In late 2023, the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities applied for and was awarded $584,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. The grant aimed to improve accessibility throughout the community for all residents of Allen County. In partnership with 18 local businesses and agencies, several accessibility improvements were completed throughout Allen County in 2024. ​

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ARPA Grant Partners:

Allen County Fairgrounds

Allen County Public Health

ARC of Allen County

Black and White Cab

Bluffton Senior Center

Bradfield Community Center

Central District Lima

City of Lima

Compassionate Ministries

Cornerstone of Hope

Crime Victim Services

Delphos Chamber of Commerce

Delphos Public Library

Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District

Mental Health & Recovery Services Board

SAFY

Swiss Historical Society

Westgate Entertainment Center

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​Accessible Communities

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Funding was used to make places more accessible. This included better infrastructure (automatic door openers, doorway expansions, accessible entrances), funding for accessible public transportation, and projects to make community spaces more inclusive (accessible sidewalks, epoxy flooring, curb cuts). ​

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Supported Connections​

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These could be used for different needs. In Allen County, they were utilized to purchase a modified accessible van for Black and White Cab Company.​

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Universal Changing Tables

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Funds were available to invest in mobile universal changing tables, purchase and install them in public spaces, and partner with Accessible Ohio for this initiative. Allen County tables can be found at the Changing Spaces website.​

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Community Experiences

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Funds were used for grants to support these activities and to help people with disabilities and their support staff afford them (day trips, season zoo tickets, overnight trips, visits to different states).

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Inclusive Meetings and Conferences

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Money was used to make conferences and meetings more accessible. This included support for accessible settings, board meeting accessibility, travel accommodations, and encouraging more participation.