Advocacy led to an impactful state budget that Governor Mike DeWine signed earlier this month. The budget makes the largest investment in the history of Ohio’s developmental disabilities system. Through this budget, the DeWine-Husted administration will advance important policy changes to empower people with developmental disabilities, families, and those who support them.
Some highlights include:
- Funding for universal changing tables
- Increased rates for direct support professionals
- A seat for people with developmental disabilities on county boards
- Funding for technology initiatives
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Celebrate, learn, and share about the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). On July 26, 1990, this historic civil rights law was signed to protect the rights of people with disabilities. Celebrate this special day by sharing on social media about how the ADA has benefited you by including "#ThanksToTheADA."
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Starting in 2021, as part of the celebration of the anniversary of the ADA, July was recognized as Disability Pride Month. Share your #DisabilityPride this month as you celebrate the ADA anniversary.
Student, writer, and disability rights advocate, Kelsi Weaver, shared what disability pride month means to her in this blog post.
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Episodes 3 of the DODD Podcast! |
Season 2 of the DODD Podcast is hosted by DODD Advocacy Policy Specialist, Nate Turner. Nate is focused on providing valuable resources and helpful conversations on the podcast.
The podcast is available on the DODD website, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
Episode 3 is out now!
Nate interviews the Ohio Tech Ambassadors about the impact of technology on their daily lives.
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Disability Connect is a gathering for DODD leaders to hear directly from the people we support, their families, and allies about issues affecting their lives. It is also a chance to learn more about different projects and resources at DODD and across Ohio's government while making connections to help everyone live their good life.
Disability Connect will meet three times in 2023 and is open to everyone. Meetings are held virtually using Zoom.
The first meeting is on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, from 3-4 PM.
Disability Connect meetings will be recorded and posted to the Disability Connect webpage. There will be an ASL Interpreter and C-Print Captioning streaming live during the meeting. If you need help with registration, other accommodations to join, or have suggestions, please contact ohiolifecoursenexus@dodd.ohio.gov.
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Requesting Feedback on Disability Connection |
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Have you read the first issue of Disability Connection? This is our newest newsletter, designed for people living with developmental disabilities, their families, and friends.
Be sure to share our sign-up form, found here.
This is an outlet to share information, connect with a community, and celebrate the accomplishments of the DD community. Your feedback on topics and format is very important to DODD and we invite you to share it with ohiolifecoursenexus@dodd.ohio.gov.
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Plan Your Visit to the Ohio State Fair |
Join DODD and OCALI on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, from 10 AM - 1 PM for a sensory-friendly day at the Ohio State Fair.
Ride the rides with no flashing lights or music and visit the Fair’s many educational and sensory activities in the morning with fewer crowds. Take a break in Natural Resources Park or our soothing Quiet Room.
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At the State Fair, you may see many people giving away or selling fidget toys!
People may fidget or make small movements when they are feeling anxious, restless, impatient or nervous.
Fidget toys are handheld tools made to help users focus, decrease stress and distract from overstimulating environments.
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Appendix K Flexibilities and Updates on Waiver Change Feedback |
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) is working with partners on the Waiver Redesign Initiative.
Visit the webpage for updates and more information.
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Share with us what sensory-friendly tools are important and helpful for you!
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A Note from Nate, DODD Policy Specialist |
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Experience the fun and excitement at the Ohio State Fair from July 26 to August 6, 2023, and join me in person at the sensory-friendly morning on August 2, from 10 AM - 1 PM.
On August 11, I also plan to attend the TechSummit 2023 in Columbus to see more examples of people using assistive technology and remote support to live better lives.
I hope to see you around!
-Nate Turner
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