The Center for Disability Empowerment

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

Mobility Matters! May Is Mobility Awareness Month

May is National Mobility Awareness Month, a time to recognize how mobility and accessibility improve health, independence, and quality of life.

Why mobility matters:
Mobility is more than movement—it is:
▪️Access to medical care and emergency services
▪️Safe, reliable transportation
▪️Prevention of health complications
▪️Ongoing therapy and rehabilitation
▪️Full participation in community life
▪️Access to assistive devices and medical equipment
▪️Support for caregivers
▪️Independence and freedom

According to the CDC:
▪️12.2% of U.S. adults live with a mobility-impacting disability
▪️1 in 4 adults has a disability

Mobility is essential for health, inclusion, and independence—and it impacts entire families and communities.

05/26/2026

🎡 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!

05/21/2026

Join Disability Belongs™ for a virtual training, "Accessible By Design: Creating Inclusive Events That Work for Everyone," on Tuesday, June 9th at 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT. This free interactive training will explore how to design accessible in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. You will leave with strategies to identify and remove barriers, share clear access information, and support meaningful participation across a wide range of needs.

Learn more and register: https://www.disabilitybelongs.org/2026/05/accessible-by-design-training/

05/21/2026

Communication connects us to the world around us—our work, our communities, our families, and each other.

This month, we recognize the importance of hearing, speech, and communication access in creating disability-inclusive spaces where everyone can fully participate.

From assistive technology to speech and language services, there are many ways to support communication needs.

We're here to help! Learn more about OOD's services for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing Ohioans today: ➡️ bit.ly/46p2OOm

05/21/2026

05/21/2026

The Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council (OSILC) wants to hear from people with disabilities!

Share your experiences, goals, and any challenges you face—whether or not you are connected with Center for Independent Living (CIL) services. Your feedback will help improve services and help OSILC better support people with disabilities in the community.

Please take the survey today using the link below: https://www.research.net/r/OSILC_Survey

· All responses go directly to Measurement Resources Company, our survey partner, and will remain anonymous to OSILC.

· The survey takes about 5 minutes to complete.

· The deadline to provide your input is May 22, 2026.

Taking the survey is optional, but your input is important.

Have questions about the survey?

Contact Emily Wolfe-Sherrie:

Phone: 614-947-8899

Email: [email protected]

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

05/21/2026

Disability Rights Ohio released a joint statement this week regarding the latest attack on Home and Community-Based Services. This statement was supported by Disability Rights Ohio, The Ohio Olmstead Task Force, Disability Advocates, individuals with disabilities, and a number of Centers for Independent Living.

To view the full press release, visit:

Protecting program integrity should never come at the expense of human dignity, due process, privacy, or access to essential care. DeWine and other state officials MUST include people with disabilities in this process. People with disabilities and organizations working with us or on our behalf have....

05/20/2026

We want to share an exciting research opportunity presented by Denison University. Information regarding this study as well as university contacts can be found below:

"My name is Joel Singh, a current Computer Science undergrad at Denison University conducting accessibility research on the experience of text entry for those with motor impairments. I am currently looking for research participants for the summer. This research will support new technologies to help make text entry more accessible.

Participants will meet with my advisor and I, complete two text entry tasks, and then be asked about their experience in an interview. The session will last no longer than an hour. The text entry tasks will be typing out a small paragraph, and the other will be fixing typos in another paragraph. Additionally, the whole session will be recorded.

We're looking for those who:

- Are older than 18
- Have motor impairments that impact their text entry
- Are self-guardians

The consent form you would sign before participating in a session is attached. You do not need to sign the consent form now. If interested, please contact me or my advisor Dr. Currin at the following phone number or email addresses:

- 740 - 587 - 8033
- [email protected]
- [email protected]

If you have any questions, please contact us."