URS: United Rehabilitation Services

02/24/2026

Johnnie Lacy: A Champion for Intersectionality

Johnnie Lacy was a trailblazing activist who stood at the intersection of race and disability. After being paralyzed by polio at age 19, Johnnie fought to pursue her education at San Francisco State University, where she was initially barred from participating in her own graduation ceremony.

This discrimination fueled her lifelong mission to bridge the gap between the Black community and the disability rights movement. As a founding member of the Berkeley Center for Independent Living and longtime director of Community Resources for Independent Living, she worked tirelessly to ensure people with disabilities had the resources to live autonomously. Johnnie tackled both ableism and racism, refusing to be silenced even when she felt like an outsider in both worlds.

Her legacy reminds us: true inclusion means breaking down all barriers to access and belonging.

02/24/2026

We were honored to welcome Kevin Lydy from the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center to spend time with our adult program in celebration of Black History Month.

Kevin led a meaningful and engaging discussion, sharing powerful stories, history, and insights that sparked great conversation and reflection. Learning never goes out of style, and today was a beautiful reminder of the importance of understanding the past to inspire the future.

Thank you, Kevin, for visiting and for helping us celebrate, learn, and grow together. 💜

02/23/2026

🌟 Success Story Spotlight 🌟

Meet John Birdsong. With decades of transportation experience, John brings dedication, resilience, and heart to his role at United Rehabilitation Services.

After building a long career as a professional driver with Dayton Public Schools and the Greater Dayton RTA, John faced a major life change following a stroke. Through determination, hard work, and support, he returned to the workforce and continued doing what he does best—helping others move forward.

Today, John serves as a Transportation Trainer at URS, where he helps participants learn how to safely and confidently use public transportation. Drawing from both his professional background and personal journey, John empowers others to gain independence and navigate their community with confidence.

We’re proud to have John on our team and grateful for the experience, empathy, and encouragement he brings to the people we serve. 💙

💬 Join us in celebrating John! Drop a word of encouragement or a 👏 in the comments below.

02/21/2026

The 27th Annual URS North Dayton Barstool Open is filling up fast - grab your friends and secure your foursome NOW!

Participating locations include:
Corner Club
Irish Club
Maggies Place
American Legion Post 688
Submarine House
Wings Sports Bar and Grill
Little York Tavern
Villa Tavern
Rip Rap Roadhouse

Every team registered helps United Rehabilitation Services continue providing vital therapy services, inclusive programs, and life changing resources for children and adults with disabilities across our community.

Register your foursome today by scanning the QR code or using the link below and be part of a day that turns friendly competition into meaningful impact.

🔗 https://bit.ly/4qH5Iqy

Good luck, have fun, and thank you for supporting URS 💛

02/18/2026

For Black History Month, we are honoring the lived experiences and leadership within our URS community.

Jacqueline has been part of United Rehabilitation Services for nearly seven years and has worked in the developmental disabilities field since 2014. Transitioning from a financial background, she found this work to be far more meaningful than she ever imagined, grounded in her personal experiences with family members who have Down syndrome and other developmental delays.

Her advocacy is deeply personal. Jacqueline’s granddaughter, diagnosed with Dandy Walker Syndrome, was once given a life expectancy of three years. Today, she is 17 and preparing to graduate from high school, a powerful reminder that people are more than predictions.

In addition to her work at URS, Jacqueline brings a wealth of experience as a human resource specialist, entrepreneur, artist, home healthcare professional, and proud mother and grandmother.

At URS, we know that lived experience strengthens advocacy. This Black History Month, we are proud to recognize Jacqueline and the dedication she brings to our mission every day.

02/17/2026

Brad Lomax: Bridging Movements, Breaking Barriers

Brad Lomax was a civil rights and disability rights pioneer whose activism bridged racial justice and disability advocacy. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Brad helped open the East Oakland Center for Independent Living and became a key figure in the 1977 Section 504 sit-in, living in a federal building for three weeks to demand equal access for disabled people.

His work helped secure one of the most important disability rights laws in U.S. history, proving the power of solidarity across movements.

His legacy reminds us: equity and inclusion require courage, persistence, and showing up for one another.

02/16/2026

A Message from Our Board Chair

United Rehabilitation Services - A New Chapter

After 25 years of dedicated leadership, our CEO Dennis Grant will retire on June 30, 2026.

Dennis took the helm of URS in 2001 during one of the most challenging periods in our history. Since then, he has transformed this organization into a thriving nonprofit serving more than 1,100 children and adults with disabilities and their families annually. He expanded programs, launched Employment Services, added on-site nursing and therapies, and led URS to earn continuous CARF accreditation - achieving the highest ranking possible in 2025, putting us in the top 3% internationally. All while keeping the needs of our clients at the center of every decision. His impact across the Miami Valley cannot be overstated.

Dennis, on behalf of the Board of Directors, our staff, our clients, and this entire community - thank you. Your legacy will be felt at URS for generations to come.

I am also pleased to announce that our Board of Directors has selected Rachel Zidaroff to serve as URS' next CEO, effective July 1, 2026. Rachel has dedicated 22 years to URS, serving in progressive leadership roles including Human Resource Manager, Director of Operations, and Chief Operating Officer. Her deep institutional knowledge, operational expertise, and passion for our mission made her the Board's clear choice. We are confident she is the right leader to guide URS into the future.

As we look ahead to our 70th anniversary, we do so with tremendous gratitude for Dennis' leadership and great excitement for the future under Rachel's guidance.

Thank you for your continued support of URS and the individuals and families we serve.

With gratitude,
Kim Estess | Board Chair

02/16/2026

🌟 Success Story Spotlight | Presidents’ Day 🌟

Meet Oliver. Since joining Preschool B in August, Oliver has grown in ways that go far beyond milestones. He’s gained confidence, independence, and a strong sense of responsibility for himself and others. From becoming fully potty trained to using his words to help keep his classroom safe, Oliver is learning that his voice matters.

Through a holistic approach that honors social emotional learning, family involvement, and curiosity driven education, Oliver’s interests have even helped shape classroom learning—sparking explorations of arctic animals, jungles, and the world around him.

On Presidents’ Day, we’re reminded that strong communities don’t start in offices or institutions. They start here—by investing early, supporting the whole child, and ensuring every learner has the tools and encouragement they need to grow into their fullest potential.

💙 Help us continue this work. Drop a word of encouragement for Oliver or share why community support matters to you.

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at URS. Today we celebrate love in all its forms — kindness, care, friendship, and the moments that remind us we belong to one another.

At URS, love shows up every day through support, patience, encouragement, and community. It’s found in shared smiles, small victories, and the relationships that help children and adults feel seen, valued, and empowered.

Today is a reminder that love is not just something we feel, it’s something we do. Thank you for being part of a community that leads with heart. 💙

02/13/2026

Closure Notice Post

United Rehabilitation Services will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents Day. We will resume normal operations on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Thank you for your understanding as we take this time to reflect and return ready to continue serving our community.

02/13/2026

🚲🍦 It’s back and better than ever! 🍦🚲

The Young’s Ice Cream Charity Bike Tour is returning as a two-day ride, and we’re thrilled that United Rehabilitation Services is once again a benefactor of this beloved community event. Two days of riding, connection, purpose, and yes… ice cream.

This tour brings together riders of all ages and abilities to support four local causes, including URS, while celebrating movement, wellness, and community spirit across the Miami Valley. Every mile you ride helps power programs that support children and adults right here at home.

Want to ride for a cause that truly matters? Join Team URS and be part of something joyful, meaningful, and full of heart.

Sign up to ride with Team URS here:
https://bit.ly/4azppuP

Grab your bike, bring your energy, and ride with purpose. Let’s make this year unforgettable. 💙

We, as a team, are coming together to support the Alzheimer's Association, T1D Breakthrough, South Community Behavioral Health and United Rehabilitation Serves that are close to our hearts, and we need your help to make an impact. By donating to our fundraising efforts, you’ll be directly supporti...