Self-advocates, families share concerns with legislators

man in wheelchair speaking into microphone

From wages for direct-support professionals to Medicaid to supported decision-making, advocates spoke out on issues important to the disability community during Legislative Advocacy Day. “I’ve been writing lots of notes here about the issues raised,” Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo told the crowd. She and several other central Ohio legislators – Sen. Hearcel Craig, …

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Therapy dog making new friends at transition school

Girl in blue sweatshirt pets a therapy dog.

Blondie isn’t yet top dog at West Central School, but she’s doing her best to ease into the job. The 5-year-old Labrador/golden retriever cross often works alongside Franklin County DD’s veteran facility dog, Lion, who is set to retire later this spring. West Central intervention specialist Patti Saniel-Banrey jokes that “Blondie is the little sister …

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Franklin County DD welcomes new board members

Smiling woman sitting next to adult daughter in wheelchair

Three people with deep experience in disability issues and advocacy are the newest members of the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Franklin County Commissioners appointed Rebecca Swartz, Katherine Silver Kelly and Gene Harshaw to four-year terms on the agency board. They took their seats at the January meeting, where members also elected Dean Fadel …

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Best Buddies seeking Franklin County friendship matches

Two women smiling in near a flower bed with purple flowers

Best Buddies is recruiting participants to take part in a one-to-one friendship program for Franklin County adults with and without developmental disabilities. Franklin County DD board members recently approved grant funding for the Best Buddies Citizens project, which aims to support at least 20 “buddy pairs” in the community. Because people with disabilities sometimes face …

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Free crisis prevention and support training offered

Crisis sign with a red line through it

The Franklin County DD Service Coordination Department is excited to offer the OSU Nisonger Center’s Crisis Prevention and Support Training on multiple dates in 2025. This free, in-person training is open to all county board staff, provider agencies and family members, regardless of prior crisis intervention experience. Each session will cover prevention and intervention procedures, …

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