Disability Rights Advocate, Housing and Transportation

The Ability Center (ACT) is a non-profit Center for Independent Living (CIL) that helps individuals with disabilities gain and maintain
independence in everyday living and encourages them to become active members of their communities. We offer a variety of
programs, services, as well as promote understanding of disabilities. Located in Sylvania, Ohio, we serve seven counties in
northwestern Ohio, including Lucas, Ottawa, Wood, Fulton, Henry, Defiance, and Williams.

Position Summary: The Disability Rights Advocate acts as a catalyst in creating systemic change that further enhances community based living options for people with disabilities. The advocate works to increase the accessibility to, and usability of housing and
transportation. The advocate provides administrative support and assists with identifying barriers, researching topics, developing
strategies, investigating legal violations, organizing coalitions, and taking proactive measures that work to provide viable solutions.
Developing a network of strong and effective consumer advocates as well as providing meaningful and impactful public comments to
federal, state, and local agencies is key to this position.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Identify systemic barriers to Olmstead implementation in Ohio in the areas of Housing and Transportation.
2. Develops a strong knowledge base in the accessibility provisions of the Ohio Commercial Code, Ohio Residential Code, ADA, and
Fair Housing Act.
3. Takes the lead on grant activities related to relevant systemic advocacy grants.
4. Monitors local multi-family housing construction for minimum compliance with federal, state, and local accessibility standards
through contacts with the City of Toledo and OHFA. Advocates to improve access by actively providing comment/input on designs
as well as support letters for publicly funded projects.
5. Conducts ADA and/or FHA access surveys & creates reports and/or letters that identify non-compliance and how to bring a facility
into compliance.
6. Monitors local transportation complaints to assist in identifying systemic issues in area transportation. Monitors changes in
federal/ state transportation policy and law that will affect northwest Ohio.
7. Serves as ACT’s liaison to groups associated with public transportation advocacy. Coordinates monthly meeting, schedules, and
participates in public presentations on community transportation issues.
8. Assists the Director of Advocacy, Disability Rights Attorney in the following areas: by gathering & review public documents,
identify potential legal violations/ barriers to community living, interview relevant parties, and other actions to identify potential
violations.
9. Assists in providing written or oral public comment to federal, state, and local government regarding rule changes and/or need for
policy improvements in the areas of transportation and housing.
10. Utilizes social media, as well as other platforms, to effectively rally support and bring awareness to identified barriers in a timely
manner. Maintains Ability Center grassroots listserv and relationships with group leaders.

Qualifications: Bachelors’ Degree preferred in Disability Studies, Political Science Civil Rights, or related field. Successful experience
advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities. Record of leading systems change efforts. Knowledge of State & Federal Civil
rights laws that serve people with disabilities. Awareness of housing industry, accessibility requirements, funding mechanisms & ability
to effectively organize & facilitate collaborative group processes, team building, & coalition efforts.

Excellent interpersonal, relationship building and collaboration skills. Ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative
solutions. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and schedule events as well
as speak in public forums. Will be required to travel to consumer and community locations, seminars, and/or professional meetings;
some evening hours required.

Please submit resumes with cover letter to: [email protected] or fax to 419-885-5005
The Ability Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We strongly encourage persons with disabilities and minorities to apply.