BackNew Board Member, Doug Blecher
Posted April 07, 2026 in Press Releases
LEAP is proud to introduce Doug Blecher as one of our new board members. He is the founder of Autism Personal Coach and creator of the Neurodiverse Cultural Festival. Mr Blecher recently answered some questions so that we can get to know him better. Here are his answers.
1. How did you initially hear about or get involved with LEAP?
I’ve followed LEAP’s work for many years as they have been one of the most important organizations supporting disabled people in Northeast Ohio. Then in the last year I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with Beth Glas, the executive director of LEAP. Beth has been absolutely wonderful to work with and asked if I would be interested in joining the board.
2. Why is it important for you to be a part of the board?
One reason I wanted to be a part of this board is that over 50% of the board members are disabled themselves. As an autistic person I know when we are invited to be on boards, we are often essentially the only disabled person and frequently treated as a “token” board member. This isn’t the case at all with LEAP as the board has members with many different types of disabilities. I'm thrilled to learn from them and all the board members while helping carry out LEAP’s mission in providing equal opportunity for all people in Northeast Ohio, regardless of disability.
3. Is there a service that LEAP provides that especially interests you? Why?
As someone who cares greatly about voter engagement, I’m thrilled that LEAP has created Disability Rising CLE, an advocacy group that is led by people with disabilities. One of the issues they are working on is voter engagement and I look forward to joining some of these meetings in the near future.
4. Is there anything that has surprised you as you have learned about LEAP, the board, our staff, or our services?
Since I just joined the board a month ago, I’m just meeting the board and staff, but have been inspired by those I have met so far. I look forward to connecting with the board and staff in the coming months.
5. What are you passionate about (personally or professionally)?
I have come to earth to support the collective in making this world a place where disabled people can live, thrive, and lead. I believe LEAP will be an opportunity for me to learn and grow in this aspect of my human experience. Beyond that I’ve run 8 marathons and do yoga regularly, so movement is a big part of my life. I also love anything connected to the creative arts and being in nature.
6. What goals do you have moving forward as a member of the board?
Learning how I can make an important contribution to LEAP moving forward. Whenever I have joined something with such a rich history as LEAP I have learned to walk into that experience with profound respect. I look forward to learning more about the history of LEAP and all of those that have brought them where they are today.
7. What is something interesting that you would like to share about yourself for people to get to know you better?
I am founder of Autism Personal Coach, a global coaching company centered on autonomy, dignity, and lived experience. I’m also the creator of the Neurodiverse Culture Festival, a community-centered event in Northeast Ohio that celebrates neurodivergent creativity, connection, and culture while modeling what truly inclusive spaces can look like in practice. When I’m not focused on those things I love spending time with my wife Stacy and my dog Shadow as they are the foundation of my life.