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Advocates across the state gathered this week in Columbus for "The Voice of One - The Power of Many," a disability public policy legislative event and rally hosted by The Arc of Ohio.
An all-day conference held on Tuesday was attended by over 250 advocates and featured keynote speakers Bill Hosket, Jr., former OSU basketball player and current executive director of Ohio High School Athletic Association Foundation, and Lynne Cleveland, president of The Arc of the United States. Following the keynote speakers was the "State of the State" address given by representatives of several state agencies, including John Martin, Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
Director Martin, in his remarks at the event, announced that the Department will remove language from H.B. 1, the biennial budget bill, that would have increased the number of unrelated people in supported living settings from 4 to 5 individuals. Director Martin acknowledged that the opposition by The Arc and other advocates was the reason for the Department's change in position.
The afternoon featured breakout sessions, including a "Town Meeting" conducted by OLRS Executive Director Michael Kirkman and The Arc of the United States President Lynne Cleveland. They presented an overview of issues and proposed changes at the national and state level that are related to the rights of people with disabilities and facilitated discussion to hear opinions from the audience. Other sessions covered information about the Medicaid State Plan Services, special education issues, waivers and more.
During the event, Bob and Mary Butler (pictured to the right) received the Humanitarian of the Year Award and Fran Watkins received the Ray Ferguson Advocacy Award. The Arc of Ohio also recognized state legislators and volunteers who have contributed to Ohioans with disabilities and their families.
The following day, advocates gathered on Ohio's Statehouse lawn to rally in support of state budget initiatives that would improve the lives of Ohioans with disabilities. Gary Tonks, executive director of The Arc of Ohio, kicked off the rally by pointing out that this was the first time that the autism and other disability communities have joined together for a legislative rally. Speakers included individuals with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, representatives of disability organizations and state policymakers. Each stressed the importance of individuals telling their stories to their house and senate representatives to advocate for change. Barb Yavorcik, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Ohio, closed the rally by encouraging those in attendance to continue their advocacy efforts on behalf of people with disabilities.
Following the rally, individuals met with their state senators and representatives to discuss disability issues.