Encourage DD boards adopt an advisory board of self-advocates

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sean Brennan and 12 co-sponsors

Encourages Ohio county boards of developmental disabilities to form self-advocate advisory groups to improve accessibility, services, and inclusion.

Introduced and Referred to Committee

#healthandhumanservices #mentalhealthanddisabilities

Summary of HCR 44 (136th General Assembly, Ohio)

Purpose

A concurrent resolution that encourages all county boards of developmental disabilities in Ohio to establish an advisory board composed of self-advocates with developmental disabilities.

Rooted in the self-advocacy movement’s principle of inclusion, often summarized as “nothing about us without us.”

Key Provisions and Changes

The resolution urges, not mandates, that county boards create an advisory body made up of self-advocates who have developmental disabilities.

The advisory board is intended to provide feedback on county board projects and initiatives, with a focus on accessibility, services, facilities, and programs.

The resolution highlights the model used by Cuyahoga County’s Development Disabilities Board, which established the Leadership Council (five to seven members who are served by the County Board and who can hold leadership roles such as Chair, Vice Chair, or Secretary).

The Leadership Council’s activities include:

Improving access to services, facilities, and programs
Developing disability inclusion curricula
Providing feedback on services, technologies, and advocacy events
Engaging with external organizations (e.g., local boards of elections) to share the disability perspective
Working with County Board staff (including ADA coordinators) to enhance accessibility

The resolution emphasizes inclusion of participants who use an advocate or caretaker if necessary, and it positions the Leadership Council as a positive, guiding example for other counties.

Who is Affected

Ohio county boards of developmental disabilities (CDDs) across the state.

Self-advocates with developmental disabilities who would participate on advisory boards.

Individuals who use advocacy supports or caretakers, insofar as participation may require accommodations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Introduced and referred to committee (as of May 13, 2026).

Type: Concurrent resolution (non-binding); expresses the General Assembly’s encouragement and national/state examples for policy practice.

Immediate effect: Encourages adoption and use by county boards, but does not create statutory mandates or funding. Requires communication to leadership of each county board and Ohio news media.

Practical Implications

If adopted by counties, the advisory boards could provide structured input from self-advocates on policy and program design, potentially leading to improved accessibility and inclusion in services.

May influence county board governance practices, staff engagement, and external partnerships by integrating a self-advocacy perspective into decision-making processes.

Serves as a stateside model drawing on the Cuyahoga County Leadership Council to illustrate feasible governance and participation structures for self-advocates.

Context and Rationale

Aligns with national and local advocacy movements that center self-advocacy and inclusive policymaking.

Uses a concrete local example (Cuyahoga County Leadership Council) to demonstrate benefits such as enhanced accessibility and meaningful engagement of people with developmental disabilities in leadership roles.