Quality of life matters, and for individuals who work with LEAP, quality of life is changed in highly personalized ways. When people with disabilities work with LEAP, they experience not only independence and choice, but also a heightened sense of life’s joys.
Ryan, a LEAP consumer who has accessed multiple agency services during the past year-plus, recently achieved one of his independent living goals when he was employed by a local Giant Eagle supermarket. Ryan first became involved... read more
As a partner for Ohio's HOME Choice program, our Independent Living Specialists work to help eligible Ohioans move from long-term care facilities back into their own home. Even during these challenging times, our dedicated team... read more
LEAP encourages participants in our employment services to embrace the process of self-discovery that coincides with pursuing a new job. Once working, staying curious and embracing the highs and lows that inevitably accompany a new... read more
Tom, one of LEAP’s dedicated employment specialists, recently helped a consumer earn his first job! Tom first met the consumer when he participated in LEAP’s Summer Youth Work Experience (SYWE) program for high school students. Their... read more
Thank you to Alicia who has been running our aerobics activities for the Quantum LEAP program for over 10 years! Alicia knew that there was a need for fun exercise activities for persons with developmental disabilities... read more
“Jane” and “Tom” came to Ohio displaced from a hurricane in Texas. Shortly upon arrival, Jane had a series of strokes landing her in a nursing home. Her son, Tom, has health issues with a... read more
When Te’chaun came to Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP) looking for help finding a job, he had practically no work experience. But what he lacked in experience, Te’chaun made up for with his unfailing... read more
Preston Carter is a well-known presence around Quantum LEAP. Entering his 9th year with our program, he may be what some call “a lifer.” Sherri Morris, Preston’s mother, wanted Preston involved in after-work activities.... read more
Emily Hayes has been a housekeeper at the administrative office of Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity for the past five years. It’s not easy work, as construction volunteers and others frequently tromp through the office... read more
In My Own Words: Amy Hook, Advocate My name is Amy Hook, and my story is alive with advocacy and the belief in possibilities. My story started with seizures and boarding schools not wanting to enroll... read more
Brian is passionate about movies. Watching characters and their exciting stories play out on screen is one of his favorite ways to spend some time. With an interest in the movie business and a history... read more
A former Marine and construction worker, Anthony finds it difficult to be idle. “I don’t know how not to work,” he said. A horrific car accident in 2008 left him with a traumatic brain injury... read more
Charmaine is one of those lucky people who discovered her calling early on. “I knew I was going to be an artist when I was a young child making mud pies,” she said. Charmaine is... read more
When you meet Leroy Woods, you immediately notice his shiny, amber-color earring, his fast and easy smile, and his twinkling eyes. All that sparkle perfectly complements his outgoing and energetic personality. It’s easy to imagine... read more
Expect. Employ. Empower.That is the theme for 2104 National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual campaign sponsored each October by the U.S. Department of Labor. The effort is intended to raise awareness of the vast... read more
On a warm July night in 1985, Jim, a seargeant and night-shift supervisor with the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office, said good-night to his wife and 11-year-old son, hopped in his patrol cruiser, and headed to... read more
When life knocks her down, Patricia pops up faster than one of those old-fashioned inflatable bop clowns. Health issues have forced her to rebuild her life virtually from scratch, but Patricia’s positive attitude is indomitable.... read more
It doesn’t really change a thing, but knowing you’re not alone somehow helps. Janet, one of LEAP’s low-vision consumers, experienced this truth when she met Melissa Hernandez, one of LEAP’s independent living specialists. Janet has... read more
To celebrate the start of the academic year, LEAP features Lauren’s High School High Tech final presentation. Lauren graduated from Valley Forge High School last spring and is now enrolled in college. Following is her... read more
A string of unfortunate events led to Delores’ four-month stay in a nursing home. With LEAP’s help, however, she was able to move back into the community, where she is now living independently in her... read more
Taking initiative is one hallmark of a good employee, and taking initiative helped James, a LEAP consumer who has a developmental disability, get hired by Marriott Corporation.James was in the midst of a job training... read more
A horrific automobile accident 18 years ago crushed two of Marc’s vertebrae and left him paralyzed. Intensive rehabilitation, numerous surgeries, and incredible determination let him recover some movement, and the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Program... read more
As a young man, Clark did what was necessary for him to work and earn a living. Born with spina bifida, he lived with constant pain, but medication allowed him to work and meet his... read more
My name is Rosemary Musachio. I was born on Sept. 13, 1966, at an American naval hospital in Pozzuoli, Italy, and the doctor asked my parents, “What will you do with her?” My parents looked... read more
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