Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate identity, recognize achievements, and amplify the voices of people with disabilities who are creating positive change in our communities.
Throughout July, The Ability Center highlighted four remarkable advocates whose leadership, lived experiences, and dedication are helping build a more accessible and inclusive Northwest Ohio. While each person’s journey is unique, they all share a common goal: ensuring people with disabilities are seen, heard, and valued.
Valerie J. Fatica: Building a More Accessible Toledo
As the City of Toledo’s first full-time Disability Manager and ADA Coordinator, Valerie J. Fatica has helped transform accessibility throughout the city.
Her work includes expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities, launching the City’s first Disability Pride Month festival, creating snow removal and lawn care assistance programs for older adults and people with disabilities, and educating City employees and the public about disability inclusion.
Although Valerie spent nearly 15 years practicing law before joining the City, she says she once hesitated to work directly in disability advocacy. Over time, she realized her professional experience and lived perspective could make a meaningful impact.
Her advice reminds us that inclusion doesn’t require perfection.
“Don’t let a lack of perfection stop you from engaging with the disability community. Efforts to increase inclusion and accessibility are always a great step in the right direction.”
Jennifer Repka: Creating Space for Others
Jennifer Repka believes advocacy begins by making sure every voice has the opportunity to be heard.
Serving on the Board of Directors for Avenues for Autism, Jennifer has helped secure funding that expanded Autism Play and Parent Support programs, served as keynote speaker for the Suzanne Tyner Luncheon, and shared her lived experience through speaking engagements across Northwest Ohio.
As an autistic individual with ADHD, Jennifer uses her personal experiences to educate others while helping connect people with the resources and support they need.
She describes disability as something that has shaped, rather than limited, who she is.
“Disability is a part of me, and I exist within it. While I struggle at times, I would not wish to be a different person. Disability allows me to be myself.”
Jennifer says what inspires her most is creating opportunities for others.
“So many in the disability community struggle to be heard. While I can only speak to my personal experience, with my work I can create space for others to come and move through.”
Katie Shelley: Expanding Access Through Art
Katie Shelley has dedicated her career to ensuring art is accessible to everyone.
As Conda Family Manager of Access Initiatives at the Toledo Museum of Art, Katie leads efforts that improve accessibility for visitors with a wide range of disabilities. Her work includes improving physical access and developing programs designed for people who are blind or have low vision, are deaf or hard of hearing, or have sensory processing disabilities.
One initiative she’s especially proud of is Disabled Women Make History (and Art), created in partnership with Disability EmpowHer Network. Since launching in 2022, the exhibition has grown into a month-long celebration of disabled women artists during Disability Pride Month.
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 16 months old, Katie says disability has influenced both who she is and the work she pursues.
“Disability Pride Month is important because it highlights the opportunities, qualities, and knowledge people with disabilities bring to their communities. Most importantly, it brings visibility to the disability community and gives people with disabilities the opportunity to celebrate together.”
Chloe Rothschild: Advocating on a Global Stage
Chloe Rothschild has become a nationally recognized advocate through her commitment to education, inclusion, and self advocacy.
As an autistic individual, Chloe uses her lived experience to promote greater understanding of autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities through conferences, speaking engagements, leadership opportunities, and community involvement.
One of her proudest accomplishments was speaking before the United Nations during the 2018 World Autism Acceptance Day observance, where she shared her experiences as an autistic self advocate.
For Chloe, disability is one part of a much larger identity.
“Disability is not something that defines my value or limits my potential. Instead, it is one aspect of my identity that influences the way I learn, communicate, advocate, and connect with others.”
She views Disability Pride Month as an opportunity to celebrate the disability community while encouraging greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.
Looking Beyond Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month may last one month, but the work of building a more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming community continues every day.
We are grateful to Valerie J. Fatica, Jennifer Repka, Katie Shelley, and Chloe Rothschild for sharing their stories and for the impact they continue to make throughout Northwest Ohio and beyond. Together, they remind us that disability is a valued part of our diverse community and that when everyone has the opportunity to participate, our entire community is stronger.
Follow The Ability Center on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to explore these stories and stay connected with future highlights, community initiatives, and advocacy efforts throughout the year.
