Dear Friends, Family & Community,

It's a full season at CdE! Here is everything coming up — from a FREE family festival this weekend, to the OACB Convention, to a powerful new announcement for Central Ohio cities and townships. Come find us, come connect, and bring a friend.

THIS WEEKEND • FREE COMMUNITY EVENT

🍂 6th Annual All Disabilities Fall Festival

📅 Sunday, November 1, 2026

🕐 1:00 PM to 5 PM EST

📍 J.H. Ross Community Center · 907 Lexington Ave, Columbus, OH 43201

🎟️ FREE • Fun for the entire family!

Stop by the CdE table to:

• Learn about our free services
• Meet our team
• Grab resources and information
• Share what you need, so we can help you get there

Stage Schedule:

• 1:00 PM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
• 1:20 PM – D.A.F. Fitness Showcase
• 1:50 PM – Financial Empowerment for People with Disabilities
• 2:20 PM – Ma, Pa, and Me Resource Center
• 2:50 PM – Fall Costume Showcase (come dressed up!)
• 3:30 PM – Live Entertainment
• 4:30 PM – Giveaways, Thank You & Closing

Hosted by MCs Missy B and David Dawson · ASL interpreter Ms. Reva · Stage presented by Five Star Solutions

JOIN US • STATEWIDE STAGE

CdE Presents at the OACB 43rd Annual Convention

Kristina Kapp, Executive Director, and our Director of Advocacy will be presenting at the Ohio Association of County Boards of DD Annual Convention, sharing CdE's peer support model, Emotional Wellness, and how a 100% disability-led Center for Independent Living partners with county boards across Central Ohio.

📅 November 11–13, 2026

🕐 Our session: November 11 @ 2 PM EST

📍 Hilton Columbus at Easton · 3900 Chagrin Drive, Columbus, OH 43219

🗣️ Theme: Possibility in the Pivot

🎟️ Registration: By November 4 · People with developmental disabilities register FREE, along with one accompanying DSP, using the Advocate/Guest Form.

GET INVOLVED • NOTHING ABOUT US, WITHOUT US

Disability Pride 2027 Planning Committee

Columbus is getting its first Disability Pride Weekend on July 10 & 11, 2027, and we want it shaped by the people it celebrates. Nothing about us, without us.

Please join us for the first Planning Committee meeting!

📅 Monday, November 16, 2026

🕐 4:00 PM EST

💻 Virtual: Register Here. All voices welcome!

Before the meeting, please take a few minutes to fill out our community survey by November 13. It asks what events you'd like to see, what accommodations would help you take part, and which committees you might want to join.

Your answers will help us shape the meeting agenda. If you need an accommodation to attend, just reply to this email and let us know.

Please share this with anyone who should be part of it!

🗣️ We Want to Hear From YOU!

Nothing About Us, Without Us. As we rest and plan for the new year,

we’re inviting the greater community to help shape what comes next:

• What topics, activities, or formats would you love to see?
• What days and times work best for you?
• What would make our groups more welcoming and accessible?
• What would help young people feel emPowered and engaged?

🗳️ Take our 3-minute Community Input Survey and help shape CdE's services, priorities, and Disability Pride 2027.

Every voice matters, and your input will directly shape our relaunch!

PEER SUPPORT • HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

A Season of Rest, Reflection & Your Voice

As the holiday season approaches, the Center for Disability Empowerment is taking a HOLIDAY HIATUS from EmpowerYOUth sessions. We will have two special holiday sessions to keep us connected through the season.

❄️ Holiday Peer Support & Stress Management

The holidays can bring joy, and they can also bring stress. Join us for peer support and stress management to navigate the holidays with harmony and self-care, stress-free and successfully.

📅 Monday, November 23, 2026

📅 Monday, December 14, 2026

🕐 2 PM EST

💻 Virtual: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82517950260

EmpowerYOUth will return in the new year, renewed and reimagined with you. Watch for our return date announcement!

NEW WEBSITE • REBRANDED • RELAUNCHED

Visit Our New Website

Explore all of our programs, download our Welcome Packets (including the Youth Empowerment Program packet), and find out how to get started at disabilityempowerment.net.

Our services to individuals and families are always free · Any age · Any disability · No waitlist

Thank you for being part of this community. Wishing you a restful, joyful holiday season.

Believe It · Become It · Be It

With gratitude,

Kristina Kapp

Executive Director

Center for Disability Empowerment

Serving Franklin, Delaware, Union & Licking Counties


Main Office: (614) 575-8055
Email: info@disabilityempowerment.net

Website: disabilityempowerment.net 

Need an accommodation to participate? Please let us know at info@disabilityempowerment.net.