People First of Ohio

05/28/2026

We will miss you, Ann. We will never forget that smile or the fierce advocacy that helped start People First of Ohio. Love and comfort to all of Ann's family and friends.

View Carolina Ann Thomas's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/13/2026

Join The Arc of Ohio for a discussion of issues affecting Ohioans withDD and their families, with an emphasis on the InterRAI Assessment.

05/06/2026

Great job!

05/02/2026

Congratulations, Graduates of Partners in Policymaking through People First of Ohio! We had an amazing group of advocates who took a leap in leadership skills and are ready to advocate for all Ohioans with IDD.
Their commitment to attending long days of training, both in-person and online, didn't end with graduation. This group is moving forward and we can't wait to see their leadership on various boards, committees, councils, and commissions.

03/25/2026

Don't forget - if you vote absentee in Ohio, it needs to be in early! There's a new deadline of 7:30 on election day.

03/03/2026

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is about more than just the "feel good" moments. Awareness can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable to hear some truths.

01/22/2026

**UPDATE** Registration will open January 23, 2026 at Noon.

Link will be added to our website at https://ddohio.wordpress.com under LIVE REGISTRATION

Join us for Developmental Disabilities Awareness & Advocacy Day 2026 on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium.
This annual event brings together self-advocates, families, providers, and allies from across Ohio to raise awareness and advocate for strong policies that support people with developmental disabilities.

Registration opens January 23, 2026
Stay tuned for the registration link!

We can’t wait to see you at the Statehouse!

01/22/2026

01/09/2026

Save the date for the 2026 DD Awareness & Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse - March 4! Registration is planned to open on 1/23. Keep watching for details & join us in Columbus!

01/07/2026

People First of Ohio will be hosting a training for adults with developmental disabilities to learn top-level advocacy skills! Sessions include:
Feb. 12/13 (in Columbus) - Community Organizing & Advocacy, State Legislation
Feb. 27 (online): History of DD
Mar. 13 (online): Service Coordination, Person-Centered Planning
Mar. 27 (online): Supported, Competitive & Integrated Employment, Supported Living
Apr. 10 (online): Media Skills, Assistive Tech, Positioning and Behavior
Apr. 30/May 1 (in Columbus): Federal Legislation, Parliamentary Procedure/Serving on Boards

Participants need to be in attendance for all sessions to successfully graduate. There is no fee for participants (hotel and meals provided during in-person training). Deadline for applications is Jan. 31, 2026. We are limited to 15 candidates throughout the state.

Interested or know someone who is willing to join? Email Michael for an application at [email protected]