Tim Harrington—The Ability Center: Looking Back, Forward, Going to the Dogs Tim Harrington will share the story of the evolution of The Ability Center of Greater Toledo. The organization was started by early Rotarians who saw a need for a Crippled Children’s Home. As community needs changed, Rotarians raised the money to build the region’s only Polio Hospital for Children in the building that later became St. Anthony’s Villa. As the need for Polio treatment diminished, Toledo Society for the Handicapped was formed and operated out of the Libbey House across from the Toledo Museum of Art. The corpus now known as The Ability Center continues to respond to the evolving needs of children and adults with disability. The mission and intent of Rotarians long ago lives on as the Center has recently merged with Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence. This newest endeavor ensures efficiency in the delivery of services and brings added value to consumers and supporters alike. Rotarians will see the Assistance Dogs in action. Tim Harrington has been a Rotarian since 2000 and is Executive Director of The Ability Center of Greater Toledo. The Center has established a national reputation for its advocacy, nursing home transition, and youth programs.
