OCALI Creates new Resource: "I Suspect My Child Has Autism: A Four Step Guide for Ohio Parents on What to Do Next"
When parents have concerns about their child's development, there is almost always a valid reason for their concerns. Research supports that parents are accurate reporters of early signs of developmental delays or autism. A short encounter or interaction
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Governor Designates Federal Medicaid Funding to Protect Health Care Jobs, Services
(from the Governor's office) Columbus, OH – Governor Ted Strickland today announced initial designations of dollars made available as a result of increased federal reimbursement for Medicaid. Investments will be made in hospitals, mental health services, and Ohio's HIV/AIDS assistance program to protect health care jobs and critical health services for Ohioans.

"As Ohioans are fighting our way out of the Wall Street recession, this additional support could not have come at a more critical time for our hospitals and mental health system. These investments will protect Ohio jobs and help us provide health services for
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ABCs of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) presentation by Ohio RSC
Acquire Better Knowledge of Your Civil Rights The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission invites the public to join this free, interactive training that will teach Ohioans with disabilities about civil rights and how they impact employment opportunities, education (college and training programs) and community access.
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The Ohio Self Determination Association (OSDA) Conference to “Celebrate the Fire Within”
The Ohio Self Determination Association (OSDA) annual conference will be making history, empowering participants, energizing statewide self advocacy efforts, and sharing exciting individual stories this September 20th and 21st at the Doubletree Hotel in Worthington. At this conference, attendees will learn about the proposed new self-directed 'flexible support' waiver, and, by invitation of the DODD, naming the new waiver will be a part of the action in the two-day conference agenda. Featured speakers will include Nick
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National Preparedness Month Efforts - With DD in Mind
(from the DODD e-newsletter Pipeline)
The Ohio Department of Public Safety, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, sponsors National Preparedness Month and encourages people to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. The overall effort includes a coalition of more than 600 national, regional, state, and local organizations pledging support. The DODD is among those agencies supporting these efforts, and will focus on what we all can do to assist people with disabilities to be better prepared for emergency situations. At www.ready.gov go to the 'People with Disabilities' button and it will lead you to a menu of information for 'People with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs.' A booklet developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in coordination with the National Organization on Disability, titled Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Special ... can help prepare an emergency plan to protect these individuals, their families, caregivers and others in their support network in the event of an emergency. Click HERE or call 1-800-BE-READY for this and other free materials.
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Legislative Advocacy Day, September 14th
'Last Call' to register to attend this event! Legislative Advocacy Day, September 14, 10:30 a.m. at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium, will be a great opportunity to meet with legislators to discuss topics of interest to people with developmental disabilities and their families, including continuing funding for long-term services and supports in the community. Sponsored by the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council ('DD Council') and The Ohio State University Nisonger Center, the day will include a brief program, followed by appointments with legislators to discuss subjects of importance directly with those who can move those concerns and ideas forward. Speakers will
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