At Open Door Columbus, the Advocacy Group plays a vital role in steering our organization toward meaningful growth and development. Comprised of individuals from across all divisions, this dynamic team meets with Executive Director Becky Porter every last Wednesday of the month. Their mission? To enhance our services, address pressing issues, and celebrate the progress we’re making. Here’s a look at some of the key highlights and initiatives they’ve championed this year.

Advocacy in Action: Key Highlights

DD Awareness and Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse

This March, members of our Advocacy Group joined hundreds of advocates and stakeholders at the Ohio Statehouse for DD Awareness and Advocacy Day. The event was a powerful platform to spotlight policy issues affecting Ohioans with disabilities. Among the day’s highlights were engaging guest speakers and panel discussions, but the standout moment for our team was the opportunity to converse with Director Hauck. This interaction provided valuable insights and reinforced our commitment to advocacy.

Dublin City Schools Transition and Residential Services Seminar

In April, our Advocacy Group took part in the Dublin City Schools Transition and Residential Services Seminar. This free event was designed to support individuals with disabilities and their families as they navigate post-graduation services. At the vendor fair, two of our Advocacy Group members, who also utilize Open Door’s residential services, shared their personal experiences. Their insights offered a real-world perspective on the benefits and challenges of our services, helping others make informed decisions.

Advocating Across Borders – Toronto Trip

May saw our Advocacy Group embark on a memorable road trip to Toronto, Canada. While exploring the country’s landmarks, including the Toronto Zoo and Niagara Falls, the group also had a significant advocacy mission. They supported Matthew (Matt) Beaver in addressing the Council of Canadians with Disabilities about accessibility concerns in Toronto. This trip was a blend of advocacy and adventure, showcasing our group’s commitment to improving accessibility on an international scale.

New Initiatives and Ongoing Efforts

Cultural Exposure Initiative

In response to language barriers and the need for cultural understanding, the Advocacy Group has utilized the DODD ARPA Workforce Support Grant to launch an initiative that promotes cultural exposure. Each month, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) accompanying an Advocacy Group member brings a dish representing their cultural background. This initiative is more than just sharing meals; it’s about fostering meaningful conversations about personal stories, backgrounds, and the impacts of working in this field. The initiative has not only enriched our monthly meetings with delicious food but has also sparked important discussions on cultural growth and understanding.

Tech for Better Communication

Utilizing the DODD Innovative Technology Solutions Grant, we have introduced Amazon Echo Pops for immediate translation and conversation support. These devices are being distributed to individuals to aid in day-to-day communication and strengthen relationships with staff. We’re eager to see the positive impact these tools will have on enhancing interactions and overcoming language barriers.

Executive Director Becky Porter’s Commitment to Open Dialogue

In response to valuable feedback from the Advocacy Group, Executive Director Becky Porter has introduced monthly lunches for individuals and their staff, designed to foster deeper, more meaningful conversations. These informal gatherings offer a platform for discussing organizational changes and improvements in a more relaxed setting.

The feedback received during these sessions has already made a notable impact. It has driven important policy updates that benefit both the individuals we serve and our staff. In addition, a new recurring meeting has been established, allowing frontline staff to engage directly with Becky on operational matters.

These initiatives are just the beginning, reflecting Becky’s ongoing commitment to fostering transparent and responsive leadership while continuously improving our organization.

Spotlight on the Northwest Tri-Village Kiwanis Aktion Club

The Northwest Tri-County Kiwanis Aktion Club, which includes many members from the Open Door Advocacy Group, is a vibrant community dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities. As part of Aktion Club—an international service organization with over 12,000 members—our local chapter offers a unique opportunity for individuals to forge friendships, develop leadership skills, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The Kiwanis Aktion Club is the only service organization specifically for adults with disabilities. Members not only participate in community service but also take on leadership roles within their clubs. They run their own meetings, elect officers, and manage their own fundraising and service projects.

Recent Highlights and Activities

On April 19th, the Tri-Village Aktion Club took a significant step toward formal recognition by Kiwanis International. On this day, fifteen dedicated members approved the club’s bylaws and elected its first officers. Congratulations to President Amy Flanagan, Vice President Christopher Melvin, Secretary Michael Hurtt, and Treasurer Tonia Boyuk!

The club’s commitment to service was on full display as members volunteered to pack food bags for families in need during Spring Break. This effort is a testament to the club’s mission of making the world a better place.

The Aktion Club recently attended the Ohio District Aktion Club 2024 Leadership & Education Day. They participated in engaging discussions on advocacy and technology, attended educational sessions, and connected with peers statewide. The conference, themed “I Am Magical!”, inspired them to find new ways to infuse a bit of magic into their daily lives.

Get Involved

Adults with disabilities and their caregivers are invited to attend Aktion Club meetings and become a part of the Aktion Club community. They meet twice a month:

First Sunday of each month: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Upper Arlington Senior Center, 1945 Ridgeview Road, Upper Arlington, 43221

Third Friday of each month: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Grandview Heights Parks and Recreation, 1515 Goodale Boulevard, Grandview Heights, 43212

For more information, questions, or to get involved, please contact Northwest Kiwanis at nwcolskiwanis@gmail.com.

To learn more about Kiwanis Aktion Clubs and their impact, visit http://www.aktionclub.org/.

An Exciting Resource for Accessibility

Finally, we encourage you to explore the Roll Mobility app, which some of the individuals from Open Door Advocacy Group are actively using. While Open Door Columbus is not affiliated with this app, it’s a valuable tool for identifying accessible locations such as restaurants, public spaces, and parking areas.

As written on the Roll Mobility app website, “With Roll Mobility, you can easily find and share detailed information on features such as wheelchair ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Our community-led approach ensures that we focus on providing the information that users need, while also raising awareness among our able-bodied allies about what makes a space fully inclusive.”

You can download the Roll Mobility app from the Apple App Store or Google Play!

Looking Forward

As we continue to advance our advocacy efforts, we remain committed to enhancing our services and supporting our community. The dedication and insights of the Open Door Advocacy Group are crucial in driving positive change, and we’re excited to share more updates as the year progresses.