Gary Groom

The 2022-2026 Five-Year State Plan for the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council focuses on capacity building, advocacy, and systems change to promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration for individuals with developmental disabilities. Key areas of emphasis include community supports, education, employment, health, housing, quality assurance, recreation, and child care. The plan outlines various projects aimed at enhancing leadership development, improving access to services and technology, and fostering interagency collaboration to address the diverse needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families across Ohio.

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council's State Plan for 2022-2026 outlines proposed grant projects focusing on various areas including children and health, community living, employment, leadership development, outreach, public awareness/communication, and public policy. Key areas of focus include supporting family advocacy, improving access to healthcare and recreation, addressing the direct support professional crisis, expanding transportation options, and enhancing the SSI/SSDI application process. The plan also aims to promote financial knowledge, employer engagement, leadership skills, and awareness of issues such as human trafficking and the needs of the LGBTQ community. Additionally, it focuses on public policy advocacy and research to improve services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

The committee meeting included a presentation from Mat Bavlinka-DODD and a discussion of future topics for presentation and potential areas of support in the Next Five Year Plan. Topics mentioned included social determinants of health, education, training for teachers for work with children with disabilities, people first language, what to do when parents who are caregiving pass away, the role of grandparents in caregiving, Kinship Navigator Programs, and assuring that leisure activities are more accessible. There was also a brief overview of the Changing Spaces Project presented by Kim Boulter.

The committee reviewed plan language for Inclusive Recreation, Inclusive Sports, and Empowering Families, and approved the current State Plan Language for the 2023-2024 State Plan Update. Presentations were given by Danielle Sedeita from OSU Extension and Cara Riggins from NCHPAD. Announcements included information about Easter Seals merging with Red Wood from Kentucky, the potential of a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) waiver for parents for Children with Medical Needs, openings at the Child Care Center at OSU, the ODJFS Summer EBT Program becoming permanent, and the Farmer's Market offering Produce Perks for people who receive EBT.

The meeting included an update on the Empowering People with Disabilities: Young Adult Council. Also, an update on People First of Ohio activities was provided, noting the existence of 45 People First Chapters and increased representation of people with disabilities on county boards in Ohio. There was a discussion on the Synergy Conference, which was attended by over 800 people.