TOLEDO, Ohio — People with disabilities may not be able to set and accomplish New Year's resolutions in the same way able-bodied individuals can because accessibility for all is not a standard, said Stuart James, the executive director of The Ability Center.
"Inclusive is the idea that you want me there, not just that I can walk around, but I belong there," James said.
He's spoken with area businesses about doing more than just accommodating and adjusting when it comes to people with disabilities. He said having forethought about wanting everyone to enjoy or join your business isn't hard, but it is intentional.
"We can go into the gym and there's a row of 50 treadmills and there's no handcycle and half the treadmills are empty," James said. "It's not just sports. I want to learn to be a better cook but cooking classes have kitchens that aren't accessible or that teachers aren't ready. You want to learn how to do art, it's the same problem."
James said he wants to build an inclusive facility that can accommodate people of all abilities for spaces like a gym. The Ability Center currently has a small gym, but James is aiming for something bigger.
The Ability Center helps community members with disabilities find tools and ways to function like everyone else. But if someone would like to try something new without planned assistance, it doesn't typically work out, James said.
"I think people with disabilities have gotten used to just saying, 'I'm not gonna ask. So, I'm not going to do it.'" he said.
James also said the Special Olympics Ohio's northwest region does not have a dedicated space for its games, so the organization has to find a location every year.
"We accommodate them. We try to adapt. But it's never really designed from the outset that way," James said. "That's one of the things we're hoping to do with a new facility, design it from the outset as a place for people with disabilities. But it's for anyone."
The first step to building the facility is to look for funding, he said. The Ability Center has already applied for state funding for the project and hopes to have an announcement on the next steps soon.