Advocacy & Protective Services, Inc. - APSI

04/23/2026

We are so excited about this collaboration! Thank you for everything you have done to help share our story, WOSU Public Media.🤩

BTS: Creation of Birds of Encouragement. Meet artist Samantha Perry. Robby Sorey rocks.

04/22/2026

Last Call!

This is a reminder that nominations for the Ron Kozlowski Advocacy Award close this Friday, April 24th!

This award is a chance to recognize individuals who go above and beyond in advocating for adults with developmental disabilities, those who lead with compassion, dedication, and a true commitment to empowering others.

If someone comes to mind, we encourage you to take a few minutes to submit a nomination before the deadline. These stories matter, and this is a meaningful way to make sure they’re seen and celebrated.
Don’t miss the opportunity to help us honor the people making a difference every day!

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/6esTMP4sv9

04/21/2026

We’re excited to share that APSI’s Birds of Encouragement mural will be featured on Broad & High this week! The episode airs Thursday, April 23 at 8:00 PM on WOSU Public Media, and we’re honored to see this project and the voices behind it highlighted in such a meaningful way.

The feature will also spotlight Samantha Perry, one of the talented artists who contributed to the mural, as she shares more about her work and her experience being part of the project. Her perspective is a powerful reminder of what this mural was always meant to do: create space for expression, connection, and encouragement.

You can tune in on WOSU TV, or stream it live on Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV. If you can’t catch it Thursday night, the episode will also be available afterward through WOSU/PBS on demand.

We hope you’ll take a moment to watch and join us in celebrating the incredible artists and community that brought this mural to life!
Check out the link below to get a sneak peek of the episode! https://youtu.be/jiS4ATp-Jns

04/09/2026

Nominations for the 2026 Ron Kolowski Advocacy Award are now OPEN!

APSI is seeking nominations to recognize a person (outside of APSI) for whom we can award their lifetime achievement in advocating for people with I/DD. This person must have a long-term connection with advocacy efforts within the DD service system.

The nomination form closes on Friday, April 24. Nominate someone today!

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/6esTMP4sv9

04/07/2026

Advocacy and Protective Services, Inc. Is Hiring!

We have an opening for a Case Manager in the Columbus Area to join our mission-driven team.

Why Work for APSI? Our employees say it best:
- "A culture of inclusion and support."
- "Meaningful work in a very supportive and encouraging environment."
- "Thorough training and ongoing support."
- "APSI truly cares about their employees and the individuals they serve."
- "Work/life balance and benefits are ideal."

What that looks like:
- 37.5-hr workweek.
- Generous time off.
- No evenings, weekends, or holidays.
- Hybrid schedule.
- Medical, Dental, Vision, & more!

Learn more and apply: apsiohio.org/careers

04/01/2026

03/31/2026

We are so grateful to Community Fund Ohio for their generous micro-grant supporting our Gold Star Book Club! During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, their support allowed APSI to celebrate our readers with special book-themed gift boxes. These gifts recognize the curiosity, courage, and commitment our club members bring as they continue building their literacy skills. Each box is a small celebration of the meaningful progress being made and the joy of reading together. Thank you, Community Fund Ohio, for helping us uplift and encourage the voices and growth of the people we serve!

03/26/2026

Last week, on March 19th, APSI proudly welcomed professionals, partners, and community members to the return of the APSI Institute- an event centered on cross-system collaboration and our shared commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Ohio.

We were honored to hear from an outstanding group of guest speakers, including Teresa Tackett, Debra Yowler, and Magistrate Maureen Duffy, who offered valuable insight into probate court perspectives. Andria Kleiner of CRSI and Ray Schmidt of Echoing Hills Village led a discussion on collaboration to address individual needs. Attorney Derek Graham shared his expertise on navigating potential challenges.

Among the more impactful moments of the day came from a panel of APSI clients who shared their own experiences and perspectives. Their voices served as a powerful reminder of why collaboration matters and who it is all for.

We are so grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the day such a success. Be sure to keep an eye out for future APSI Institutes!

03/20/2026

Meet Michael Weirich!

Michael has been an APSI client for six years, and during that time he has grown into an incredibly strong and independent self-advocate. With the support of remote services, Michael manages his daily life with confidence by walking to the library, staying active in his community, and building meaningful connections with those around him. His passion for art has been a constant throughout his life, and he recently showcased his work at The Hub Art Factory’s “New Artists” gallery in Canton, Ohio, where he even sold multiple pieces. Michael draws inspiration from the world around him, often using local places, community events, and even Google Maps as a guide, sharing, “I just wing it.”

For Michael, art is more than a hobby; it’s a way to express himself and connect with others. “I like art because I get to express how I feel. I feel good doing it,” he says. Beyond his artwork, Michael is known for his kindness, strong community involvement, and ability to advocate for himself. His advice to fellow artists is simple but powerful: “Follow your passions, the worst you can get is a no, and you keep trying.”

03/12/2026

Today is the last day to get your seat for the APSI Institute: Cross-System Collaboration on March 19th from 10AM–3PM!

Join us for a day of thoughtful discussion and shared insight as speakers from APSI as well as experts from all across Ohio come together. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of the conversation.

Register before ticket sales close tonight at 11:59PM!

www.apsiohio.org/events

03/11/2026

Meet Teresa Tackett, Debra Yowler, and Magistrate Maureen Duffy!

Teresa is the Director of the Court Visitor program for the Delaware County Probate Court and a trained Probate Court Investigator. She has worked in the Juvenile/Probate Court field since 2000.

Debra is the Chief Deputy Clerk for the Clark County Probate Court. Her work focuses on many fields, including Incompetent & Emergency Guardianships, Guardians' Inventory, Adult Protection Orders, and Court Investigating.

Magistrate Maureen Duffy is the Administrative Magistrate for the Franklin County Probate Court. She is a member of the Ohio Association of Magistrates and has been serving the Franklin County Probate Court since 2014.

They will be highlighting our panel discussing Probate Court Perspectives at our APSI Institute: Cross-System Collaboration on March 19th from 10AM-3PM.

Ticket sales END tomorrow at 11:59, so register while you still can!
apsiohio.org/events

03/10/2026

APSI was proud to take part in DD Advocacy Day on 3/4/2026 at the Ohio Statehouse, joining advocates from across the state to highlight the importance of supporting people with developmental disabilities.

During the event, members of our team met with local officials to share more about APSI’s work and the experiences of the individuals we serve.

These conversations help strengthen awareness and remind us of our shared responsibility to ensure people with disabilities are supported, heard, and empowered in their communities.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside fellow advocates and continue pushing for policies that protect and uplift those we represent!