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

• The Synergy Committee is seeking nominations for several awards that will be given out at the SYNERGY Conference in October. This is YOUR chance to nominate ANYONE who is making a difference! It is important to take the time to recognize outstanding people that go above and beyond. Who can be nominated in each of the award categories? EVERYONE! It can be an advocate, family member, person served, local partner, a provider or DSP, a county board staff person, a teacher, legislator, a community member, an employer, or anyone else who you think is deserving of one of these awards. DEADLINE FOR ALL NOMINATIONS IS JULY 31st.
  SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION USING THE LINK BELOW:
  https://conta.cc/4jM40QK y.
• 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
• Make your Voice Heard to share in a survey feedback about the PCA Match app through Public Consulting Group.

Events around Ohio to check out week of July 14 2025 to July 19th 2025

Monday July 14th 2025

• There will be a wellness workshop from We Thrive Together on coping with stress and change from 11 AM. to noon. If you want to attend, click the link below:
  Join Event
• We Thrive Together will also be hosting a relationships workshop on laughter from 3-4 PM. Click the link below if you wish to astend.
  Join Event

Tuesday July 15th

• There will be an Early Child Playdate from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM. 
  Please join us for open play time on our playground! Children birth to age 6 enrolled in WCBDD services and their parents/caregivers are welcome to attend. Siblings under age 6 may also attend.
  Sign up here: 
• We Thrive Together will host a life skills on shopping and discounts from 4-5 PM. You can click the following link to attend:
  Join Event
• Breaking Silences Advocacy Meeting 3pm contact Maria.Matzik@acils.com for more information.

Wednesday July 16th 2025

• OSDA at We Thrive Together 11am https://wethrivetogether.org/upcoming-event
• The Basics of Advocacy, Tuesday, Jul 8 · 2:30–3:30 PM Join us and our partners at the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council and Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council for a three part Advocacy Training Series.
  We hope to see you at one or all three! Register here⬇️
  3️⃣ – July 16 – Engaging with Policymakers: https://bit.ly/ats3ewp
• Time2Thrive, Wednesday, Jun 25 · 12:30–2:30 PM, Repeats every week, until Wednesday, Aug 6 FREE! Summer education enrichment for ages 13-16; Developed and led by an Intervention Specialist & an Occupational Therapist, this program offers your child engaging educational activities aimed at acquiring and strengthening essential skills. Time2Thrive is designed to combat “summer learning loss” and fosters continuous development for a lifetime of learning. This program is offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12:30-2:30 pm for 8 weeks. Siblings 11 and older are welcome to attend, too. RSVP to gina@dsaneo.org
• Synergy Accessibility Committee 1215- 1:45pm
• The Butler County Board Of DD. will be having an annual provider meeting from 10 AM. to noon.
  
  Notes Join us for our regular provider meetings so you can stay up to date on the latest information.
  
  Meetings are currently all via Zoom. You can request the link by emailing Cathy Borders at  cmborders@butlerdd.org 
• NWD Webinar on Supporting Patients With Chronic Illness Across Care Settings, Wednesday, Jul 16 · 3–4 PM Registration: link https://lewin.zoom.us/meeting/register/NwwjO_u6TFK5UoVDBHM_Uw#/registration?os=ipad
• People First of Northeast Ohio, Wednesday, Jul 16 · 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 17th 2025

• Carnival of Abilities, Thursday, Jul 17 · 10 AM–1 PM Easterseals Redwood’s Carnival of Abilities celebrating Disability Pride month. Games, food, music, and a visit from the Gapper and Mr. Redleg’s. 2901 Gilbert Ave Cinti. 45206
• Clermont County Superintendent Forum, Thursday, Jul 17 · 12–1 PM Register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025ClermontDDSuperintendentForum

Friday July 18th 2025

No events known

Saturday July 19th 2025

No events known

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

• ⛑️ Emergency and safety preparedness saves lives – and plans must include everyone.
  For people with disabilities, children, and older adults, accessible preparedness is critical. The United States Department of Justice outlines three key phases of emergency management: preparation, response, and recovery – and all must be accessible.
  ✅ Safety plans should clearly outline procedures.
  ✅ Use multiple alert formats (visual, tactile, etc.).
  ✅ Install accessible alarms and equipment.
  ✅ Train staff in disability etiquette and safety roles.
  ✅ Ensure service animals can evacuate with their owners.
  Tools like stair-climbing wheelchairs and communication aids can make all the difference. Together, we can build a culture of preparedness that protects everyone.
  ➡️ For more info, check out the #AccessibleOhio Safety & Emergency Management resource: link
  AllAboutAccessibility #SafetyFirst
• 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.
• 📢 Thanks to recent grants awarded to Council on Aging, our home52 Transportation service is now offering no-cost rides for medical and other purposes to disabled Hamilton County residents age 18+ who meet income guidelines.
  home52 Transportation provides door-through-door services utilizing specialized vehicles and trained providers to ensure safe rides for adults with varying needs. 🚗
  Review requirements to qualify for this grant-funded transportation and download a registration form: https://bit.ly/3FmqyJF.
  Those who aren’t eligible for grant-funded rides may pay privately. Call our coordination center to get pricing for your ride at (855) 546-6352..
• 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
  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
• 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.
• The 2025 WRAAA Five-County Transportation Guide helps older adults, individuals living with disabilities, and caregivers find transportation options for individuals from Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties. Order or download free copies today through this link .
• Here’s a video about a tool kit on supported decision making.
• Caring for a child with complex needs is 24/7. Respite care can make a difference. 💙
  Here is a fact sheet with helpful information.
  If you need help finding respite care for your child, please reach out to us at Ohio Family to Family.
  Email: Ohiof2f@cchmc.org
  Intake Form
• Want to Help Create Positive Change for Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities?
  Apply to Become an ODDC Council Member!
  ODDC wants members who have personal experience with DD and who understand the needs of their communities. As a Council member appointed by Ohio’s Governor, you will help plan advocacy efforts, support community programs, and work on changes that improve the lives of people with DD and their families.
  Learn more and apply here:
• Did you know you that 24/7 medical support provided by StationMD is a covered service for Ohioans enrolled in the Individual Options, SELF, or Level One waiver?
  StationMD has provided telehealth care for the I/DD community across 22 states since 2016. Their services ensure immediate, expert care without a trip to the ER. All clinicians are trained and specialized in the nuances of working with people with I/DD, including communication differences and co-occurring conditions.
  “They are respectful and value what the person is saying, regardless of how they’re saying it,” said StationMD Account Executive Sarah Davies. “They go the extra mile.”
  Read more about StationMD and the services available in our most recent newsletter: https://bit.ly/4g5ZRqc

This Month in Awareness

• Disability Pride Month
• National Cleft And Craniofacial Awareness And Prevention Month
• National Fragile X Syndrome Awareness Month
• Sarcoma Research Awareness Month
• National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
• UV. Safety Month
• Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
• Blood Cord Awareness Month
• Healthy Vision Month
• National Wheelchair Beautification Awareness Month

For more events check out our main website OhioAdvocacyHeartbeat.com