Reps. Rader, Odioso Introduce Resolution in Support of Self-Advocates in Developmental Disability Community

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood) and Mike Odioso (R – Green Township) recently introduced House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 44 to encourage County Boards of Developmental Disabilities to adopt councils of self-advocates.

In 2023, the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities created the Leadership Council, a council of self-advocates who give input on both internal processes at the Board and take on accessibility projects in the greater community.

“This legislation is aligned with a motto within the self-advocate community – nothing about us without us - which is why I’m proud to say this resolution was written alongside the Leadership Council and tailored to their preferences,” said Rep. Rader. “This resolution imposes no requirements on our communities, it’s simply meant to showcase the excellent work self-advocates can do on behalf of their communities when given a seat at the table.”

Since its creation, the Leadership Council has engaged in shaping internal and external policies and services to best serve people with developmental disabilities in Northeast Ohio.

“County boards, Ohio Legislatures, Ohio Medicaid, and the Developmental Disability Department must make efforts to provide opportunities for the entire DD/ID community and their parents to provide immediate, meaningful feedback on a regular basis,” said Rep. Odioso.

HCR 44 was assigned to the House Children and Human Services Committee and awaits a first hearing.