The Center for Disability Empowerment

11/04/2026

CdE Presents at the OACB 43rd Annual Convention!

Kristina Kapp, Executive Director, and our Director of Advocacy will be presenting at the Ohio Association of County Boards of DD Annual Convention, sharing CdE’s peer support model, Emotional Wellness, and how a 100% disability-led Center for Independent Living partners with county boards across Central Ohio.

Event Dates: November 11–13, 2026

Our session: November 11 @ 2 PM EST

Location: Hilton Columbus at Easton · 3900 Chagrin Drive, Columbus, OH 43219

Registration: By November 4 · People with developmental disabilities register FREE, along with one accompanying DSP, using the Advocate/Guest Form.

https://oacbdd.org/aws/OACB/pt/sp/convention

10/26/2026

Dear Friends, Family & Community,

As the holiday season approaches, the Center for Disability Empowerment is taking a HOLIDAY HIATUS from our weekly Peer Support Group and EmpowerYOUth sessions beginning in November, with two special holiday sessions to keep us connected through the season.

But first, let’s close out our regular schedule together!

🎉 Final Gathering Today Before the Break
📅 Monday, October 26, 2026
🕐 2:00 PM
💻 Virtual: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82517950260

Join us for an afternoon of supportive fun, with a virtual game and peer support. Come laugh, connect, and celebrate the community we’ve built together this year. Bring a friend!

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

07/28/2026

Join us to learn about the Candidates running For a statewide office in November!

In person and virtual options available.
For more information and to register: https://OhioDisabilityPolicyCandidatesForum.eventbrite.com

Event Details:
Ohio Disability Policy Candidates Forum 2026
Date: August 20, 2026
Time: 12:00–4:00 pm (doors open at 11:30 am)
Location: Fawcett Center, Columbus, Ohio
Format: In-person and virtual attendance options

This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from candidates running for statewide office about their plans and commitments to Ohio’s disability community. The day will be filled with advocacy, connection, and important insights that will help shape the future of disability policy in our state.

**** Financial Assistance Available:
The Ohio Olmstead Task Force is offering reimbursement to people with disabilities who need support to attend. This can include gas/mileage, caregiver costs, or other related expenses. Anyone who needs financial assistance can contact Jennifer Kucera at [email protected]. *****

07/28/2026

Come join us!

Register here: https://bit.ly/4cNx21W

Our next town hall with Center for Disability The Center for Disability Empowerment is on August 7th.

Join us!

Register here: https://bit.ly/4cNx21W

06/22/2026

Only 3 weeks until our Community Carnival!

Are you excited to join us alongside UPFAD to give back to our local community while having fun? Our event will feature nostalgic carnival games, food trucks, live performances, face painting, bouncy houses, and so much more!

In place of a monetary admission fee, we ask attendees to bring a non-perishable food or hygiene product. All items will be directly donated to local Columbus agencies to truly give back!

For more information, visit our official event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/14gm8XkR52V/

06/17/2026

We are excited for a super busy June and July with our In-Person Town Hall series!! Thank you to our amazing partners for this awesome opportunity to share disability issues around the state.

Register below: https://bit.ly/4cNx21W

06/13/2026

Today officially begins out countdown to CdE's Community Carnival!

July 12th, 2026, from 1:00-5:00pm. join us for an exciting day of games, entertainment, music, and FUN! We will be a featured event at the 12th Annual All Disabilities Festival presented by UPFAD to bring even more fun and excitement to our Central Ohio community.

This event is completely FREE! In place of a monetary admittance fee, we are asking all attendees to bring a non-perishable food or hygiene product for donation to our local Food Banks and Mutual Aid Organizations. Accessibility is front and center at our event and we want to ensure everyone has a great time!

For more information, visit our official event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1LnVoBzisy/

06/11/2026

Mark Your July Calendars: Ohio Service Dog Awareness Week Activities!

Overview of each:

Each Step Forward We Become a Team -
Together, people with disabilities, families, friends, and advocates are building a more inclusive community.

Independence Starts Here -
An event to connect, learn, explore, build friendships, and discover new opportunities.

Voices Beyond Sound -
Our voice, unified. A gathering to speak up, speak out and make a difference.

Many Abilities, One World -
This is a walk.
"One World Theme - A world where everyone belongs, contributes, and is valued"
Wear your favorite shirt, bring your favorite banner, we will walk on the sidewalk so everyone is safe. It’s about visibility and inclusion and equal.

See the Ability Through Art -
Enjoy some art while you bond with the community.

06/11/2026