Ohio DD Council Connection

September 2022

DD Council Connection is a monthly newsletter from the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council to educate and inform Ohioans with developmental disabilities, their families and others about services, supports and other news to increase their independence, productivity and inclusion in community life.

We hope you enjoy this e-newsletter. Please share your thoughts, story ideas and event calendar submissions with us at DDCInfo@dodd.ohio.gov.

Ohio DD Council Funds Anti-Trafficking Research and Prevention Effort

In Ohio, efforts continue to make strides towards decreasing the number of human trafficking victims and cases in the state. As people with developmental disabilities may be especially susceptible to human trafficking for a variety of reasons, the Ohio DD Council is committed to helping in the state’s initiatives through one of its grants with The Switch National Anti-Trafficking Network. The project will result in a White Paper on how people with disabilities, including people of color, are being used or abused by human traffickers. By January 2024, this White Paper will include recommendations for problem-solving and future funding considerations.

Disability Information and Access Line

The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL), is a no-cost hotline that helps people with disabilities access information about COVID-19 vaccines and tests. It can also help identify, locate, and connect callers to community resources and programs that support independent living such as housing, nutrition, transportation and more.

Council’s "Alphabet Soup" Booklet Updated

The Ohio DD Council recently updated its acronym booklet, Alphabet Soup: A Guide to Disability Related Acronyms. It is available on the Ohio DD Council website or you can request a copy to be mailed to you.

September Celebrates DSPs, Highlights Crisis

September 11-17 was Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week, and the Council recognizes the heart and soul of supports and services that DSPs provide for people with developmental disabilities, including keeping them safe, healthy and independent in their homes.

While the week to celebrate DSPs and their work has ended nationally, the DSP crisis in our nation continues. An estimated 200,000 people work as DSPs in the United States but pay is low and turnover is high. Learn how one of Ohio DD Council's grants is working to help solve this crisis.

Become a Special Education Champion!

Through the Family Empowerment grant by the Ohio DD Council, people can become "Special Education Champions" by increasing and improving their support and knowledge on the special education process.

The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities is partnering with Disability Rights Ohio and the University of Cincinnati UCEDD to offer a curriculum to provide champions with knowledge in four areas: (1) information about family empowerment and advocacy when working with the special education team; (2) communication and negotiation in the school setting; (3) special education law in Ohio; and (4) resources and support for families.

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

ddc.ohio.gov

This newsletter is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $2,911,524 with 96 percentage funded by ACL/HHS and $120,187 with 4 percentage funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.