In many ways, LEAP might be considered a twin of MAHO. Both were started in 1981 and the fertile mind of Rev. Richard Sering, Executive Director of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry was involved with both. LEAP and MAHO focus on service and advocacy with and for people with disabilities. Doris Brennan played a vital role with both organizations: she served as founding and long-term MAHO Board Member and the Executive Director of LEAP for many years. From 1989 until 2007, the LEAP Attendant Training Program was housed at MAHO’s Circle Vistas building.

Over the years, LEAP expanded its service from a focus on employment for people with disabilities to a wide range of services and advocacy. MAHO has long known that while accessible, affordable housing is a key element for people with disabilities wanting to live independently, additional services are often necessary. LEAP provides many of those services needed by the tenants of the Vistas Apartment Communities and others in the disability community.

Kathy Cotman has been a volunteer Board Member of Maximum Accessible Housing of Ohio (MAHO) since it began in 1981. Kathy has a physical disability, Spinal Muscle Atrophy (SMA), herself and uses a wheelchair. This has not limited her activities on behalf of MAHO. Kathy is a leader on the MAHO Board, making sure the organization remains strong and true to its mission. She has twice served as Board President.

However, Kathy is not receiving a Maximum Access Award just for her involvement with MAHO. Kathy epitomizes the attributes that MAHO values. She has lived independently in her own home for more than 30 years. She had a successful career as a statistical programmer at the Cleveland Clinic.