, 1990, while demanding the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, protesters left their mobility devices behind and crawled the 83 steps to the entrance of the U.S. Capitol. The images that were shared by the media created a groundswell of support leading to the immediate result of congress passing the stagnant bill. Four months later, President George HW Bush signed the ADA into law.

The ADA provides more accessible spaces and programs, but it is just the beginning. This Developmental Disabilities Month, let’s recognize the ongoing fight for disability rights and accessibility.

To learn more about the Capitol Crawl, check out this PBS article:

Meet the protesters who crawled their way into history—and changed how all Americans live.

03/10/2026

Join us for a night of networking, wine, and giving back! LEAP’s 2026 Sip & Support Wine Tasting Benefit is happening on Monday, April 27, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Solon Community Center.

For just $75, you’ll enjoy:
🍇 Wines from Ohio wineries
🍷 10 wine tastings
🧀 A curated charcuterie board
🤝 New connections with friendly community members
🎉 The chance to buy tickets for fantastic raffle baskets
🎵 Live music

This is your chance to interact with our community, expand your network, and support LEAP’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve independence. Every dollar raised will help support someone to obtain a job in the community, move out of a long term care facility, or participate in an activity to improve their health.

Limited tickets are available—get yours today and make a positive impact on your community!

Click here to register: https://leapinfo.networkforgood.com/events/97856-leap-s-2026-sip-support-wine-tasting-benefit

03/06/2026

Join us at this important and informative event! LEAP staff members Elizabeth Brassell and Saphire Murphy were interviewed as part of the documentary and Elizabeth will be on the panel at this event. Make sure to register ahead of time at the included link. Hope to see you there!

Cuyahoga DD presents the 2026 Advocacy Series. Join Cleveland VOTES and advocates for Voting and Accessibility.

The event is on Friday, March 20, at the Ellenwood Center in Bedford, from 10 AM to 12 PM.

Together, we will watch "Accessibility and the Ballot," a documentary film about voting with a disability. Learn why every vote counts.

After the movie, a panel of voters with disabilities and advocates will share information and answer your questions.

This event is designed for adults with developmental disabilities, family members, caregivers, advocates, and providers.

Bring your Ohio ID if you want to register to vote at the event. A light lunch will be provided.

Sign up for free at surveymonkey.com/r/BBYL7KT.



Image description: Cuyahoga DD Advocacy Series, Voting and Accessibility, March 20, with a man in a wheelchair handing in his ballot.

03/05/2026

Happy Women's History Month! Have you heard of Johnnie Lacy? She was a trailblazer in the Independent Living Movement, paving the way for many others in the field.

Growing up, Johnnie experienced racism and segregation. It wasn't until adulthood that she also experienced disability-based discrimination. At 19, Johnnie was in nursing school when she caught Polio, causing her to experience paralysis. As she navigated life as a person who used a wheelchair, Johnnie experienced overt discrimination because of her disability. In 1980, Johnnie's enrollment in San Francisco State's Speech Therapy program was unjustly blocked due to her disability. Instead of succumbing to this injustice, she fought for her rights. This moment was just the beginning of her advocacy journey, which significantly impacted race and disability rights.

As a Black woman who uses a wheelchair, Johnnie experienced exclusion from both the Black and Disability communities due to the conflicting identities. As an advocate, she focused on educating both communities and becoming an idol for Black women with disabilities. Johnnie's passion for disability rights led her to co-found the Berkeley Center for Independent Living. Later, she served at multiple other organizations with similar missions.
https://web.uri.edu/disability/bhm-2023-wk2/

Send a message to learn more

03/03/2026

We’re having a great time at Fun & Games, one of the many fantastic Quantum LEAP activities that began this week! We would love to have you join us!

Get more information here: https://www.leapinfo.org/services/recreation

Hope to see you soon!

02/27/2026

Sip For A Cause

Enjoy a night of fine wine, delicious food, and plenty of fun at LEAP's 2026 Sip & Support Wine Tasting Benefit! Buy your tickets and join us on Monday, April 27, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Solon Community Center.

Your $75 ticket supports LEAP's mission and unlocks a fun evening that includes premium wine tastings, handcrafted charcuterie boards, live music, and basket raffles. There will be opportunities to network and create community connections as you learn more about LEAP’s valuable work.

Don't miss this special evening of wine, community, and impact. Tickets are limited, so secure your spot today for the chance to sip, savor, and support individuals with disabilities in our community.

You can find out more information and buy your tickets here today: https://leapinfo.networkforgood.com/events/97856-leap-s-2026-sip-support-wine-tasting-benefit "

02/27/2026

Happy Black History Month! Brad Lomax was a Black Panther Party member who played a role in the 504 Sit-in in 1977. Lomax, who had multiple sclerosis, and other activists occupied a federal building in San Francisco for 25 days, demanding disability rights legislation. His involvement highlighted the intersection of race and disability rights, demonstrating the need for inclusivity in both movements.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/08/obituaries/brad-lomax-overlooked.html?unlocked_article_code=1.MlA.fG9x.1017GkOtyfud&smid=url-share (NYTimes Gift Link)

A member of the Black Panthers, he helped lead a historic, and successful, sit-in in San Francisco as part of a nationwide anti-discrimination campaign on behalf of people with disabilities.