1st Developmental Disabilities Caucus Created In Ohio

LAKEWOOD, OH — Two state senators are launching Ohio's first Developmental Disabilities Caucus, which will explore new and innovative ways to support the Buckeye State's 100,000 residents with developmental disabilities.

Created by Senators Nickie Antonio, a Democrat from Lakewood, and Andrew Brenner, a Republican from Powell, the Caucus will hold its first meeting on April 16 in Columbus. Both senators hope to find ways to improve the qualify of life for Ohioans living with disabilities.

“As a former special education teacher and advocate for the disability community, I am happy to join my colleague, Senator Brenner, in this new Caucus,” said Antonio. “People who make up the disability community are an important part of the fabric of our society and we as legislators should do everything we can to work together for shared goals.”

The 2018 Department of Developmental Disabilities' Annual Report said there are more than 100,000 Ohioans who access services through their county board of developmental disabilities, direct service providers, and provider agencies.

"I look forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle and the many advocate groups who are committed to helping us achieve our goals and better serve those with disabilities and their families," said Brenner. "We work hard to ensure there is opportunity and a future for all Ohioans, and I look forward to working with the caucus on ways we can continue to grow and improve."