Like many UCEDDs across the Network, the University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCCEDD) was actively involved in educating individuals with disabilities, family members, professionals, and policy-makers about the healthcare changes proposed during this spring and summer. It was a fast-paced time of advocacy, an opportunity for seasoned advocates to teach others about legislative action, and a chance for new advocates to find their passion. The importance of raising voices and awareness has been and continues to be critical in this fight. Throughout the ongoing process, UCCEDD identified a need for healthcare policy education and activation and we’d like to share what that has looked like for us.
Social media has emerged as an effective way to inform people about proposed healthcare changes and what they would mean for people with disabilities. The center joined AUCD’s efforts to #SaveMedicaid and shared posts related to healthcare policy often. Kara Ayers, the center’s Associate Director filmed a video demonstrating how to make phone calls to elected officials, making it relevant and easy for people to do. Other local organizations with a focus on civil rights saw UCCEDD’s posts and made connections. Many of these groups hadn’t previously viewed disability rights as civil rights. These forged connections are ongoing.
Our voices were heard offline as well with a renewed recognition that direct action and advocacy are important. New CAC member, Megan Anderson, spent more than 24 hours engaged in a peaceful sit-in held in Senator Portman’s office. Megan shared, “Non-violent direct action is absolutely a must. It is necessary for the public to learn what policies of the powerful look like and how they could impact our communities. I will continue to fight with non-violence, because an “injury to one is an injury to all”.” Cincinnati advocates, including former LEND trainees, members of Ohio’s newly formed ADAPT chapter, representatives from the Independent Living Centers as well as other members of the Ohio DD Network, also participated in a protest at Senator Portman’s office in Columbus, Ohio.
Our efforts to educate and engage continue and we look forward to working with new and established advocates and allies.