The Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Ohio Self Determination Association (OSDA) are hosting a regional meeting in August for self-advocates in the central Ohio area.

The gathering aims to re-activate the work of the Central Ohio Self Determination Association, a regional group of the OSDA that had paused events during the pandemic. The region includes Franklin and six surrounding counties: Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Madison, Pickaway and Union counties.

Organizer Christine Brown said the meeting is open to anyone with developmental disabilities who would like to advocate and speak out on issues and concerns, and to learn about advocacy opportunities. Possible topics include Project STIR (Steps Toward Independence and Responsibility), state budget provisions that affect the disability community, Medicaid and more.

The meeting is set for 10:30 a.m. Aug. 18 at the FCBDD administration building, 2879 Johnstown Rd. in Columbus. Pizza will be provided for lunch.

Please email Christine Brown and let her know if you plan to attend; if responding for a program, include the total number of attendees. She also can answer questions: [email protected]