SOAG Southern Ohio Advocacy Group

03/31/2026

03/30/2026

03/26/2026

The Blue Envelope is coming to West Virginia on January 1!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Hannah Buzza for putting this in motion!

03/26/2026

03/19/2026

The City of Parma is proud to participate in Ohio’s Blue Envelope Program, a voluntary tool for drivers with communication disabilities to improve communication among Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS.

Envelopes are available at the Parma Police Front Desk or through your local County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Each envelope contains:
👉A blue envelope for documents and accommodation notes
👉A car decal to alert first responders. Decal display is optional
👉A program overview brochure

“We are proud to support a program that promotes dignity, understanding, and safety for all members of our community. The Blue Envelope Program helps ensure that every interaction with our first responders is informed, respectful, and responsive to individual needs.” – Mayor Tim DeGeeter

You can also choose to voluntarily register with the BMV. This informs officers of a “medically-diagnosed communication disability” included in your registration information. The actual medical diagnosis (Deaf, Autism, Anxiety, Cerebral Palsy, etc. remains private). Information to enroll can be found on the provided link:

https://ood.ohio.gov/about-us/communications/news/communication-disability-law-over-2000-license-plates-registered

Thank you to Councilwoman Debbie Lime for her advocacy with this program.

03/19/2026

Scioto County is celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with a special evening of music!

Join us at 7 PM on Saturday, March 21 at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts as the Portsmouth Wind Symphony takes the stage for a night of incredible music and community celebration.

March 21 is also World Down Syndrome Day, and everyone is encouraged to wear mismatched socks to show support and raise awareness. The tradition comes from the date 3/21, symbolizing the three copies of the 21st chromosome that cause Down syndrome.

Ticket Information:
• Individuals served by Scioto County Developmental Disabilities: Free admission (verified by DD staff at the box office)
• Family members and staff of individuals served through SCDD: Only $5 per person *must be accompanied by an individual served by SCDD

Come celebrate inclusion, community, and great music with us.

**Don’t forget to rock your mismatched socks! 🧦🎶**

03/19/2026

SOAG member and SOCOG advocate Brice Coey is the guest on this week’s DODD podcast.
Way to go Brice!!!

Listen as DODD Podcast host Nate Turner chats with Brice Coey, an advocate with the Southern Ohio Council of Governments. Brice shares his passion for elevating the voices of people living with disabilities through media. He talks about how he started his own show, "The Disability Advocast," and offers tips for others who want to use their voice to create change.

🎤 dodd.ohio.gov/communication/Podcasts

03/17/2026

Learn how easy it is to use public transportation - Ride with the Ross County Advocates

Sign up to ride the Chillicothe City Transit with your peers and take an important step toward greater independence! This is a fun and supportive way to learn how the bus system works, practice real-life travel skills, and build confidence getting around the community. Riding together makes the expe...