Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP)

Mission Statement
Consumer-directed to ensure a society of equal opportunity for all persons, regardless of disability.

Join us on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/leapinfo

This and other videos that we will post on YouTube are captioned. To turn captions on, you need to click the "up arrow" button next to the volume setting, and then find the control that turns captioning on and off. This video was presented in Washington DC when LEAP received the New Freedom Initiative Award.

*** Important Post-Election Absentee Ballot Information ***

If you were notified by your County Board of Election that you need to correct your absentee ballot, then you have until Friday, November 21, to request a "travel accommodation" from your local Board of Elections and have them come to you. The Federal Court ruled on November 17 that people with disabilities who cannot travel to their County Board of Election must be accommodated by having an election official come to you to correct your ballot, but the request must be made by Friday, November 21.

LEAP Open House Fridays

Beginning September 12, you are welcome to come by our Cleveland Office any Friday between 10am-2pm to learn more about LEAP programs and services. We can help answer your general questions about housing, transportation, benefits, job search strategies, and high school transition programs. Also try out some of the equipment in our Assistive Technology Lab. Call Michael Moats at 216-696-2716 for any questions. Download flier.

(Currently scheduled through December 12. Offices closed October 31.)

Do your holiday shopping through GoodShop to benefit LEAP!

It costs you nothing to go to GoodShop before you buy any of your online purchase from Amazon, Best Buy, iTunes or many other stores. Simply follow the link and make sure that Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential is designated as your charity of choice. When you make your purchase, a portion of the cost is then donated to LEAP.

LEAP Receives New Freedom Initiative Award

LEAP was proud to receive one of six New Freedom Initiative Awards from the Department of Labor. Staff attended the ceremony in Washington DC on October 8, 2008 to be part of this high honor. Read the Press Release. Read the DOL announcement.

National Forum on Disability Issues

Jamie Ulisky and Ron Jackson greet people at the reception table

On Saturday July 26, the American Association of Persons with Disabilities hosted a National Forum on Disability Issues in Columbus, OH with both presidential candidates invited to speak. To read more about this event and to view the archived webcast, go to the Disaboom website.

** John McCain participated via videoconference, and Tom Harkin represented Barack Obama. Judy Woodruff of PBS moderated, and actor Robert David Hall (CSI: Las Vegas) spoke on raising the visibility of the disability community.***

In Cleveland, LEAP is one of many local organizations that helped to coordinate a public viewing of this forum at Vocational Guidance Services on E. 55th St. Local vendors and organizations were available (as well as refreshments!). Download the Cleveland flier! Deborah Nebel address the group at VGS while Jeff Moyer is playing at the event

Deborah Nebel address the group at VGS while Jeff Moyer is playing at the event

In Elyria, Creative Enrichment Centers of Ohio also hosted a public viewing where people heard what the candidates had to say about the wide and diverse issues involving people who have disabilities. Download the Elyria flier!

Actor Robert David Hall (CSI: Las Vegas) speaks to the group

Thanks to WKYC Channel 3 for simulcasting the webcast over their internet website. Reporter Dick Russ wrote a story about the Cleveland event. Read the story here.

New Video! - Personal Assistance Cooperative - Listen to consumers discuss their experiences with using the Personal Assistance Cooperative.

Give us feedback

Help Us Plan For Our Future: Which three issues are most important to you? Which are the areas with which LEAP should more involve itself?
Stakeholder Survey: What is the ease of making referrals? How is the timeliness of staff communications?
Consumer Survey: What services have you received? Did they meet your expectations?
Consumer Needs Assessment: What are your specific needs in housing? Transportation? Emergency services?

Thanks to Rep. Betty Sutton

On October 15, Rep. Sutton went to the house floor in support of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act, and in EEOC award

the process mentioned LEAP's deep commitment "to empowering people with disabilities in the workplace through specialized skill development programs, at home through independent living training, in the medical system through access to the best medical care, and in so many other aspects of society." Read her full comments here.

LEAP awarded by the EEOC & Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations

In 2006, LEAP accepted the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission "Freedom to Compete" award. LEAP was chosen to be among many entries and received one of only 7 awards. Read more...

"Agency Sees Potential, Not Disabilities" - Read the June 29 Plain Dealer Article

That same year, the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations (OANO) hosted a luncheon in Columbus to recognize nonprofits for outstanding community programs and service where LEAP was presented with OANO’s Standards for Excellence Certification. Read more...