The Abilities Connection (TAC) is a nonprofit organization that serves people with disabilities and offers safe, inclusive workplaces to thrive. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities and other barriers to reach their full potential in the community settings of their choice.

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At TAC, people with and without disabilities collaborate in accepting work environments to learn new skills, create new things, and reinforce their sense of purpose. We provide meaningful work that helps our team members grow professionally, empowers and encourages them to share their voice, and prepares them to thrive beyond TAC.

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Manufacturing cargo nets for the U.S. Air Force, crafting pet products, running a quick-service salad restaurant with produce grown in our very own hydroponic greenhouse – our team’s incredible work spans a wide range of industries.

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Though we have many services and business lines, they all power one mission: to empower people with disabilities through meaningful employment, training, and support.

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Our History

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1952

Our roots go back to 1952 when parents of children with disabilities attending Valley Day School in Dayton, Ohio decided to start a school in Clark County. They opened Town & Country Day School at the Oesterlin Home on Mechanicsburg Road in Springfield, with 27 students attending classes.

1958

A tax levy was approved by citizens to construct a school building for these children – the first levy of its kind to be passed in the United States. Then, in 1960, Town and Country day school opened its doors for Clark County children with disabilities. 

1966

As the students grew up, a part of the school became a pre-vocational program and, later, the Adult Vocational Training Program. It was renamed the Town & Country Workshop.

1983

After a series of expansions to larger facilities, Town & Country Workshop was incorporated as a nonprofit called TAC Industries, Inc. For the next two decades, TAC Industries was part of Developmental Disabilities of Clark County (CCDD).

2005

In 2005, through a mutual agreement, TAC Industries, Inc. became a separate entity from CCDD. While TAC remains a contract agency of CCDD, it is now a fully private 501©(3) nonprofit corporation governed by a board of directors.

2016

TAC Industries, Inc. adopted and trademarked the name The Abilities Connection (TAC).

2020

TAC established a pet product line in the spring of 2020 called PetAbilities. Then, in June 2020, TAC opened a quick-serve salad restaurant in downtown Springfield’s COhatch called Fresh Abilities.