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Better Toledo | Disability Download by Dawn Bentley

Sponsored by the City of Toledo Human Relations Commission

Disability Download is a discussion focused on disability etiquette, visiting current best practices and guidelines to consider when interacting with people with disabilities.

Disability Download is a discussion focused on disability etiquette, visiting current best practices and guidelines to consider when interacting with people with disabilities. This includes a brief overview of the major disability laws and creating universally designed spaces, programs and services. 

This event is sponsored by The City of Toledo Human Relations Commission and is part of Better Toledo, a personal and professional development series to ensure “you will do better in Toledo.”

Certificates of completion are available to participants who take part in three or more sessions in 2023.

For group registrations please call 419-259-5293.

Dawn Bentley was born and raised in Toledo, and had an older brother with cerebral palsy. When asked how long she has been an advocate, she always responds "for as long as I can remember". Dawn attended Miami University and received her bachelor's in special education. She began her career teaching for Toledo Public and Washington Local schools while also receiving her Master's degree. Dawn has experience in the classroom, as an early intervention/developmental therapist, and working in leadership in the nonprofit sector of the disability field. She has two daughters, and she and her husband welcomed twin sons during the pandemic (they lovingly refer to it as the "twindemic" in their house). It was at this time that Dawn made the decision to pursue owning her own consulting firm, and she started CAIRE, LLC (Community Access Inclusion Representation and Equity). CAIRE works with local community organizations who have a vested interest in accessibility and inclusion, specifically for people with disabilities. They offer accessibility audits, consultation services, and training opportunities. Dawn saw the opportunity to educate and bring awareness to underserved populations, specifically the disability community, within businesses and organizations that have a desire to provide programs, services, employment opportunities, and a space to belong with a culture of inclusion. She believes in a collaborative community approach where disability is represented in the discussion.