Community Partnerships:
Enrichment Through Connection
At Abilities Enrichment Center (AEC), we believe the best care extends beyond our walls. Our partnerships with local organizations, therapeutic specialists, and community resources make it possible for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities to experience life in all its richness. From adaptive fitness and recreation programs to nature exploration, arts, and music therapy, these collaborations bring expertise, opportunity, and joy into every day. Together, we’re building a more inclusive Northeast Ohio—one partnership, one experience, and one meaningful moment at a time.
Partner Programs at AEC
Jacob’s Ladder Fitness – Adaptive Strength and Movement for All Abilities
Jacob’s Ladder Fitness brings inclusive, adaptive fitness directly to Abilities Enrichment Center each week. Their programs are designed to help individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities build strength, confidence, and body awareness through movement that’s safe, engaging, and fun. Certified trainers tailor every session to the participant’s abilities, using specialized equipment and positive reinforcement to inspire achievement at every level. The result is improved mobility, endurance, and self-esteem—all within a supportive, community-based setting.
Rec2Connect – Adaptive Recreation and Aquatic Therapy
Rec2Connect partners with AEC to provide adaptive recreation and wellness programming focused on physical fitness, communication, and connection. Their certified recreation therapists lead dynamic sessions that combine movement, games, and teamwork to help individuals build social and physical skills in an environment that’s inclusive and empowering. Through this partnership, Abilities Enrichment Center participants experience the joy of activity and community engagement—right here in Middleburg Heights, at the heart of Northeast Ohio.
Ohio Health Care Association (OHCA) – Advocacy, Education, and Resources for Ohio’s ID/DD Providers
The Ohio Health Care Association (OHCA) isn’t a direct-service program provider operating inside Abilities Enrichment Center; however, their partnership is essential. OHCA is the statewide association that represents long-term care and supports providers. Through OHCA’s ID/DD division, Abilities Enrichment Center stays connected to the broader provider community and the issues that shape services in Ohio, from legislation and reimbursement to regulatory guidance and best-practice sharing. This partnership helps AEC stay informed, compliant, and positioned for continuous quality improvement as the needs of the people we serve evolve.
Curriculum Building Partnerships
Case Western Reserve University – Collaborative Practice I (CPI) Partnership
At Abilities Enrichment Center (AEC), we believe in learning, evolving, and enriching lives through collaboration — and our partnership with Case Western Reserve University’s Collaborative Practice I (CPI) program is a perfect example. Through CPI — CWRU’s semester-long, interprofessional service-learning initiative for health-profession and social-work students — AEC opened our greenhouse and sensory-room projects for student study, curriculum development, and evidence-driven innovation.
Over the course of the academic year, CWRU student teams partnered with AEC to evaluate how adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities engage with sensory environments and horticultural therapy. Their findings helped us refine our curriculum, optimize space use, and further personalize the day-program experience according to each person’s abilities and goals.
Local Leadership & Community Support
We are proud to acknowledge the strong support from civic leaders who share our commitment to creating greater opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities in Northeast Ohio.timize space use, and further personalize the day-program experience according to each person’s abilities and goals.
Matthew J. Castelli, Mayor of Middleburg Heights has been an enthusiastic champion of the Enrichment Center. From lending his voice to our grand opening to attending multiple tours with his staff, Mayor Castelli and his team have welcomed us into the fabric of Middleburg Heights and made clear that inclusive, community based programming matters. Cuyahoga County Government+3blossom-hill.org+3middleburgheights.com+3
Middleburg Heights Chamber of Commerce has played a decisive role in getting the word out about AEC’s mission. Their outreach and events support connect our work with local business and civic stakeholders, helping the Center become a known resource across the region. Middleburg Heights Chamber of Commerce
Matt Dolan, Ohio State Senator, visited the Center and participated in our facility tour, underscoring the importance of day programs like AEC in our region’s disability service ecosystem. His support strengthens our momentum for further partnerships and visibility. businesswire.com
Other Community Resources
| Organization | Mission Summary | Website |
|---|---|---|
| The Arc of Greater Cleveland | Empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families through advocacy, education, and community engagement. | thearcofgreatercleveland.org |
| Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD) | Supports and empowers people with developmental disabilities in Cuyahoga County to live, learn, work, and play in their community. | cuyahogabdd.org |
| LiveSpecial | A free and comprehensive online gateway for individuals with special needs in Northeast Ohio, offering service directories, events, and information for families and caregivers. | livespecial.com |
| Community Fund Ohio | Builds peace of mind for Ohioans with disabilities and their families by preserving financial resources, protecting benefits, and planning for a secure future. | communityfundohio.org |
| Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Summit DD) | Works to help people of all abilities reach their full potential, one person at a time — through education, treatment, and community support. | summitdd.org |
| Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Murray Ridge) | Serves individuals with disabilities in Lorain County by providing services, Serves individuals with disabilities in Lorain County by providing services, supports and advocacy toward independent and meaningful lives. | murrayridgecenter.org |
| Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Deepwood) | Provides support services, educational programs, and community resources for Lake County residents with developmental disabilities. | lcbdd.org |
| Case Western Reserve University – Collaborative Practice I (CPI) | An interprofessional service-learning program that partners with community organizations (like AEC) to help students work on real-world projects and enrich lives of people with disabilities. | case.edu |