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About Us
For 45 years we have provided those in our community with developmental disabilities employment services, day services, transportation, and other services customized to their specific needs.
We match our dedicated individuals with local business employment opportunities. The community benefits from community employment providing diversity and enrichment to the community, promoting equal opportunity within the community, and decreasing dependency on public funding.
We do all this while providing the necessary reasonable accommodations to individuals in accordance with the ADA guidelines.
Supporting Independence,Inclusion, and Employment
Mission
Vision
To provide the highest quality support opportunities that are respectful of and responsive to each individual person’s preferences, needs, and values.
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Who We Serve
We serve individuals in multiple surrounding counties:
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Erie
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Lucas
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Lorain
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Ottawa
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Huron
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Sandusky
To receive services from Ability Works you must have a disability. Eligibility is open to all persons with disabilities deemed eligible through the County Board of Developmental Disabilities or from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).
County Board of DD services are provided to eligible children and adults with a qualifying developmental disability that has been manifested before the age of 22 and must be likely to continue indefinitely.
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We help over 150 individuals a year on their path to employment
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We serve over 60 individuals a year with daily needs and education through our day programs
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We have almost 200 sensory appointments a year, and growing!
Our History
In 1974 Double S Industries of Erie Co., Inc was established. Historically we engaged in traditional shelter workshop functions enabling individuals with disabilities to earn wages.
In 2008 we added the Document Management and the Sign shop to provide employment opportunities and also began offering Day Services and Transportation.
In 2013 we announced our new name and vision, Ability Works Inc.
As Sheltered-based day-services and workshops are moving towards community-based integrated services, we found ourselves transitioning our staff and program in 2017, eventually getting rid of our workshop.
Today, our focus is on helping individuals find full community inclusion. All services are community-based. Our Career Academy gives individuals a classroom setting to learn and improve their skills as well as volunteer work and group employment opportunities. Our Day Programs offer outings to events, programs, classes, and more. And our employment services continue to help individuals find a job that best fits their needs.
OUR CREDENTIALS
Memberships & Affiliations
We are active members of each of the following professional and community organizations: Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF), Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA), American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR). APSE Employment First Employment for All, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), Erie County Chamber of Commerce (ECCOC), Huron County Chamber of Commerce. Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), and Erie County Regional Planning on Transportation.
