Upcoming things to sign up to get involved with or make your voice heard thru surveys and public comment!

• Please Share Share Share !!!
  Join us in creating a documentary-style video series that showcases the everyday lives and diverse contributions of people with disabilities. This project aims to challenge misconceptions, highlight inclusion in action, and amplify authentic voices from the disability community.
  Our goal is to create compelling, authentic content that helps reshape public perceptions by emphasizing that people with disabilities are integral, contributing members of our communities in every aspect of life.
  We’re seeking self-advocates who are comfortable sharing their experiences on camera to help create this important educational resource. Calling All
  Disability Self-Advocates!
  Join our video project to help educate others and make a difference. We value real voices and different perspectives. This is a paid opportunity.
  Interested? Call or Text us today!
  419-901-0688
• Become an Advocate! The YAC allows for you to grow your advocacy skills and gain first-hand experience in creating change. Strength in advocacy is in numbers; so come make a difference with us!
  Find out more! Contact April at 216.731.1529 or ashaw@sil-oh.org here is a link to learn more about the youth council
• The 2025 National Health And Disability Survey is out now! this is for anyone who lives with a disability or chronic health condition. If you choose, you can enter for a chance to win one of 15 $100 gift cards! Drawings will be held weekly. You can also choose to be notified when the survey is availabble next year. Take this opportunity to stake your voice heard!
  You can access the survey by clicking this link to do the survey.
  If you any questions, please reach out:
     Phone:  1 (855) 556-6328
     Email:   healthsurvey@ku.edu
• Are you the family member of a child or adult with a disability in the Cincinnati area? Would you like to take your advocacy skills to the next level?
  Consider applying to the LEND Program!
  The application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is June 20.
  For questions and application information, contact Sarah at lendtraining@cchmc.org
• The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) would like to invite you to participate in a short, 25 question survey about your involvement in your student’s education. Research suggests that parental involvement is a key predictor of positive educational outcomes. You may be eligible to participate if your child has an IEP and receives special education services. The purpose of collecting this information is to improve services for students with disabilities across Ohio. If you are eligible to participate and you enroll in the study, you will be entered in a drawing for a $50 gift card. Your chance of winning a gift card is approximately 2.0%. Please click on the link to find out more about the survey and if you are eligible.
• ADA PARC: Help Us Measure The Impact of the ADA – 35 Years Later
  This July 26th marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. While progress has been made, the need to understand the ADA’s ongoing impact—and the barriers that still exist— is more urgent than ever.
  We invite you to take part in a brief, anonymous survey to help us assess how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go. The survey results will be used to inform and guide technical assistance and policy recommendations related to the ADA.
• The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, in partnership with the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, is conducting a Giving Voices to LGBTQ+ People with Disabilities Study
  This study aims to contribute to knowledge about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and more (LGBTQ+) in Ohio by collecting information about their experiences in a survey, interviews, and focus groups. This study will investigate what helps and what gets in the way of LGBTQ+ people with IDD receiving services, including their experiences accessing services and treatment by service providers. Check out this link for the survey.

Events around Ohio to check out week of May 19th 2025 to May 24th 2025

Monday May 19th 2025

• We Thrive Together will be hosting a workshop on environmental wellness from 11 AM. to 12:00 PM. To join, click the link below:
  Join Event
• We Thrive Together will be hosting a workshop on criticism in relationships from 3:00-4:00PM. You can join by clicking the link below:
  Join Event
• We Thrive Together will also host an advanced virtual event training from 6-7 PM. You can click the link below to join:
  Join Event
• Want to learn more about the John Romer Advocacy Award? Join us for one of our virtual sessions: 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, or 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 19.
  Register at HamiltonDDSOhio.gov/award

Tuesday May 20th 2025

• Statewide Behavior Support Workshop, Tuesday, May 20 · 10:30 AM–12:00 PM Licking County Board Of Developmental Disabilities
  116 N 22nd St, Newark, OH 43055
• Breaking Silences Advocacy Meeting 3pm contact Maria.Matzik@acils.com for more information.

Wednesday May 21 2025

• OSDA at We Thrive Together 11am https://wethrivetogether.org/upcoming-events
• People First of Ohio 6:00pm-8:00pm People First is a self advocacy group for Adults with IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) in NE Ohio. They care about having our voices heard, empowering one another, nothing about us without us, Education, Equality and Inclusion. They meet virtually. For more information contact amy.mordaunt@thearcofohio.org

Thursday May 22 2025

• Supported Decision Making of Ohio Meeting PR and Marketing Committee 11:00-12:00 contact amy.mordaunt@thearcofohio.org for more information to join
• Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities is hosting the Caregiver Connection from 1:00-2:00pm in Lima, Ohio. Join us for Caregiver Connection this Thursday! Leann Unverferth from Area Agency on Aging will be at the session to discuss transportation concerns.

Friday May 23 2025

• Disability Rights Ohio Weekly Budget Debriefs will be from 3 to 4 PM. Disability Rights Ohio will give weekly updates on the Ohio Budget for people with disabilities and families. If you’re interested in attending, email Brittanie Maddox at:
  bmaddox@disabilityrightsohio.org

Saturday May 24 2025

• No Known Events

Helpful Information by National, State and County Agencies and Organizations for People to Read

• Planning an accessible outdoor adventure just got easier!
  The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has launched a new Accessible Trails Guide — your go-to resource for finding parks and outdoor spaces that meet your needs.
  In the guide, you’ll find:
  ✅ Trail safety tips
  ✅ Accessible trails, fishing, boating, and Storybook Trails
  ✅ Lodges, campgrounds, cabins, inclusive playgrounds, and more!
  Start exploring today: https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/outdoor/accessible-activities-facilities/accessible-trails
• If you or a loved one is facing a mental health or addiction crisis, you’re not alone. Call, text, or chat 988 to connect with a trained specialist ready to listen and offer free, confidential support 24/7.
  988 is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress.
  Learn more and find easy-to-read resources: https://dodd.ohio.gov/about-us/our-programs/988+Resourcesk
• This was shared by Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities Kings Island ‘s accessibility guide has changed and we want to make sure you have all the details before visiting this summer! One of the major changes is the accessibility card! Individuals will now have to get prior approval from a third-party system that requires a doctor’s note. To make sure your prepared, please take a look at the Kings Island accessibility guide: http://www.visitkingsisland.com/accessibility
• In honor of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, explore DODD’s Wellness Project, a collection of resources for EVERYONE, featuring tools for mindfulness, relaxation, and mental health support. Check out the information through this link put out by Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.
• Ohio Family to Family on Navigating the IEP process can be overwhelming—here is a roadmap to help you become informed.

This Week in Awareness

May:
• Mental Health Awareness Month
• National Arthritis Awareness Month
• Disability Insurance Awareness Month
• ALSOS. Awareness Month
• National Stroke Awareness Month
• National Military Service Appreciation Month
• Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month
• Jewish American Heritage Month
• Better Speech–Language-Hearing Month

• Lupus Awareness Month
• Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month
• Lyme Disease Awareness Month
• Mobility Awareness Month
• Older Americads Month
• Celiac Awareness Month
• Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month
• Ehler’s-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month
• National Ostioperosis Awareness And Prevention Month
• Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month
• Neurofabromotis Awareness Month
• Williams Syndrome Awareness Month

For more events check out our main website OhioAdvocacyHeartbeat.com