(Columbus, OH) - The Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group visited the Ohio Statehouse to advocate for the rights and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities on March 12, 2024.

Every March, the Developmental Disability Advocacy and Awareness Day event encourages advocates and policymakers to visit the statehouse and discuss issues important to Ohioans with disabilities.

Ten advocates from Warren County attended the sold-out event and spoke with state representatives about their personal experience and struggles with a variety of impactful issues, including marriage and transportation.

Many individuals with developmental disabilities receive social security benefits to help them afford basic necessities. However, when two individuals get married and their joint earnings increase, the couple is at risk of losing benefits, meaning many couples with developmental disabilities do not get legally married.

The advocates also discussed how individuals with developmental disabilities lack sufficient access to reliable, accessible, and safe modes of public and private transportation.

The advocates confidently addressed these issues and more to Ohio State Representative Scott Lipps, who forwarded their challenges to Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Kim Hauck and Ohio Senator Steve Wilson. The advocates aimed to educate Ohio leaders about how state government services and policies can be improved, expanded, or strengthened on behalf of people with disabilities.

Before meeting with policy makers, the advocates watched as several presenters spoke of their personal experiences with disability, the importance of county boards of developmental disabilities, self-advocacy, and finding your personal pathway.

Although Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was unable to attend the event, he made an appearance through a pre-recorded video where he encouraged attendees to consider how your school, workplace, or community could be more inclusive.

“We must continue to work to make Ohio a more inclusive state,” DeWine said. “We will continue to create opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live up to their God-given potential. Our communities are better when people with developmental disabilities are included.”

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.