Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

09/30/2026

The ODDC newsletter is now available!

Featured articles:
- Taking the Stage, Telling Their Stories
- Ohio DD Council Announces 2027-2031 Grants to Support Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities
- Ohio DD Talks: Saving Money Without Losing Benefits
- Community Ambassador Andy Barrett Spotlighted in Local News!

You can find the newsletter link here: https://www.facebook.com/ohioddcouncil/directory_links

09/28/2026

In this episode of Ohio DD Talks, host Shari Cooper sits down with two guests who have firsthand experience with STABLE accounts, Ohio's version of the federally established ABLE account, to break down how they work, who qualifies, and why more people with disabilities and their families should know about them.

Highlighted is Latisha Brown, a self-advocate and DD Council member from Montgomery County, and Annie Bhaumik, a Dublin-area parent of a son with autism. They bring both the self-advocate and parent perspective to an important conversation about financial futures and quality of life.

Host: Shari Cooper
Guests: Latisha Brown, Annie Bhaumik

Listen to the full podcast on Spotify! You can find the link here: https://www.facebook.com/ohioddcouncil/directory_links

09/23/2026

For the past five years, the Emerging Advocates Through Youth Autism Self-Advocacy Program (ASAP) has been working to ensure that Ohio’s youth have a seat at the table when it comes to their own lives and education.

Funded by the Ohio DD Council and developed by The Ohio State University Nisonger Center, this project has evolved from an eight-week program for adults into a comprehensive 10-week self-advocacy curriculum tailored specifically for youth ages 11–22.

What is included in ASAP materials?
- Full curriculum
- Facilitator manual
- Student and group activities
- Family engagement materials
- Additional resources

Five Reasons Why ASAP Is Unique:

Practical: Students learn real-life skills, including how to actively participate in and co-lead IEP/504 meetings.

Engaging: Interactive lessons, group discussions, and hands-on activities with opportunities for peer and family involvement.

Strengths-Based: Focus on each student's unique strengths, abilities, and potential — not deficits.

Culturally Responsive: Inclusive and respectful of diverse backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.

Neurodiversity-Affirming: Celebrates neurological differences as valuable and meaningful aspects of human diversity.

Read more about this program for young voices in our newsletter here: https://ddc.ohio.gov/media-and-news/dd-council-connection

09/21/2026

This month, meet Council Member Monica McCain! In 2021, the Ohio DD Council appointed Monica McCain to represent family members and guardians of children with developmental disabilities (DD).

An excerpt from the article:

“Over the last five years of her term, Monica has seen how Council ideas move from discussion to impact. “Seeing things through from beginning to end, from discussion to exploration, to funding, that gives me a sense of accomplishment,” she said.”

Read Monica's full interview in our newsletter here: https://ddc.ohio.gov/media-and-news/dd-council-connection

09/14/2026

In case you missed it: the ODDC newsletter is now available!

Featured articles:
- Ohio DD Council Hosting Storytelling Showcase in Grove City
- Wrapping Up Advocacy 101: Small Steps to a Big Voice
- Message from the Council: Monica McCain
- Five Years of Empowering Young Voices: The Emerging Advocates Project
- Meet the Council’s Latest Ambassador, Andy Barrett!

Read it here: https://ddc.ohio.gov/media-and-news/dd-council-connection/1-dd-council-connection-resource

09/11/2026

Please note: the first link was incorrect. The link below has been updated to the correct YouTube livestream.

Good morning Ohioans!

My Life. My Story. — Taking the Stage is happening TODAY (Friday) from 10am-2pm.

Join the YouTube livestream to hear and learn from personal, lived experience stories of people with disabilities from all across our state.

The YouTube livestream begins at 10am. Join us here: http://youtube.com/live/jMeN0D37_8g?feature=share

My Life. My Story. – Taking the Stage is the big finish to a great year of learning.

This year, we tried something new. We used a model where we teach leaders, and then those leaders teach others. This helps more people learn how to share their stories.

We taught teams how to run workshops for people with IDD. Now, the people who took those workshops are ready to speak on stage!

You can hear their amazing stories on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you cannot join us at the Grove Lodge at Scioto Grove Metro Park, you can watch and take part in the full event from home!

Joining us in-person? Meet us at the Grove Lodge at Scioto Grove Metro Park, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123

The schedule includes a 30-minute lunch break. Attendees staying for the full event should bring their own food and drinks. The Momentum Refresh accessible restroom service will be available on site.

In-Person Attendee Registration: https://form.jotform.com/262083660022044

YouTube Livestream Watch Party Registration: https://form.jotform.com/262145256547056

09/10/2026

My Life. My Story. – Taking the Stage is the big finish to a great year of learning.

This year, we tried something new. We used a model where we teach leaders, and then those leaders teach others. This helps more people learn how to share their stories.

We taught teams how to run workshops for people with IDD. Now, the people who took those workshops are ready to speak on stage!

You can hear their amazing stories on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you cannot join us at the Grove Lodge at Scioto Grove Metro Park, you can watch and take part in the full event from home!

Joining us in-person? Meet us at the Grove Lodge at Scioto Grove Metro Park, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123

The schedule includes a 30-minute lunch break. Attendees staying for the full event should bring their own food and drinks. The Momentum Refresh accessible restroom service will be available on site.

In-Person Attendee Registration: https://form.jotform.com/262083660022044

YouTube Livestream Watch Party Registration: https://form.jotform.com/262145256547056

09/09/2026

Did you know: you do not have to travel to Grove City to see My Life. My Story. – Taking the Stage!

You can host a watch party from home!

This live event is on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Self-advocates from across Ohio will share their stories on stage.

You can invite your friends, family, or community group to watch the show live on YouTube with you.

When you sign up to host, someone from ODDC will reach out to you to send everything you need to make your watch party great.

Sign up to host a watch party here: https://form.jotform.com/262145256547056

09/06/2026

Throughout August we shared advocacy tips and strategies with you as part of our Advocacy 101 educational series.

Now we want to hear from you!

Complete the form linked below to share tips, strategies, and stories about how you advocate for yourself.

And tell us what you’ve learned during this series!

Fill out the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiFxWMOUes8Y_OV8aC4mq2Fldujw4NEqfdHExbkabuREcbFw/viewform

09/05/2026

Do you want to hear great stories from the DD community in person? Join us for My Life. My Story. – Taking the Stage!

Self-advocates with IDD will share their stories on stage, using their voices to make our state a better place for everyone.

Come support them and meet other people in your community!

When: Friday, September 11, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: The Grove Lodge in Scioto Grove Metro Park
Address: 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123

Sign up to attend in person here: https://form.jotform.com/262083660022044