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

• Disability Rights Ohio Is doing their annual survey of needs click this link to take the survey.
• Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities is asking people to take a survey on self direction for waiver participants. Click on this link to do the survey.
• Tell us: What are your favorite ways to relax or practice self-care? Share your stories here.
  If you need to use the form differently, feel free to send attachments, pictures, or videos to nathan.turner@dodd.ohio.gov
• The Ohio Medicaid Matters Coalition is looking for personal stories by people who could be impacted by Medicaid cuts if this is you please check out this link to learn how to submit your story. https://www.ohiomedicaidmatters.org
• The Ohio State University (OSU) Nisonger Center is doing research on the health, mental health, and wellness of adults with intellectual disability (ID). We need to learn more so that we can improve services.
  This study includes online interviews with adults with ID and their chosen study partners. The study should take about 3 hours. For doing the study, each participant and their study partner will each receive $100.
  To SIGN UP: Call 1-833-678-7782
• SHARE YOUR STORY, HELP FIGHT HUNGER! Poetry Is Life Publishing is compiling community poems and letters representing voices in our region from eight counties (Carroll, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, and Wayne) who have experienced hunger. What do you crave from your community? Food, love, family, friendship, hope, peace, equality. Have you experienced hunger? What was it like? Submit your poem, letter or story for the opportunity to be included in the book. A portion of book sales will benefit the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. The deadline to submit is June 30, 2025.
  For more information please reach out by email at poetryislifepublishing@gmail.com
• 2025 Disability/Deaf and Abuse Survey
  This national survey seeks to enhance our understanding of the prevalence of abuse— including sexual abuse, physical assault, coercion, harassment, and exploitation—among individuals with disabilities, as well as those who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind.
  Your experience matters. The findings will help us develop research, interventions, and policy recommendations to advocate for strengthening protections against abuse and improving support for survivors. Click this link to take the survey.
• Make your Voice Heard to share in a survey feedback about the PCA Match app through Public Consulting Group.
• 5 Minutes. 3 Actions. 1 Voice for Disability Rights.
  Speak Up Now: Protect Disability Access Rights!
  https://nacdd.org/5-minutes-3-actions-1-voice-for-disability-rights/
  There are TWO public comment opportunities that need the attention of the disability community.
  🌟 Public Comment One: Protect Disability Access Rights! – The U.S. Department of Energy is trying to eliminate important disability protections. The department is trying to change part of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act that ensures new buildings are accessible to people with disabilities. This move could set a dangerous precedent. If they succeed, other federal agencies might try to do the same. This will weaken protections that millions rely on.
  🌟 Public Comment Two: Direct final rule on nondiscrimination – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) wants to remove 12 civil rights rules. Part of these 12 are disability access protections. They say the rules are “unnecessary,” “outdated,” or not supported by law. They are using a fast-track process called a “direct final rule.”
  This is urgent! If thousands do not make comments, the rule will take effect July 15, 2025.
  The deadline to submit your comment(s) is Monday, June 16th at 11:59 PM EDT.
  Take Action Now!
  It only takes a few seconds: https://nacdd.org/5-minutes-3-actions-1-voice-for-disability-rights/

Events around Ohio to check out week of June 16th 2025 to June 21 2025

Monday June 16th 2025

• Disability Rights Education Legal Clinic, Monday, Jun 16 · 12:00pm-1:00pm Join us Monday, June 16th, for a Free Education Legal Clinic: Addressing Bullying & Harassment of special education students. Learn more and register to attend at lawyers4students.com/legalclinic
• Building Personal Networks of Support(4) Week Workshop 4:00-5:00pm to Register for this workshop check out this link . This workshop is for self advocates and families. Description: BUILDING PERSONAL NETWORKS (BPN)
  Do you want to be more connected and supported, but aren’t sure where to start?
  Join us, roll up your sleeves, and let’s build your personal network together!
  WHAT IS BPN?
  BPN is about creating community.
  It is an opportunity to:
  Focus on relationships that foster connection and growth.
  Identify key individuals who can play supportive roles.
  Plan with your loved one at the center of the process.

Tuesday June 17th 2025

• Ohio Tech Ambassadors Regional Tech Summit, Tuesday, Jun 17 · 11:00am-12:00pm Ambassador Regional Tech Summit
  10 a.m. to Noon Tuesday, June 17, at the Deer Park Branch Library. 4020 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236. This event will feature tech ambassadors sharing how they use technology in the following categories: Tech for Independence, Tech for Advocacy, Tech for Employment, and Tech for Entertainment.
  Click here for more details. https://ohiotechambassadors.org
• Protecting Medicaid from Cuts in Congress: Updates for Aging Advocates, Tuesday, Jun 17 · 2:00-3:00 PM click this link to learn more and register for the event.
• Breaking Silences Advocacy Meeting 3pm contact Maria.Matzik@acils.com for more information.

Wednesday June 18th 2025

• OSDA at We Thrive Together 11am https://wethrivetogether.org/upcoming-event
• Safe Police Interactions: Guidance for People with Disabilities and Their Families, Wednesday, Jun 18 · 6:00-8:00pm Join us to understand what happens when someone with a disability meets a police officer. This presentation gives practical advice that both people with disabilities and their family members can use right away. You will learn:
  • What police officers do and what equipment they carry
  • How to make ID cards that explain your disability
  • What to do during traffic stops
  • How to make emergency calls
  • How to ask for specially trained officers
  • Your rights during police interactions
  • Ways to prevent problems
  use this link to register.
• D.A.D.S./Pathways for Pops Night Out, Wednesday, Jun 18 · 6–9 PM Join us for our monthly Night Out combining our D.A.D.S. & Pathways for Pops groups. In June we meet at one of our favorite hangouts – Schnitz Ale Brewery, located at 5729 Pearl Rd. in Parma! Feel free to bring your dad, brother, uncle or friend that is a part of your child’s life….just be there!
  RSVP to matt@dsaneo.org
• People First of Northeast Ohio, Wednesday, Jun 18 · 6:30–8 PM, Repeats every month on the third Wednesday 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 June 19th 2025

• Supported Decision Making of Ohio Meeting PR and Marketing Committee 12:00 -1:00pm contact amy.mordaunt@thearcofohio.org for more information to join

Friday June 20th 2025

• Services For Independent Living, Connect And Conversation, Friday, Jun 20 · 11 AM–12 PM Connect with Conversation June Topic: Assistive Technology that helps with Independent Living
  June 20th from 11:00am-12:00pm
  RSVP to Maddi Steimle at 216-903-2469 or msteimle@sil-oh.org
• FREE All-Abilities Sports Camp- Hall of Fame Area, Friday, Jun 20 at 5:45 PM –Saturday, Jun 21 at 2:00 PM Malone University, 2600 Cleveland Ave NW, Canton, OH 44709

Saturday June 21st 2025

• FREE All-Abilities Sports Camp- Hall of Fame Area, Friday, Jun 20 at 5:45 PM –Saturday, Jun 21 at 2:00 PM Malone University, 2600 Cleveland Ave NW, Canton, OH 44709

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
• Did you know the American Printing House for the Blind has partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio to provide six free Print/Braille books a year to children with low vision or blindness until the child’s sixth birthday? The Braille Tales program is open to all U.S. residents and parents of children with low vision can learn more about the program at the following website. https://ow.ly/YBhA50VTZAY
• Are you a caregiver for an older Ohioan? Are you familiar with Adult Day services? Visit the new website http://AdultDayOhio.org to learn about how Adult Day services can support you and your loved one.
  Read: http://aging.ohio.gov/AdultDayOhio
• Know Your Rights: Communication Disability Law
  People with a medically diagnosed communication disability can voluntarily enroll in a database linked to Ohio’s Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS). 
  This helps notify officers during traffic stops that someone in the vehicle may have difficulty communicating, promoting safer, more informed interactions. It’s free, optional, and designed to reduce misunderstandings. 
  Learn more about the Communication Disability Law and download the Communication Visor Card here.
• Call for Nominations: Ohio Poet Laureate
  Nominations for Ohio Poet Laureate are now being accepted. The next Ohio Poet Laureate’s two-year term is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026, and ends on December 31, 2027.
  
  The Ohio Poet Laureate has the opportunity to foster the art of poetry across the Buckeye State. This includes encouraging literacy and learning, addressing central issues related to the humanities and heritage, and encouraging the reading and writing of poetry across Ohio. 
  
  As part of the individual’s role, the Ohio Poet Laureate will be expected to undertake a significant cultural project, such as bringing poetry to people or to a region of the state that might otherwise be underserved in this regard. Additionally, The Ohio Poet Laureate will provide at least 20 public readings or other literacy-related events annually in urban, suburban, and rural settings throughout Ohio.
  
  The Ohio Poet Laureate is ultimately appointed by the Governor of Ohio, with recommendations provided by the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) as reviewed by OAC board members.
  
  Nomination requirements are available on the Ohio Arts Council’s website .
• Veterans who need nursing home care but prefer living at home can enroll in the Veterans Directed Care Program at WRAAA. This program lets veterans hire personal direct-care workers, giving them more control over their long-term care. More details here: https://bit.ly/3XcvbMT
• Updates to the Waiting List Assessment Rule
  Attention: All County Boards, Service and Support Administrators, Councils of Governments
  The DODD Medicaid Development and Administration (MDA) division has updated the Comprehensive Guide for Waiting List Assessmentto coordinate with updates to the waiting list assessment rule (OAC 5123-9-04). These updates will be effective July 1, 2025. 
   
  MDA held webinars in May to support assessors with completing the WLA on the new assessment platform. A recording of these webinars can be found on the current and immediate needs webpage. Click hereto access the recording.
   
  For questions, please email WLA@dodd.ohio.gov
• Registration is now open for The Arc of Ohio 2025 Summer Conference!
  Friday, July 25, 2025
  Sponsorships have made it possible for very affordable registration.
  Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-arc-of-ohio-2025-summer-conference-tickets-1371627588039?aff=oddtdtcreator
  The Agenda was created before the annoucement of Director Hauck’s retirement. We hope to introduce the new director at this conference.
  The Arc of Ohio Summer Conference
  Friday, July 25, 2025
  Hollywood Casino Event Center
  200 Georgesville Rd.
  Columbus, Ohio 43228
  9:00 – 10:00 am Registration – Breakfast Included
  10:00 am Fedderal Initiatives and Their Impact on Ohioans – Medicaid to Education
  Katy Neas, CEO – The Arc of the United States
  The current CEO of The Arc of the US, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Education and long-time federal lobbyist, will present the current state of what we can expect as Congress debates the future funding of Medicaid, Waivers and Special Education.
  11:00 am – Noon Ohio’s New State Budget – How does it affect Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities?
  Director- Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
  A new state budget begins on July 1, 2025. The new DODD Director and staff will provide insight into what this budget holds in store for Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families.
  Noon LUNCH – Included in Registration
  1:00- 2:00 pm Rules and What’s Ahead
  Allan Showalter, Deputy Director – Medicaid Administration & Development, Ohio Department of DD & Team
  The Ohio Department of DD is required to issue administrative rules to implement both Home & Community Based Waivers and Intermediate Care Facilities. New rules became effective on July 1st and other rules are still in development for this year and next. The speakers will discuss these and be available to answer questions.
  2:00 – 3:00 pm Ohio Rise (Resilience through Integrated Systems & Excellence)
  Aetna Ohio Rise Leadership Team
  Ohio RISE and the specialized managed care program is making major strides in supporting more youth and families in need. More Ohio children than ever are being supported through a program that coordinates community resources to provide the best possible care for kids facing complex mental and behavioral health needs. The Aetna Ohio Rise Leadership Team will provide an overview of the program and provide an opportunity for feedback of what is working and not working.
• Ohio has announced its 2025 sales tax holiday, which will run for two weeks this year. https://nbc4i.co/43yipK1?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_NBC4
• The Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) supports family and informal caregivers in caring for loved ones at home. You’re a family caregiver if you help care for an older relative, spouse, or loved one. For free information and referrals for in-home care, respite, adult day programs, and more, go to: https://bit.ly/3NN8Joa or give us a call at 216-586-3441.

This Month in Awareness

• Pride Month
• World Elder Abuse Day June 15th
• Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
• National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month
• Men’s Health Awareness Month
• National Cancer Survivors Month
• National Age Without Apology Month
• PTSD Awareness Month

For more events check out our main website OhioAdvocacyHeartbeat.com