Empower YOUth

07/30/2026

Please register: This listening session we'll focus on how SB 315 could affect individuals who receive services through the Assisted Living, MyCare Ohio waiver, Ohio Home Care waiver and PASSPORT waivers.

This is your chance to talk with the Ohio Department of Medicaid and raise your concerns and thoughts on SB315 before the rules are created.

Note: ODM will not be able to respond to any questions about how the rules might be created at this time.

MUST be registered to attend: http://bit.ly/4bigyxO
(max capacity 100 participants)

Tuesday, August 4, 1-2:30pm

Link to information about SB315:

https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_136/legislation/sb315/05_EN/pdf/

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb315

06/08/2026

Our doors are open! 🌈

We're excited to welcome youth ages 12 - 20 into our new space for a soft opening this week. Join us June 9 - 11 for drop-in programming from 3:30 - 6:30 PM.

Thank you to the volunteers, supporters, and community members who helped make this move possible. We look forward to seeing you in our new home and celebrating with the community on June 27 at our Pride & Community Day.

06/08/2026

📅 Save the date! Sensory-Friendly Day returns to the Ohio State Fair on July 30 from 9 AM to 2 PM.

Enjoy a calmer fair experience:

-Rides without flashing lights or music
-Activities with smaller crowds
-A Quiet Room for breaks and relaxation

Learn more about Sensory-Friendly Day and accessibility initiatives: https://bit.ly/4lfQ82c

06/05/2026

Looking to get involved with EmpowerYOUth this summer? We are offering a wide variety of opporunities this June! EmpowerYOUth is a youth-led collective focused on providing independent skills instruction, advocacy training, and opportunities for social interaction and relationship building.

All EmpowerYOUth events are FREE and open to youth aged 14-24. For more information, reach out to Lead Youth Coordinator, Maddy Randolph at [email protected].

06/01/2026

05/29/2026

The Ohio Young Adult Advisory Council (OYAC) is creating opportunities for young adults with disabilities to share their lived experiences, influence statewide decisions, and help shape programs and services across Ohio.

OYAC meetings are held virtually twice each month in a welcoming, supportive environment where every voice is valued. This is a chance for young adults to connect, advocate, and make a real impact.

Interested in learning more or getting involved? Email [email protected].

05/28/2026

Last night, EmpowerYOUth met to “clean our kitchens” and face our inner critics.🧑‍🍳 Through some cheesy Gordon Ramsay references, a discussion on the power of positive talk, and a group HYPE activity, our participants found ways to improve their own thoughts regarding theirselves! We donned our mini pom-poms and became our own #1 cheerleaders. 📣 Thank you so much to everyone who was able to make it and we will see you again next week for Virtual Trivia Night 🧠

05/27/2026

🎡 OPEN CALL: COMMUNITY CARNIVAL PERFORMERS, ARTISTS & VENDORS

We’re planning an exciting Community Carnival this July, and we’re looking for talented performers, artists, and vendors to help bring it to life! This event is so more than just a celebration; it’s a fundraiser supporting local food pantries, a historical lesson on the Disability Rights and Independent Living Movement, and a reclamation of the Carnival.

Admission is simple: attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or hygiene product to donate.

Our Mission:
To create a space that is fully accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all, while building a strong sense of community. This carnival is designed so everyone, of all abilities, backgrounds, and ages, can participate, connect, and enjoy.

We’re seeking:
Live musicians (bands, solo artists, DJs)
Performers (dance, spoken word, theater, cultural acts)
Face painters, balloon artists, and similar fields
Interactive entertainers (magicians, jugglers, stilt walkers, etc.)
Community vendors

Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, July 25th, 2026
📍 Location: Whetstone High School (4405 Scenic Dr, Columbus, OH 43214)
⏰ Time: 10:00am-6:00pm

What You’ll Be Part Of:
A community-driven fundraising effort supporting neighbors in need
An event intentionally designed with accessibility and inclusion at the core
A welcoming, high-energy space centered on connection, creativity, and joy
Promotion through our outreach and social media

How to Apply:
Please complete our Participation Interest Form:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mtl_XNaE_EiZQXOe51jePIFIbI7MSDtHrGGoGLhixQVUMEIzUzk3VVQyV1NRMTZSUk9aSFZJQ0hSVi4u

For questions or concerns:
Email: [email protected]
Deadline: Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026

Let’s come together to give back, celebrate, and build community together. We can’t wait to see what you bring!