The Pulse: What’s going on around Ohio September 29th, 2025 to October 11th 2025

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

  • Developmental Disability Office Website Usage Survey
    The University at Albany is working on a research project to better understand how people with developmental disabilities use their state’s developmental disability services website. The goal is to improve access to information and ensure these online tools meet the needs of the community. Individuals who are 18 years or older, have a developmental disability, use services from their state’s developmental disability office, can read, and are able to speak in a one-hour Zoom interview may be eligible to participate.
    Contact jmanganello@albany.edu for more information on how to participate.
    Image Description: A purple and white flyer from the University at Albany with the logo and text at the top. The heading reads: “Do you use services from your state developmental disability office?” A banner below notes that participants will receive a $40 Amazon card. The flyer explains that researchers want to hear about experiences using state websites to learn about services. Eligibility requirements are listed: must be an adult 18 or older, have a developmental disability, use services from the state developmental disability office, be able to talk in a Zoom interview for about an hour, and be able to read. Family members are also welcome to participate. A purple button says “Contact us for more information” with an email address below: jmanganello@albany.edu
  • Ohioans can take the Ohio Department of Aging Statewide Needs Assessment Survey to enable the department to better understand what matters most to older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers. Feedback from those digital surveys will be used to further bolster the 2027-2030 State Plan on Aging. Click this link to do the survey.
  • The 2026 Accessible Expressions Ohio Call for Art is officially OPEN!
    What is Accessible Expressions Ohio?
    Accessible Expressions Ohio is a statewide adjudicated exhibition featuring art from artists with disabilities from across the state. Artists can enter in the youth, emerging, or professional categories, and enter under a special theme category. Cash prizes are awarded in each category, including a Best in Show.
    Who can apply?
    Any Ohio artist living with a disability may apply.
    How do I apply?
    You can find the application link here: https://airtable.com/appdTSVjgoroKqru3/shrKexgk1FzKsHyMZ
    Upon request, applications are available both by email or mail.
    Have any questions?
    Contact Lina Stavrova at lina@ArtPossibleOhio.org
  • PhD candidate Rahsaan DeLain is seeking volunteers to share their experience for a research study. Participants must identify as Black or African American and male, reside in Erie or Niagara County, and have a biological, adopted, or step child with autism under 18 years old. For those interested in participating, you can fill out a questionnaire at this link

Events around Ohio to For September 30th 2025, to October 11th 2025

Monday September 29th 2025

  • Autism Parent/Caregiver Support Group 6-9pm Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio sign up through this link here.
  • We Thrive Together Relationships Class: Being Respectful 3:00pm-4:00pm click this link to join.
  • ✨ Calling all Stark County caregivers! ✨
    We’re excited to host our 2nd Caregiver Café on September 29th, designed just for families of children with Autism. Join us and connect with other parents, share experiences, and gain valuable insights.
    📅 September 29
    ⏰ 5–7 PM
    📍 Early Childhood Resource Center, Canton, OH
    Each session is limited to 25 participants — don’t wait to secure your spot! Register today and join us for meaningful conversation and community: https://bit.ly/3Vbuz83
    ASGAParentCafe #CaregiverSupport #FamilyConnection #CantonOH

Tuesday September 30th 2025

Wednesday October 1st 2025

  • OSDA at We Thrive Together 11:00-12:00pm click this link to join
  • Synergy Conference in Sandusky, Ohio
  • Ohio Olmsted Taskforce 1pm contact ohioolmstead@gmail.com to ask for meeting link.

Thursday October 2nd 2025

  • Cincinnati Blue Ash Senior Lifestyle, Health and Home Expo 10am-1pm check out this link for more information
  • Promoting Self-Determination: Building Community Supports
    October 02, 2025 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM check out this link to learn more. The purpose of this AAIDD webinar is to build upon the ideas presented in the new book 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘋𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: 𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴⁣ by Karrie A. Shogren and Evan E. Dean and highlight key community supports for promoting self-determination.
  • Synergy Conference in Sandusky, Ohio
  • Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities is holding a Transition Fair 10am-1 & 4-6pm WHAT IS IT?
    If you are age 14 to 22 and have a disability, this INCLUSIVE EVENT is for YOU, your families, caregivers and teachers. It is open to ANYONE in the tri-county area!
    WHAT IS OFFERED?
    Learn about and gather information about what is available to you as you prepare for the next stage in life.
    WHO WILL BE THERE?
    Providers of services and agencies across the Mahoning Valley will be there to share information and connect you and your family to supports that can help you move from teenage years to adulthood.
    NEW THIS YEAR!
    Employers will be there, too, with applications and information about job opportunities in the community!
    For more info call Kim MCBDD at 330-799-3193 or go to kimberlee.jeswald@mahoningcountyoh.gov

Friday October 3rd 2025

  • Synergy Conference In Sandusky, Ohio
  • We Thrive Together Advocacy Army 4:00pm-5:00pm click this link to join.

Saturday October 4th 2025

  • 🎤🎶 Blind Equality Achievement Month Celebration 🎶🎤
    Presented by the National Federation of the Blind of Cleveland
    Join us for an evening of fun, music, and empowerment!
    Celebrate Blind Equality Achievement Month with karaoke, fellowship, and community spirit—while learning how you can make a difference.
    📅 Date: October 4, 2025
    🕒 Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00PM EST.
    📍 Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Cuyahoga County Public Library
    10601 Euclid, Ave, Cleveland History Centerd Ohio
    The Table Of Brotherhood, First floor
    What to Expect:
    ● 🎵 Karaoke and entertainment
    ● 🤝 Meet and connect with NFB members
    ● 🌟 Learn about blind equality and advocacy
    ● 📢 Discover how YOU can join the movement
    Our Mission
    The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day, we raise expectations so that blind people can live the lives we want.
    Why Join the NFB?
    ● Be part of a strong, supportive community
    ● Access resources, programs, and services
    ● Advocate for equality and opportunity
    ● Share your voice and help shape the future
    TOGETHER, WE CAN TRANSFORM DREAMS INTO REALITY.
    📞 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: SUZANNE TURNER, PRESIDENT
    SMTurner.234@gmail.com
    (216) 990-6199
  • L’Arche Rock the Boat 5K & 1 Mile Walk, Saturday, Oct 4 · 9 AM–1 PM sign up for the Walk through this link it is at the Edgewater Upper Pavilion, Upper Edgewater Dr, Cleveland, OH 44102

Sunday October 5th 2025

  • No Known Events

Monday October 6th 2025

  • We Thrive Together Wellness Group: Hobbies 11:00am- 12:00pm Click this link to join.
  • We Thrive Together Relationships Class: Individual Well Being 3:00pm-4:00pm click this link to join.

Tuesday October 7th 2025

  • We Thrive Together Tech Talk: Microsoft Word 11:00am-12:00pm click this link to join.

Wednesday October 8th 2025

  • Supported Decision Making Network of Ohio Meeting, Wednesday, Oct 8 · 12–1:30 PM, Repeats every month on the second Wednesday This is for anyone who is interested in knowing more about supported decision making. https://www.sdmno.org
  • OSDA at We Thrive Together 11:00-12:00pm click this link to join

Thursday October 9th 2025

  • New Directions in Disability Studies Conference 2025 at University of Cincinnati
  • Inclusion Seekers Summit 2025, Thursday, Oct 9 · 8:30 AM–3:30 PM Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202
  • Basketball Season is right around the corner! Ottawa County Special Olympics will be hosting a basketball sign-up day on Thursday October 9th!
    Any athlete interested in playing on either the traditional or skills teams must attend to sign their sports contracts and paperwork for the season. Questions? Call Ray at 567-262-3119.
    Stop by OCBDD anytime from 4:30-7:30.

Friday October 10th 2025

  • #EveryoneCommunicates Art Show 6:00-9:00pm at Box Elder Community Room 4573 Hamilton Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45223 Disabled Artist Alicia Hopkins will be sharing art about different ways people communicate. This show benefits the Supported Decision Making Network of Ohio.
  • New Directions in Disability Studies Conference 2025 at University of Cincinnati

Saturday October 11 2025

  • New Directions in Disability Studies Conference 2025 at University of Cincinnati

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

  • Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Rare Diseases
  • Families: Does your loved one need a nurse, home health aide, or home care? PCG Match can help connect you!
    PCG Match is a secure, web-based platform designed to help connect individuals receiving Ohio Home Care or MyCare Ohio Waiver services and/or Medicaid State Plan services with providers who may be able to support individuals’ service needs. PCG Match does not replace any existing processes used to vet and/or authorize providers prior to rendering services.
    Individuals receiving Ohio Home Care or MyCare Ohio Waiver services and/or Medicaid State Plan services and case managers who support them can easily post jobs and use the online provider search to find care.
    Find out more here: https://ohiohcbs.pcgus.com/pcg-match
  • News Highlight: Bridging Aging and Disability Networks (BADN) Explains How to Better Support Aging Adults with IDD and Their Caregivers
    A new article called “Bridging Aging and Disability Networks to Support Aging Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Family Caregivers” was published in the Public Policy and Aging Report by the Gerontological Society of America.
    The article explains that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are living longer, and their needs — along with those of their aging family caregivers — are getting more complicated. Most still live at home with support from aging parents or relatives. Even though they have many of the same needs as other older adults, they are often overlooked because aging and disability services don’t always work together.
    You can read the full BADN article in the latest edition of NACDD’s Insight: https://nacdd.org/nacdd-insight-july-2025/#badn
  • Resources for Improving Respite Care for Caregivers
  • Ready to get out into the workforce? Our teams will support you to find the best-fitting job!
    Cuyahoga DD’s Online Resource Guide has local job opportunities for the people we serve.
    Local jobs with openings at ow.ly/NGL050WqLmA.
  • Cleveland Sight Center Radio Network (CSCN) is now available on Alexa devices! This radio station is dedicated to providing information, news and entertainment to the blind and visually impaired community. To play it, say “Alexa, open Cleveland Sight Center Network skill.” Don’t forget to say skill at the end, or else a different news broadcast will open. Happy listening!
  • Did you know Summit County has a special database to help reunite lost individuals with communication difficulties with their families? The Take Me Home program is a countywide initiative that supports individuals with disabilities that impact their ability to communicate.
    How it works:
    📝 Families register their loved one’s information in a secure database
    👮‍♀️ Only law enforcement personnel can access the information
    🔍 Officers can search by name, phone number, or physical characteristics
    🤝 Quick identification helps reunite families safely
    You can learn more at: https://bit.ly/4mjbiMQ
    Thanks to the partnership between the Elliot Kolkovich, Summit County Prosecutor and Summit County Sheriff’s Office we have this vital safety net.
    TakeMeHomeProgram #SummitCounty #AutismSafety

October Awareness Month

  • AAC Awareness Month (Augmentative Alternative Communication)
  • Gaucher Awareness Month
  • Dysautonomia Awareness Month
  • Blind Equality Achievement Month
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  • National Disability Employment Awareness Month
  • Down Syndrome Awareness Month
  • National ADHD Awareness Month
  • Spina Bifida Awareness Month
  • Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS.) Awareness Month
  • National Rett Syndrome Awareness Month
  • Dyslexia Awareness Month
  • Dwarfism Awareness Month
  • Oct. 2. World Cerebral Palsy Day
  • Oct. 5. American Veterans Disabled For Life Awareness Day
  • Oct. 9. World Sight/blind Day
  • Oct. 5-11. Mental Awareness Week
  • Oct. 19-25. Invisibile Disabilities Week

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