Ohio Legislative Developmental Disabilities Caucus Holds Second Meeting

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Mike Odioso (R-Green Twp), along with State Rep. Crystal Lett (D-Columbus), jointly hosted the second Ohio Legislative Developmental Disabilities (DD) Caucus meeting alongside Senator George Lang (R-West Chester) and Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) on Monday, August 24th, 2026, in the auditorium at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Main Branch. 

The bipartisan, bicameral caucus brought together legislators, advocates, state agency representatives, service providers, and members of the developmental disabilities community to discuss important issues impacting Ohioans with developmental disabilities. The meeting was offered both in person and virtually. 

The meeting began with Colin Connors of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council introducing himself and outlining his work with the council. 

Aaron Showalter, Deputy Director of Medicaid Administration and Development at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), then discussed interRAI.  This assessment tool is scheduled to replace the current Ohio Developmental Disability Profile (ODDP) and Adult Needs Assessment (ANA/AAI) processes. 

The third and final speaker was DD self-advocate Marci Straughter, who spoke about the importance of Medicaid waivers and the critical role they play in providing individuals with developmental disabilities access to needed services and support. 

The meeting concluded with Connors, Showalter, and Straughter participating in a question-and-answer session with attendees, providing an opportunity for direct engagement with the speakers and further discussion of the topics presented. 

“I am grateful to the 70 or so advocates that showed up in person or virtually to Monday’s DD Caucus meeting,” said Representative Odioso. “The strong turnout, even compared to our first meeting, demonstrates the momentum behind this caucus and our shared commitment to working together to advance the best policies for Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families.” 

The Ohio Legislative Developmental Disabilities Caucus is committed to fostering bipartisan collaboration and providing a forum to discuss policies and issues affecting Ohioans with developmental disabilities.

If you are interested in learning more about the Ohio Legislative Developmental Disabilities Caucus, please contact Representative Odioso’s office at rep30@ohiohouse.gov.