Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential
Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential

History of Disability Rights

2020's

LEAP remains at the forefront of disability rights advocacy in Cleveland and the nation.  Melanie Hogan, LEAP Director of Public Policy and External Affairs has been selected to serve on both federal and state committees working to advise and advocate for the disability community.

2020

  • Coronavirus-19 forces LEAP to move to remote work.  LEAP received $250,000 forgivable payroll protection loan and continues to serve individuals, particularly those impacted by COVID.

  • LEAP receives CARES Act funding to support people impacted by COVID.

  • LEAP executive director appointed by the governor to represent the Centers for Independent Living on the Statewide Independent Living Council.

  • LEAP receives 3-year accreditation from CARF.

2021

  • LEAP contracts with 2 MOC’s providing outreach to 300 Buckeye members and providing SSA application for up to 200 CareSource members.

  • LEAP launches Hospital2Home program with local Rehabilitation Institute.

  • Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland works with LEAP to develop strategic recommendations supporting the business case and communications focusing on the value LEAP provides to local employers in creating job opportunities and training with the support of skilled coaches.

  • LEAP executive director participates in an international 14-week disability inclusion series “Living Beyond Barriers” hosted by Yes We Too Can! Movement in India.

  • LEAP hosts regional Youth Leadership Forum, virtually.

  • LEAP executive director selected as Administration on Disabilities (AoD) Community of Practice (CoP), Disability Employment work group member, presents on Workforce Partnerships for National CoP webinar, becomes Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC) and co-authors 3-part series on Competitive Integrated Employment for CIL’s.

  • LEAP hosts a team of 5 Case Western Reserve University medical students for collaborative practice.

  • LEAP celebrates 40th anniversary with messages from State Senators and the Governor.

2022

  • LEAP contracts with Division of Senior and Adult Services to provide physical and cognitive activities.

  • LEAP presents on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at a number of national webinars (HudsonMann, ERA).

  • LEAP executive director joins the local ARPA coalition and is selected to be a member of the Federal Reserve Bank’s Community Advisory Board.

  • LEAP hosts in-person Youth Leadership Forum.

  • LEAP receives Public Health Workforce funding.

2023

  • LEAP has earned Three-year Accreditation from CARF International (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities).

  • Melanie Hogan, Executive Director of LEAP since 2001, retires from LEAP.  The agency's new Executive Director, Beth Glas began October 1st.