The Allen County Board of DD has partnered with JAMPD to build a new bathroom with adult changing tables.
LIMA — The Allen County Board of DD will be helping to improve accessibility for area businesses thanks to a new grant allocation of $584,000 awarded from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.
“We only had seven days (to apply for the grant),” board superintendent Theresa Schnipke said. “We pulled off a miracle. I was hoping for around $50,000. We were notified right before Christmas that we received $584,000.”
Schnipke said the funding must be allocated for projects before the end of this year. The board hopes to use the funding to help businesses become more accessible and increase access throughout the community.
“We will be partnering with local businesses who want to renovate a restroom space or have a new construction,” Schnipke said. “We also may have a couple of mobile changing tables people could loan from us. The changing vehicle idea would allow us to park the vehicle at the fair or an outdoor event.”
The board hopes to utilize the funding for various projects including accessibility such as universal (adult) changing tables, improving service to non-English speaking communities and developing a tool for conference calls.
“The [hope] is that people with disabilities get to experience the world just like we do,” Schnipke said. “The outreach for the underserved non-English speaking communities will allow us to have some interpreter services and software to convert our work.”
The board is still in the process of meeting with local businesses to determine their needs. Schnipke said some businesses have asked for handicapable doors or curb cuts.
Allen County Board of DD has also partnered with the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District to build a bathroom at one of its parks. The new addition will include adult changing tables.
“I think the inclusivity is important to make sure everyone can have the opportunity to enjoy what they would like to enjoy and not be limited,” assistant board superintendent Tyson Goings said.
Local businesses interested in funding can reach Schnipke by email at [email protected].
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
