TOLEDO, Ohio — The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium recently received three grant awards that will expand accessibility and inclusion efforts around the zoo.

Community Fund Ohio awarded $15,740 in funds to the zoo via a three-part grant. 

Funding includes a $1,500 grant for a year of access to the Aira Visual Interpreting Aide, a service that connects blind and low-vision visitors with trained agents through smartphones to navigate, hear about exhibits and more. Another gran of $9,240 will go toward the expansion of the Advocates for Disabilities and Partners Team ZOOTeen initiative, providing specialized volunteer training to help teens participate and connect. 

Finally, $5,000 will fund 125 scooter rental vouchers for 2025.

“We’re proud to support the Toledo Zoo’s commitment to making its spaces more inclusive and welcoming to individuals of all abilities,” said Jill Fowler, Community Fund Ohio Executive Director. “Each of these projects represents meaningful action to increase community access. This is the kind of impact we aim to support through Community Fund Ohio grants.”

Community Fund Ohio is a statewide nonprofit.