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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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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Goodwill Columbus, Harmony Project team up as ‘Superheroes’

Smiling woman leaning against colorful bulletin board

With music, dance, poetry, powerful storytelling and more, the Goodwill Columbus-Harmony Project collaborative performance ‘We Can Be Superheroes’ earned rave reviews from participants and audience members alike. “That’s the outcome,” Tiffany Martin, Director of the Goodwill Columbus Work and Community Services Program, said of the April 10th big event. “But it’s the months and months …

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Best Buddies Citizens seeking Franklin County friendship matches

Two young women standing on front steps of a museum in front of a Best Buddies sign

Would you like get involved in the community and help make central Ohio more inclusive? Best Buddies is accepting applications for Best Buddies Citizens in Franklin County, a program that pairs an adult with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) in a one-to-one friendship with an adult without IDD from their local community. The Franklin …

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OSU students host painting program for teens, adults with disabilities

purple poster with contact information about Palette Pals

Palette Pals, a new student organization at the Ohio State University, is inviting teens and adults with developmental disabilities to take part in a free, recreational art program. Organizer Kaitlin Herman said the aim is to create interaction among OSU students, people with developmental disabilities and their families, while empowering the creativity of the disabilities …

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Social group offered for LGBTQIA+ people with developmental disabilities

Multi-colored Pride flag flying against a blue sky.

A new social group has been formed to support people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and receive services through the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The LGBTQIA+ group kicked off in June during Pride month and meets on the first Thursday of each month at the FCBDD Service Coordination offices, 1600 Watermark Dr. “This offers …

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