The Access Center

27/02/2026

🌟 Stay Updated with Enabling Access! 🌟
Keep informed with the latest from the Access Center for Independent Living! Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Enabling Access, and be the first to hear about our events, advocacy chances, and more in Dayton and surrounding areas.
Join us in empowering Dayton residents and nearby communities to live their best lives in their chosen environments! Subscribe now and receive future newsletters straight to your inbox.
🔗 Subscribe here: www.acils.com/news

Enabling Access (Jan ’26) ACIL Happenings-New Year, New Opportunities: Start Your Independent Living Plan Today! New Year, New Opportunities: Start Your Independent Living Plan Today! Happy 2026! Are you dreaming of achieving goals that could change your life and help Read More » January 20, 2026

27/02/2026

Inclusion for people with disabilities isn't about a favor, it's about recognizing our rightful place and treating us with dignity. It's about creating spaces where everyone belongs, regardless of abilities or differences.

25/02/2026

Help Increase Our Visibility!

Since 1984, the Access Center has been dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve independence in the community. We offer essential services such as Information & Referral, Peer Support, Independent Living Skills Training, and Advocacy on individual, self, and systemic levels. Our Individual Transitioning services help ease the journey to independence.

Additionally, through our REDI Program, we provide recycled medical equipment, supporting health and accessibility needs. Our Youth Transitions initiative and the Think This is Easy? program raise awareness and understanding of disability challenges.

Despite our long-standing presence, many people are still unaware of the services we offer. As a local non-profit, we rely on the generosity of individuals like you to continue our mission. Your donations are crucial for expanding our reach and enhancing our visibility on social media, allowing us to connect and support more people in need.

Join us in making a difference! If you would like to contribute or learn more about our work, please visit http://www.acils.com/make-a-difference/.

Together, we can create a more inclusive community. Thank you for your support! 🤝

We also provide recycled medical equipment through our REDI Program. We work with Youth Transitions and provide Disability Awareness training through our Think This is Easy? program. As a local non-profit based in the community, donations from individuals are a vital part of our continued services.....

25/02/2026

On July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law. Each July is celebrated as in commemoration of this historic moment. 🌟

Since 1990, stories of disability rights activists like Ed Roberts and Judy Heumann—known as the father and mother of the Independent Living Movement—have inspired many. While their stories are remarkable, let's not forget the countless unsung heroes who fought alongside them. We're spotlighting some lesser-known activists who played crucial roles in securing equal rights. 🎉

Meet Joyce Ardell Jackson, an activist known for her spirited and adventurous nature, despite enduring 50 surgeries due to rheumatoid arthritis. In April 1977, Joyce joined 150 other advocates in a month-long occupation of the San Francisco Federal Building to push for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, laying the groundwork for the . 🏛️

Johnnie Lacy, another pivotal figure, fought for her right to education despite the barriers she faced after contracting polio. She became a key player in the Independent Living Movement and worked tirelessly to break systemic barriers for people with disabilities. Her efforts highlighted the intersectionality of race and disability.

Justin Dart Jr., often unheard of outside disability-related fields, profoundly impacted the lives of people with disabilities. After contracting polio, he dedicated his life to disability advocacy, helping pave the way for the ADA. He’s a true champion who opened doors of opportunity for millions.

Join us in celebrating these incredible activists and their enduring legacy. 🌈💪

23/02/2026

🎉 Join us for the Access Center’s Winter 2026 Peer Social! 🎶❄️ Celebrate the season with games, music, and refreshments on Thursday, March 5, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM at 165 E. Helena Street, Dayton, OH 45404.

To ensure everyone has a great time, RSVP and request any necessary accommodations by Monday, March 2, at noon. Contact us at (937) 341-5202 or email Maria Matzik at maria.matzik@acils.com to register.

Please remember, our center is fragrance-free to accommodate those with sensitivities. We appreciate your cooperation in creating an inclusive environment. 🌿

23/02/2026

Every disability is unique, just like the individuals who live with them. Some days are filled with strength and pride, while others bring unseen challenges. Regardless of appearances, each person with a disability carries their own story, resilience, and power. What truly matters is understanding and respect, not comparison or pity. Listening to lived experiences is essential, as not every disability looks, feels, or affects life the same way. To everyone living with a disability: your story is valid, your challenges are real, and your existence is worthy. 💪❤️

20/02/2026

A Message for Those Unfamiliar with Disability

If you didn’t grow up surrounded by disability, I’d like to take a moment to address you.

You may have learned to follow these guidelines:

- “Don’t stare.”
- “Don’t ask questions.”
- “Just ignore it and move on.”

I understand that these teachings stem from a desire to be polite. However, too often, this silence creates distance, which in turn becomes a barrier.

Here’s the truth:

Disability should neither be pitied nor feared; it is simply a part of the human experience.

- Some individuals are born with disabilities.
- Others may acquire them through accidents or illness.
- And if we are fortunate enough to age, we will all experience changes in our abilities.

Remember: Different does not equate to broken.

Support does not signify weakness; it reflects our ability to adapt and persevere.

You don’t need to have the perfect words or know precisely what to do. What truly matters is your willingness to see, listen, and connect. We are people first; we just approach daily tasks differently.

- Instead of looking away, take a closer look.
- Instead of fearing offense, remain open to learning.
- Instead of making assumptions, engage with respect.

A simple tip: If the only thing you do is say, “Hello, have a good day,” you will show respect to everyone. It’s an easy reminder that applies universally. 👋🏼😃

Inclusion begins with awareness and flourishes through empathy.

Let’s move past discomfort surrounding disability and start creating a society where all individuals are treated with dignity, regardless of how they move, communicate, or navigate the world.

We’re all in this together. Let’s make room for one another.

20/02/2026

Treat people with disabilities like people. That’s the whole lesson. 💯

18/02/2026

Amplify Our Impact: Your Support Matters!

Since 1984, the Access Center has been dedicated to empowering individuals with s disabilities to achieve independence in the community. Despite our longstanding service, many people are still unaware of the essential services we offer. We’re eager to change that by increasing our visibility on social media.

We provide vital services such as Information & Referral, Peer Support, Independent Living Skills Training, and Advocacy on individual, self, and systemic levels. Our Individual Transitioning services help ease the journey to independence.

Through our REDI Program, we offer recycled medical equipment, supporting health and accessibility needs. Our Youth Transitions initiative and the Think This is Easy? program raise awareness and understanding of challenges related to disabilities.

As a local non-profit, we rely on the generosity of individuals like you to continue our mission. Your donations are crucial for expanding our reach and enhancing our visibility on social media, allowing us to connect and support more people in need.

Join us in making a difference! If you would like to contribute or learn more about our work, please visit http://www.acils.com/make-a-difference/.

Together, we can build a brighter future. Your support is invaluable! 🤝

We also provide recycled medical equipment through our REDI Program. We work with Youth Transitions and provide Disability Awareness training through our Think This is Easy? program. As a local non-profit based in the community, donations from individuals are a vital part of our continued services.....

18/02/2026

🌱 Living Well In The Community Kicks Off NEXT MONTH! 🌱

Access Center for Independent Living is thrilled to announce the launch of Living Well In The Community (LWIC) — a FREE 10-week health and wellness initiative tailored for individuals with disabilities. This program aims to help participants cultivate healthy habits, set personal goals, and connect with others in a nurturing environment.

🗓 Wednesdays | March 25 – May 27, 2026

⏰ 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

📍 Available both Online and In-Person

Participants will gather weekly to concentrate on wellness, community engagement, and actionable goal-setting that can significantly improve daily life.

🎁 Bonus: Complete the program successfully and receive a $50 Visa Gift Card!

📞 For further details or to register, please contact:

Barbara Butler-Thomas

📧 barbara.butler@acils.com

☎️ (937) 341-5202

👉 Spaces are limited — share this opportunity with anyone who might benefit!

17/02/2026

🎉❄️ Exciting News! The Access Center is hosting our Winter 2026 Peer Social, and you're invited! Join us for an afternoon of fun, games, music, and refreshments.
🗓️ Date: Thursday, March 5, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
📍 Location: 165 E. Helena Street, Dayton, OH 45404
Need an interpreter or accommodations? Let us know! RSVP by Monday, March 2nd, at 12 noon.
📞 Call us at (937) 341-5202
📧 Or email Maria at maria.matzik@acils.com

17/02/2026

Amplify Our Impact: Your Support Matters!

Since 1984, the Access Center has been dedicated to empowering individuals with a disabilities to achieve independence in the community. Despite our longstanding service, many people are still unaware of the essential services we offer. We’re eager to change that by increasing our visibility on social media.

We provide vital services such as Information & Referral, Peer Support, Independent Living Skills Training, and Advocacy on individual, self, and systemic levels. Our Individual Transitioning services help ease the journey to independence.

Through our REDI Program, we offer recycled medical equipment, supporting health and accessibility needs. Our Youth Transitions initiative and the Think This is Easy? program raise awareness and understanding of challenges related to disabilities.

As a local non-profit, we rely on the generosity of individuals like you to continue our mission. Your donations are crucial for expanding our reach and enhancing our visibility on social media, allowing us to connect and support more people in need.

Join us in making a difference! If you would like to contribute or learn more about our work, please visit http://www.acils.com/make-a-difference/.

Together, we can build a brighter future. Your support is invaluable! 🤝

We also provide recycled medical equipment through our REDI Program. We work with Youth Transitions and provide Disability Awareness training through our Think This is Easy? program. As a local non-profit based in the community, donations from individuals are a vital part of our continued services.....