The Access Center

11/26/2025

The Access Center will be closed tomorrow and Friday in observation of the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

11/26/2025

Ohio is empowering individuals with disabilities through enhanced STABLE Accounts! 🎉 With the passage of House Bill 96, Ohioans can now enjoy zero maintenance fees, better protection against Medicaid estate recovery, and increased privacy measures. These updates ensure a more secure and independent financial future for the disability community. 🌟

STABLE Accounts allow savings for essential expenses like healthcare, housing, and education without affecting eligibility for benefits like SSI and Medicaid. This is a significant step toward inclusivity and financial empowerment. 💪

Learn more about these exciting changes at www.stableaccount.com or reach out to the STABLE Account team at stableaccount@tos.ohio.gov.

Let's celebrate this progress and support a brighter future for all! 🙌

An ABLE account for those with an eligible disability who want to save and invest for a better life, achieve financial empowerment and prepare for a more independent future.

11/25/2025

🌱 Want to help make Dayton a more beautiful place? Join Mission of Mary Cooperative! 🌿

We're on a mission to create a sustainable food system in Dayton, Ohio, by transforming vacant lots into urban gardens and providing fresh produce to the community. Here's how you can get involved:

- Fight Food Insecurity: Grow veggies, fruits, and herbs sustainably! Much of our harvest goes to food-insecure families through our CSA program and donations. 🍅🥕
- Build Community: Engage with neighbors and volunteers, including University of Dayton students. Together, we strengthen Dayton's social fabric. 🤝
- Revitalize Urban Spaces: Turn vacant lots in Twin Towers into beautiful green spaces. Let's transform negatives into positives! 🌻
- Educate & Sustain: Learn about urban agriculture and sustainable living. We also help residents create backyard gardens. 📚
- Drive Urban Development: Be a catalyst for sustainable growth in Dayton through urban farming and community engagement. 🌆

Ready to volunteer? Fill out the form at [Mission of Mary Volunteer Signup](https://www.missionofmary.org/volunteersignup). Share your skills and schedule, and what you'd like to learn!

Volunteer Notes:
- Growing Season: March–October is the busiest time.
- Shift Times: Weekdays 8:30 am–12:00 pm & 1:00 pm–4:00 pm, Saturdays 9:00 am–12:00 pm.
- Commitment: Minimum two hours per visit.

Volunteer Areas:
- Farming: Harvest, carpentry, and cultivation. 🌽
- Education: Lead workshops and install gardens. 🌼
- Administration: Communicate with donors and write grants. 📋

Questions? Contact us at 937-556-2229 or team@missionofmary.org.

Join us and help make a difference! ✨

Please note that our main growing season runs from March-October, so we have more volunteer work available (and appreciated!) during that time.

11/24/2025

🌟 Join the Access & Functional Needs Committee: Make a Difference! 🌟
Do you or someone you know have access and/or functional needs? Your voice matters! Join our committee to collaborate with emergency response agencies and advocate for better assistance during emergencies.
👥 We’re looking for:
- People with disabilities
- Seniors
- Individuals with limited English proficiency
- Those with transportation challenges
- People from low socioeconomic backgrounds
📅 Next Meeting: Tuesday, December 16th, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
💻 Join virtually via Zoom!
Your insights can help us improve emergency responses and ensure no one is left behind. For Zoom links and more info, contact Christopher Rutledge at christopher.rutledge@acils.com.
Let's work together for a safer, more inclusive community! 🤝

11/24/2025

Want to make a difference in mental health advocacy? Connect with your local NAMI Chapter today! 🌟 Since 1979, NAMI has been the largest grassroots mental health organization in the U.S., committed to advocacy, education, support, and raising public awareness. Whether you're eager to influence policy, deepen your understanding of mental health, or seek support, NAMI offers something for everyone.

Here’s how to get involved:

1. Visit NAMI’s website to explore valuable resources.

2. Use the locator tool to find your local NAMI Affiliate.

3. Reach out to learn about membership and advocacy opportunities.

Join us in building a world where everyone affected by mental illness can thrive. 💙

11/21/2025

Discover the Access Center's Information and Referral Service!

Ever needed info but had no time to search? ACIL's I&R service is here to help!
I&R is a key service provided by ACIL and CILs nationwide, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to vital information and resources. CILs serve as community hubs, offering personalized guidance and support.
CILs provide current info on:

- Accessible housing
- Educational resources
- Assistive tech
- Job opportunities
- Transport options
- Healthcare services
- Financial aid

Need ACIL’s I&R service? Call 937-341-5202 for help finding specific resources. Connect with our I&R Specialist, Terry Cammack, who will gather your info and assist in locating what you need.

“It’s crucial for consumers to give me time to find what they need and maintain realistic expectations,” Terry says.

REDI Program inquiries and accessible housing requests are common. Terry emphasizes the need for detailed info on budget, income, and location to provide effective help.

I&R aims to empower consumers to help themselves. For example, if you request legal aid, Terry will refer you to Disability Rights Ohio, providing contact info without making the call for you. Similarly, he provides housing listings rather than visiting locations.

ACIL is available for I&R requests Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Multiple calls on the same topic, like employment, may lead to a referral to an Independent Living Specialist.

While the ACIL team may not have all the answers, we are committed to finding them! Over the past year, we've referred individuals to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, recommended RTA Connect for transport, and more. Our resource database is ever-growing.

Questions about ACIL’s I&R Program? Contact Terry at 937-341-5202 Ext 110 or terry.cammack@acils.com.

11/21/2025

🌟 **Share Your Journey with ACIL!** 🌟

Has the Access Center transformed your life by helping you secure housing, find resources, or develop independent living skills? We’d love to hear from you and share your story with our community!

Since 1984, ACIL has empowered thousands in Dayton and beyond, but many still don’t know we’re here to help. We’re on a mission to spread the word about our dedication to uplifting individuals with disabilities—and we need your voice! 🗣️

We’re eager to feature your amazing stories in our newsletter and on social media. Join us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok, and be part of the movement! 📱

If ACIL has touched your life, reach out and share your journey with us. You’ll have complete control over your narrative, and together, we can show the world how individuals with disabilities not only survive but thrive with ACIL by their side. ✨

Want to advocate for a cause? We’d be thrilled to help you amplify your message through our platforms.

Ready to share? Contact Allison Boot at 937-341-5202 Ext 114 or allison.boot@acils.com. Still unsure? Check out our social links for inspiration! 🌈

11/19/2025

🎉 Exciting News! The Access Center for Independent Living (ACIL) is proud to announce the return of our beloved peer socials! 🌟 These events are a fantastic way to combat social isolation and build lasting community connections. After a pandemic pause, we're thrilled to bring back these gatherings, now hosted in our spacious new building.

Our first revitalized social on October 30th was a hit! Attendees enjoyed games, refreshments, and the joy of connecting with new friends. 👫 Andrew Marshall, one of our consumers, shared, “It was great to meet new people and spend time with the Access Center community.”

We're planning to host these socials quarterly, aligning with the seasons for a festive touch. 🎊 We’d love your input on future activities—whether it’s more game days, meet ups at local farmers' markets, or themed seasonal events, your feedback is essential!

“We want to hear from our community about what they want and need,” says Barbara Butler-Thomas, our Independent Living Specialist. Your ideas help us create a welcoming space where everyone feels included and valued."

Get involved and share your ideas with us! Contact Barbara at 937-341-5202 Ext 102 or email Maria Matzik at maria.matzik@acils.com. Let’s make these socials unforgettable together! 💬

11/19/2025

Hot off the presses! 📢 Check out the November 2025 edition of The Access Center's newsletter, "Enabling Access." In this issue, you’ll meet advocate Georgie Elson, discover the latest updates to STABLE accounts, get the scoop on our newly reintroduced peer socials, and so much more! After reading, don’t forget to sign up to receive future editions directly in your inbox at www.acils.com/news.

https://mailchi.mp/85ee1350aa77/enabling-access-november-2025-edition-acil-newsletter-12931355

11/19/2025

Want to help your child become a goal-setting pro? The Goal Getters workshop at The Access Center is just what they need!

Join us for a fun and interactive 2-hour session where kids will:

✅ Discover the difference between short-term and long-term goals

✅ Learn to turn big dreams into achievable steps

✅ Develop a personalized goal plan to bring home

✅ Celebrate their accomplishments in a nurturing environment

For more details, reach out to Barb Butler-Thomas at Barbara.butler@acils.com or call (937) 341-5202.

11/17/2025

Stay connected by following us on all our social media platforms!

11/17/2025

🎓 Boost Your Team’s Expertise with Hands-On Training! 🎓

Try the Access Center’s “Think This is Easy?” Training to gain practical experience in working with diverse disabilities. Enhance your skills and make a significant impact in your community. Ideal for service providers aiming to empower their team with crucial training.

For more information, reach out to our Independent Living Skills Specialists, Dylan Boot or Melody Burba, at info@acils.com or call (937) 341-5202 today!