Turnstone to Lead Local ADA Training Academy Community Team

FORT WAYNE, IN (March 25, 2021) – Turnstone is pleased to announce the community team chosen to represent our region in Indiana’s 2021 ADA Training Academy. The inaugural ADA Training Academy is supported this year by the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities and consists of 10 individuals throughout the state. The purpose of the ADA Training Academy is to increase the local capacity and knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in Indiana communities.

Representing northeast Indiana will be:

· Tina Acosta, Turnstone Center, Community Team Mentor and certified ADA Coordinator

· Kevin Hughes, Turnstone Center

· Brenda Niccum, The League

· Heather VanWagner, City of Fort Wayne

The Academy will cover the registration fee required for the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program for the community team members, as well as provide a stipend for the 2021 National ADA Symposium. Community team participants will also attend and participate in ADA-Indiana monthly meetings and training events throughout the program.

Tina Acosta, Turnstone Center’s Director of Outreach, earned her ADA Coordinator certification in 2020 to support the community through training and outreach services offered by Turnstone. Acosta will continue to complete advanced ADA courses to serve as a resource for local organizations seeking to enhance their accessibility for people with disabilities.

“It is a privilege to be able to support our community’s efforts to be a more inclusive and accessible community,” said Acosta. “Our Training Academy team represents increased collaboration that will help better ensure everyone in our community have equal access, rights, and opportunities. “

At the completion of the Training Academy, Hughes, Niccum, and VanWagner will join Acosta as certified ADA Coordinators. Local access to ADA expertise will enhance the community’s efforts to increase its accessibility which also complements its growing reputation as a destination for adaptive sports.

Turnstone Center provides programs and services for over 3000 children and adults with disabilities every year thanks to critical support from community donors, sponsors, and partners like: AWS Foundation, Parkview Health, Parkview Physicians Group, Parkview Sports Medicine, & Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana Pro Resources Staffing Services, and Steel Dynamics, Inc.