Advocacy
UCCEDD works to ensure that the human and legal rights of people with disabilities and their family members are promoted and protected so that we may all benefit from a fully inclusive community. UCCEDD empowers people with disabilities to develop self-advocacy skills through a commitment to include the perspectives of individuals with disabilities in every facet of planning, education, and policy development. UCCEDD also provides training and information dissemination related to policies that may impact individuals with disabilities.
UCCEDD Public Policies of Interest
UCCEDD monitors a number of legislative issues at a local, state, and national level. UCCEDD Policy Briefs are currently under development. The selection of laws, policies, or regulations selected for these accessible summaries will be based on interest from our CAC members and other members of our community. If you would like to suggest a policy or regulation to be the topic of a UCCEDD Policy Brief, please contact Kara Ayers at kara.ayers@cchmc.org
Ohio Disability State Policy
UCCEDD, in partnership with other Ohio Developmental Disability Network partners, hosts a state disability policy call from 12-1pm EST on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
January 16, 2018 Agenda: Ohio Disability State Policy Call Agenda 1_16_2018
February 27, 2018 Agenda. Ohio Disability State Policy Call Agenda 2_27_2018
Photo caption: LEND students at DD Awareness Day 2017.
State Policy Briefs and Talking Points
HB 195: Making Accessible Taxis an Option in Ohio: HB195 Accessible Taxi DD Advocacy Day Brief and Talking Points
HB 332: End Organ Discrimination on the Basis of Disability HB 332 Organ Transplants Policy Brief and Talking Points DD Advocacy Day
How to Call Your Senator or Representative
Now is an important time in politics. If you are a person with a disability, a family member, or a professional who works with people with disabilities, your voice is especially needed as legislators make important decisions related to healthcare.
You’ve heard the repeated request to call your elected official. We know that it can seem intimidating and that this may be something you’ve never done before. However, it’s easier than most people realize. Calling is one of the most effective ways to communicate with your representative or Senator. It’s better than social media, email, or letters.
Here’s a quick video to demonstrate what it’s like to make a few of these calls. As seen, it’s not uncommon to get busy signals (keep trying!), voicemail boxes (leave a message!), or a staffer who answers the phone. Staffers keep track of how many calls they get for issues and which positions their official’s constituents seem to support.
Find the phone numbers for your representatives or Senators. Call them daily to let your voice be heard.