Who We Are

Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP) is an agent of positive change, working to advance participation and equality in society for people with disabilities in Northeast Ohio.

Founded more than 40 years ago by people with disabilities, LEAP serves over 1,500 individuals annually, and works to promote social change to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities. The majority of staff and board members are people with disabilities themselves.

By offering an array of comprehensive, high quality and award-winning programs and services, LEAP assists people with disabilities achieve economic self-sufficiency, live independently in their own homes, participate in community life including adaptive recreation, and find and maintain employment commensurate with their interests and talents.

LEAP is a federally recognized Center for Independent Living (CIL). CIL's are non-residential places of action and coalition where persons with disabilities learn and develop necessary skills, empowering them to make their own life choices. LEAP is accredited by CARF International.

Learn more on our agency overview fact sheet.

Download LEAP's IRS Form 990.

LEAP is a federally recognized Center for Independent Living (CIL). CILs are non-residential places of action and coalition where persons with disabilities learn and develop necessary skills, empowering them to make their own life choices.

In addition, LEAP is accredited (and has been for over 30 years) by CARF International, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, which is the major international accrediting agency for health and human service providers.

In 2023, we received our new Three-year CARF Accrediation with CARF surveyors saying, "LEAP provides high-quality services to consumers with a wide range of disabilities in northern Ohio. The leadership team and staff are complimented and congratulated for this achievement.”