The Access Center

23/01/2026

🎉 Celebrating Over 40 Years of Empowerment! 🎉

From a humble garage to a regional beacon of hope, The Access Center has championed the rights of individuals with disabilities for over four decades. What began in 1984 with three visionaries—Roland Sykes, Roy Poston, and Roger Flint—has blossomed into a movement that spans nine counties. 💪🌟
From advocating for curb cuts to transforming communication for the deaf community, ACIL’s journey is a testament to the power of community and innovation. Our Recycled Equipment Donated for Independence (REDI) program and “Think This Is Easy?” disability awareness training continue to make a difference every day. 🦽📞

Though the road hasn’t always been smooth, our commitment to independence, dignity, and equality remains unshaken. With a permanent location and expanded services, we're ready to embrace the future! 🚀

Learn more about our story and services at www.acils.com or call 937-341-5202.

The mission of the Access Center for Independent Living (ACIL) is to ensure that people with disabilities have full and complete access to the community in which they reside.

23/01/2026

The Access Center's events calendar was recently updated. Stay Informed About the Access Center's latest events!
Be sure to check our events calendar regularly to keep up with all our exciting events. Find our events https://acils.com/event-calendar/

21/01/2026

🚨 Exciting Opportunity to Make a Difference! 🚨

The Access Center is seeking volunteers for a vital disability awareness training program, aimed at supporting both the local police department and the community. This initiative includes engaging simulation exercises to enhance understanding and empathy. While everyone is welcome to contribute, we are particularly eager to connect with someone who has Tourette’s syndrome to lead an exercise focused on this condition.

If you're ready to share your experience and help foster a more inclusive community, please reach out to Dylan Boot at dylan.boot@acils.com. Join us in making a positive impact!

21/01/2026

The Access Center for Independent Living (ACIL) is seeking enthusiastic volunteers eager to help. Volunteering with ACIL offers a unique chance to empower individuals with disabilities while gaining valuable experience and connecting with like-minded individuals.

🔧 How You Can Help:

- REDI Program: Become part of the Recycled Equipment Donated for Independence (REDI) initiative by assisting with the pickup and delivery of gently used medical equipment. Having a truck and the ability to lift heavy items is a bonus.

- Administrative Support: Contribute by handling office tasks such as filing and researching community engagement opportunities. We need organized, detail-oriented volunteers.

- Handyman Projects: If you love fixing things, assist with small projects around the office to maintain a welcoming environment.

- Custodial Assistance: Help keep our space safe and clean by vacuuming and cleaning restrooms.

🌟 Volunteering Benefits:

- Skill Development: Enhance your organizational or practical skills.

- Community Engagement: Meet new friends and build meaningful connections.

- Personal Fulfillment: Experience the joy and purpose that comes from helping others.

Need school credit or community service hours? We’re happy to sign off on your paperwork to ensure you receive credit for your time.

📞 Ready to Get Involved

Interested in volunteering? Contact Jeremy Caffee, Executive Director, at 937-341-5202 Ext 101 or jeremy.caffee@acils.com. Jeremy will help match you with a role that suits your interests and skills.

Volunteering at ACIL is more than just time spent; it’s a powerful way to make a real difference. Join us in supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities in Dayton and surrounding communities to achieve independence.

20/01/2026

Dive into the January 2026 edition of the Access Center newsletter, "Enabling Access." This month, discover how independent living plans can help you achieve your New Year goals. Get the scoop on Mattel’s new Autism Barbie, explore the Ohio Self-Determination Association, and see how the governor marked 7 years of inclusion in Ohio. Read more here: https://mailchi.mp/acils/enabling-access-january-2026-edition-acil-newsletter-12932287

Want the latest news delivered to your inbox every month? Sign up at www.acils.com/news

Enabling Access (Nov ’25) Consumer Corner-Georgie Elson: Championing Advocacy Through Art and Resilience Georgie Elson: Championing Advocacy Through Art and Resilience  In a world that often overlooks the voices of those with disabilities, Georgie Elson stands as a Read More » November 14, 2025

20/01/2026

Notice:

Hello everyone, we are working remote tomorrow, January 20th 2026, due to the extreme cold temperatures. The physical office will be closed, but you are still able to contact us at (937) 341-5202. Stay warm and safe!

16/01/2026

The Access Center will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19th in observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day – the day is also set aside as a National Day of Service, encouraging citizens to volunteer in their communities in honor of King's many contributions.

As an activist, author and Baptist minister, King’s peaceful protests and tireless persistence in attaining equality for all played an instrumental role in the American civil rights movement, bringing injustices suffered by Black Americans to the forefront of the public eye.

16/01/2026

Discover The Access Center's Information and Referral Service!

Have you ever needed information but found yourself short on time? ACIL's Information & Referral (I&R) service is here to assist you!

I&R is a vital service offered by ACIL and Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across the country, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to essential information and resources. CILs act as community hubs, providing personalized support and guidance.

CILs deliver up-to-date information on:

- Accessible housing
- Educational resources
- Assistive technology
- Job opportunities
- Transportation options
- Healthcare services
- Financial assistance

Need assistance from ACIL’s I&R service? Call 937-341-5202 to get help in finding specific resources. Connect with our I&R Specialist, Terry Cammack, who will take your information and aid in locating what you need.

“It’s important for consumers to allow me time to find what they require and to maintain realistic expectations,” says Terry.

Common inquiries include REDI Program questions and accessible housing requests. Terry highlights the importance of providing detailed information regarding budget, income, and location to ensure effective assistance.

The goal of I&R is to empower consumers to advocate for themselves. For instance, if you request legal aid, Terry will refer you to Disability Rights Ohio, offering contact information without making the call on your behalf. Similarly, he provides housing listings instead of visiting properties.

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

While the ACIL team may not have all the answers, we are dedicated to finding them! Over the past year, we've connected individuals with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, recommended RTA Connect for transportation, and much more. Our resource database continues to grow.

If you have questions about ACIL’s I&R Program, feel free to reach out to Terry at 937-341-5202 Ext 110 or via email at terry.cammack@acils.com.

14/01/2026

🌟 Tell Your ACIL Story! 🌟 Have you felt the positive impact of The Access Center? Whether it's through housing assistance, resources, or learning independent living skills, we want to hear from you! Share your journey and inspire others. 📢
Since 1984, we've proudly served Dayton and surrounding areas, but many still aren't aware of our life-changing services. Help us spread the word by sharing your story or advocacy efforts. 🗣️
Our team recently met to plan for 2025–2028, focusing on expanding our reach. Your experiences could be featured in our newsletter and across our social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok! 📱
Interested in sharing your experience or an advocacy issue? Contact Allison Boot, our Independent Living and Communications Specialist, at 937-341-5202 Ext. 114, or allison.boot@acils.com. Let’s inspire others together! 💪 Not ready to share your story yet? No worries! Learn more about our community efforts by following us on social media. Links are at the bottom of this newsletter.

14/01/2026

🌟 Join the Access & Functional Needs Committee: Make an Impact! 🌟

Do you or someone you know have access and/or functional needs? Your voice is important! Become a member of our committee to collaborate with emergency response agencies and advocate for enhanced support during emergencies.

👥 We’re Seeking:

- Individuals with disabilities
- Seniors
- People with limited English proficiency
- Those facing transportation challenges
- Individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds

📅 Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 17th, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

💻 Join us virtually via Zoom tomorrow!

Your insights can help enhance emergency responses and ensure that no one is overlooked. For Zoom links and additional information, please reach out to Christopher Rutledge at christopher.rutledge@acils.com or Maria Matzik at maria.matzik@acils.com

Let’s collaborate for a safer, more inclusive community! 🤝

12/01/2026

Let’s honor the enduring legacy of Judy Heumann, a pioneering advocate who transformed disability rights both in the U.S. and globally. Her dedication reminds us that access, inclusion, and opportunity are civil rights, not privileges. We continue her mission daily by ensuring that people with disabilities have full and complete access to the communities in which they choose to reside.

12/01/2026

Join The Access Center Allison Boot and the Greene County Board of Developmental Disabilities healthy relationship team for insightful sessions! Meet from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, either in-person or virtually. Discover how personal growth can lead to positive, healthy relationships. Plus, attendees of the January sessions will receive an invite to a speed friending event in February. We’re excited to see you there!

GCBDD Healthy Relationships Club (for those over the age of 18). Everyone who has taken the Healthy Relationship class or attends one of the Healthy Relationships Club meetings (January 14th and January 28th), will be invited to our Speed Friending event in February.

RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=mG2JFyfWjkKxpDjepAWF-KIS2KaV5mFPj9UqEIacXA9UQTkwRTRYTjM1WldYVU5EWEZUVFNQMzlOVS4u&route=shorturl