
2000's
The struggle continues as the ADA is slowly losing its power through judicial rulings and lax enforcement of civil rights abuses. Despite the shortcomings of the ADA, advocates continue to pursue political and social avenues of change to promote disability rights.
LEAP and other Cleveland disability rights organizations tirelessly work to strengthen the ADA and educate the public on issues of disabilities.
Disability advocates and theorists continue to promote the idea of a culture of disability and disability pride. Clevelanders contribute to this movement through such cultural contributions as Dancing Wheels, the integrated sign language and speech performances of the SignStage Theater, and the competitiveness of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians wheelchair sports teams.
This emphasis on legal, social and cultural access to society holds the promise that future generations will no longer attach any stigma to disability.
2000
- Cleveland loses a civil rights pioneer as Doris Brennan passes.
- LEAP ran an Attendant Training Program to offer State Tested Nurse Assistant Certification training.
- LEAP awarded a Social Security Administration 5-year grant to provide Social Security disability benefits consultation to consumers in 15 counties.
2001
- LEAP promotes the civil rights of people with disabilities. Awarded State recognition as Public Policy Change Center in 2005.
- LEAP receives the prestigious, PEPNet Award for its Job Link program. It is one of only 60 youth employment/development programs selected in the last six years for recognition, from an international applicant pool.
- The Commonwealth of Virginia House of Delegates approves a resolution expressing regret for its eugenics practices between 1924 and 1979.
2002
- The MiCassa Billis introduced, proposing that money received to pay for nursing home care should be able to follow the consumer into more cost effective community solutions.
- LEAP Lorain/Erie County services expanded to provide IL services to persons over 55 who have low vision.
2004
- Assistive Technology Act of 2004 was amended to require states to provide direct aid to people with disabiliites so they have access to the technology needed at work and at home.
2005
- LEAP becomes first State disability partner in the Federal Aging and Disability Resource Center program.
- LEAP becomes one of four HS/HT locations in the state, preparing youth with disabilities for careers in math and science, as part of the Job Link program.
2006
- LEAP receives the Ohio Association of Non-Profit Organizations' "Standards of Excellence" award.
- LEAP receives the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) "Freedom to Compete" award.
2007
- LEAP launches Quantum LEAP, a community-based recreation program to promote integration for people with disabilities.
- LEAP's Job Link program changes name to Youth Transition which includes the Job Link and the High School/ High tech programs.
- LEAP opens the Assistive Technology Center to increase the use of technology by persons with disabilities.
2008
- LEAP receives the Department of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Award. This award is given to non-profits, small businesses, corporations and individuals that have demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in furthering the employment and workplace environment for people with disabilities.
2009
- Mathew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act expanded federal hate crimes to include those against a person due to actual ore perceived disability.
- LEAP becomes a Home Choice Transition Coordinator, assisting individual in nursing homes to return to community-based living.
- LEAP partners with Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging to become one of ten national Benefits Enrollment Centers.
- LEAP receives ARRA funding to target underserved youth for life skills and employment, double the summer youth training program, and, address employment barriers and provide vocational skills training and job placement services.