"The Ability Center" would be a facility for those with disabilities, but inclusive of able-bodied

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- There's a proposal on the table to build what would be called "The Ability Center." It's a project that could have a $15 million annual economic impact on southeast Wisconsin. More importantly, it could provide a place for those with disabilities to get physical -- right alongside the able-bodied.

The $50 million, 200,000 square foot, all-inclusive fitness facility would be housed on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Campus.

"We have an indoor track. We have an indoor fitness and weight facility. We have the gymnasium that has volleyball courts and basketball courts. So really, a 'super-sized' community center if you will," said Damian Buchman, founder of 'The Ability Center.' 

Buchman explains such a facility is necessary to increase the limited opportunities available to the nearly 190,000 individuals with a disability living in southeast Wisconsin right now.

"This is a place where people can gather for fitness and wellness and recreation, and community engagement," said Buchman.

At this first-of-its-kind facility, the engagement extends to include those who are able-bodied as well.

"When somebody who's able-bodied sees somebody with a disability participating in the same sports they are in, maybe, just a different manner, you can start having -- be it employers or otherwise -- thinking, well, 'Why don't we employ these individuals? Why am I not befriending these individuals?,'" said Buchman.

Buchman hopes to help answer those questions eventually -- just as he hopes to identify a specific site for the project by the end of the year.

You can learn much more about "The Ability Center" by CLICKING HERE.