Independent Equality Solutions

26/07/2025

Today marks the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This landmark legislation protects people with disabilities from discrimination in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and access to public and private spaces open to the general public. The ADA was enacted to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

Learn more about the ADA and its continued impact here: https://adata.org/learn-about-ada

23/07/2025

The Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act is July 26! How are you planning to celebrate the 35th Anniversary?

Learn how you can be involved by visiting https://adaanniversary.org/

23/07/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DFsrMEQdP/

In 1990, Alexa nervously stood behind the counter of a fast-food restaurant, her striped uniform too big, her name tag pinned crookedly over her heart.

She had Down syndrome. And she’d been told all her life what she couldn’t do.

But that day, she was determined to prove everyone wrong.

Her first day didn’t go smoothly. She spilled a drink. Forgot the napkins. A customer rolled his eyes. Another muttered something cruel.

Alexa whispered to the manager, “Should I go home?”

The manager, a woman named Clara, looked at her and said, “You belong here, Alexa.”

So Alexa stayed.

Day after day, she learned. The register. The fryer. How to fold a box just right. She greeted every customer with a smile so genuine it melted even the coldest moods.

She became the heart of the store.

Kids called her “Miss Alexa.” Teens came for fries, but stayed for her hugs. Elderly regulars said she made the best coffee, even when it tasted the same as everyone else’s.

When new hires felt unsure, Alexa was the one who trained them—patiently, kindly, always encouraging.

And then… the years passed.

Clara retired. The store was renovated. Logos changed. Prices soared. But Alexa? She stayed.

Until one day, 33 years after that crooked name tag, they handed her a plaque.

RETIREMENT AWARD
Presented to Alexa
For 33 Years of Service

She held it tightly and said through tears, “I was never supposed to be good at this. But I loved every single day.”

The entire store clapped. Some cried. Her coworkers—now family—wrapped her in a group hug.

And just before leaving her final shift, she whispered to the counter:

“Thank you… for believing in me when no one else did.”

The counter didn’t answer. But it didn’t need to.

Everyone already knew Alexa had made history—not because of the work she did, but because of the heart she gave.

Forever remembered. Forever loved.

17/07/2025

Help protect vital services for over 40,000 Ohioans with developmental disabilities! The federal government is planning to cut funding for crucial programs, putting many at risk of losing essential services that support safe and independent living.

Speak up by clicking this link: https://secure.everyaction.com/3m4Mh5xAbkWFUlgvKoQK_A2

Programs under threat include:

- Disability Rights Ohio: This organization investigates abuse and neglect, helps people with disabilities exercise their rights, advocates for access to independent living, supports students in schools, and connects individuals to services funded through Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center: This center offers early intervention, childcare services, dental clinics, post-secondary education programs, dual diagnosis clinics for people with disabilities.

- UC UCEDD:This center provides training through the LEND program, supports families via the Ohio Family-to-Family Health Information Center, and works to enhance the health and quality of life for people with disabilities.

These programs, which have existed for over 50 years, are vital to protecting rights and supporting community living. They serve individuals across every Ohio Congressional district, offering assistance with legal rights, self-advocacy, education, health, and housing. Losing these services would have a detrimental impact on individuals, families, and service providers.

Urge Congress to fully fund disability programs and prevent devastating cuts. Every person and every program matters. You can help by calling, emailing, or tagging your representative today!

Call the Congressional Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to connect to your representative's office.

16/07/2025

Sign up for the next Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Employer Training webinar. This free webinar will explain sensory inclusion and offer strategies and tools for creating workplace and community spaces that accommodate individuals' sensory needs.

What: Employer Training: All About Sensory Inclusion
When: Wednesday, July 16 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM ET
Where: Virtual (Microsoft Teams link will be sent upon registration)

Registration is required to attend. Click here to sign up: https://bit.ly/43ux4WL

16/07/2025

🟢 ACTION ALERT! 🟢

Protect Vital Disability Services from Elimination: Cuts to Federal Developmental Disabilities Programs Will Impact Ohioans and Their Families

The federal government is planning to cut funding for programs that help people with developmental disabilities. If this happens, over 40,000 people in Ohio could lose important services that help them live safely and independently. Programs at risk include:

1. Disability Rights Ohio
2. The Ohio State University Nisonger Center
3. UC UCEDD (The University of Cincinnati Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities)

These programs have existed for over 50 years and support people with disabilities in every Ohio Congressional district. They offer help with legal rights, self-advocacy, education, health, and housing. Losing these programs would hurt individuals, families, and service providers.

Take Action Today!

Use our Toolkit to help you contact your Congress member and spread the word: https://bit.ly/4eNsDeJ

16/07/2025

Help Protect the Future of Ohio’s UCEDDs

Since their founding in 1963, University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) have played a pivotal role in helping people with disabilities live, work, and thrive in their communities. These centers offer advanced inclusive services in areas like assistive technology, healthcare, early intervention, education, employment, housing, and more.

Ohio is home to two nationally recognized UCEDDs:
🔹 The Ohio State University Nisonger Center
🔹 The University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UC UCEDD)

Right now, Congress is considering cutting their funding—a move that would jeopardize vital services that more than 40,000 Ohioans count on.

📢 Your voice matters. If you or someone you support has benefited from the Nisonger Center or UC UCEDD, please consider sharing your story. Real experiences are powerful tools that can help lawmakers understand what’s at stake.

Share your story here: https://secure.everyaction.com/3m4Mh5xAbkWFUlgvKoQK_A2

10/07/2025

Want to Help Create Positive Change for Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities?

Apply to Become an ODDC Council Member!

ODDC wants members who have personal experience with DD and who understand the needs of their communities. As a Council member appointed by Ohio’s Governor, you will help plan advocacy efforts, support community programs, and work on changes that improve the lives of people with DD and their families.

Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/ODDCmember

04/07/2025

19/06/2025

What do Medicaid, reconciliation, and disability policy have in common?

Join AUCD and the Community Living Policy Center on Thursday June 26 at 3 PM ET to learn how Medicaid supports community living for people with disabilities and why it matters now more than ever.

Hear from national experts including Jennifer Lav, Alison Barkoff, and AUCD Policy Fellow Shoshana Marin.

📅 Do not miss this important conversation
🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/45vxxKS

19/06/2025

Self-direction prioritizes participant choice, control, and flexibility.

With self-direction, Ohioans of all ages and all types of disabilities can maintain their independence by deciding how, when, and from whom their waiver services and supports will be delivered.

Learn more about the benefits of self-direction here: https://bit.ly/4kAw4rl