LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

  • Courtney Explains It All With DJ Cowboy Jason Yockey!

    Courtney Explains It All With DJ Cowboy Jason Yockey!

    by Courtney Hineman

    Loveland, Ohio – The 3rd episode of Courtney Explains it All features an individual named Jason Yockey who is both a business owner and a fantastic self-advocate! Jason Yockey started his very own DJ business and so far, has seen a lot of success! Since he started about three years ago, Jason has DJ’d two weddings with the help of his friend David, a yearly campground event, about once a month at Empowered, and Fairfield Junior High’s 8th-grade dance. He has also done Empower’s all-state Banquet in Springfield, Ohio, and Our Lady of Victory’s Trike-a-Thon fundraiser.

    During my vlog episode, I asked Jason how he started his business, what he likes about being a DJ, and how he’s advocated for himself and others with disabilities. I hope you enjoy this episode, and our conversation makes you think about how you can help others with disabilities start their own business or do something they are passionate about!

    Contact and hire Jason – 513-290-9657

    Like and Follow Jason on FaceBook

    Donate to Jason via Venmo

    Here are Jason’s accounts to follow him

    djwesternbar.com

    youtube.com/@jasonspotify

    @jason_spotify_com

    Courtney Hineman is a disability rights advocate. She is the Community Outreach Advocate at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities and was appointed by Governor DeWine to the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council for the second term. She is a member of Butler County’s self-advocacy group, and enjoys participating in Best Buddies.

    In April, 2025 Courtney took her advocacy on the road to Washington, D.C., to attend the Disability Policy Seminar and Advocacy Day. While in D.C., Courtney met many disability and inclusion fellow advocates, shared her story, and explained why disability policies are vital to the developmental disability community with several U.S. legislators.”

    [WATCH INTERVIEW] Courtney Hineman took her advocacy on the road to D.C.

    My desire is that you will find the following organizations helpful as we continue our journey together!

     

    Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 Butler County Residents. Supports and services are available life-long through contracts with partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.

    Founded in 1967, the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 people. Supports and services are available life-long through partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.

    Much of our services go beyond the walls of our facilities and take place in the community. The Board’s supports are geared toward the philosophy of person-centered thinking, which places the individual at the center of decisions made about the services they receive. We are committed to helping people determine their dreams and helping to make those dreams come true.

    Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS) is a government social services agency established by state law. For more than 50 years, HCDDS has provided educational, vocational, and residential support and services to thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). Each year, we support approximately 7,300 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their lives, from babies through seniors, by providing case management, monitoring service quality, and funding services provided by our community partners.

    We treat each person we serve as a unique individual and connect them to services to reflect the life they want. By collaborating with more than 1,000 certified providers, we’re able to support people to live a life that is important and meaningful to them, on their own terms.

    Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The mission of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to help those we serve expand capabilities and navigate the possibilities. We envision a culture comprised of inclusive communities where people with disabilities thrive and live a life on their own terms. Individuals and families served by the Clermont County Board of DD have the right of choice and flexibility regarding what, how and where services are provided.  Individuals and families will be empowered to make decisions, become partners and work cooperatively with professionals, and exert control over the services provided to them.

    Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports to over 2,400 people in Warren County who have developmental disabilities. The mission of the board is supporting people with disabilities and their families to achieve what is important to them. The Board employs 127 people in full and part time positions. We operate out of four locations in Warren County, and have an annual budget of $30,500,000.00. More than 65% of our revenue is derived from local levy funds.

    Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

     

    The mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. The Ohio DD Council operates under the authority of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) and is a part of the Ohio DD Network. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities assists and supports the Ohio DD Council as the federally mandated designated state agency.

  • Take the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council survey

    Take the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council survey

    It is the mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council) to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. DD Council receives federal funding for innovative advocacy, capacity building and systems change activities. These activities are designed to contribute to a coordinated system of services, supports and other assistance that is centered around and driven by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

    Ohio DD Council’s work is driven by its Five-Year State Plan. The plan is developed by input from people with disabilities, family members and interested stakeholders from around the state. All projects described in the plan adhere to DD Council’s philosophy that people with developmental disabilities have the right to be productive, interdependent members of their communities and of society at large. You will also find that the projects that fall under each committee represent activities related to Sections of the DD Act that governs what we do.

    2027-2031 State Plan Survey

    We are in the early stages of developing our next Five-Year State Plan for 2027-2031, and our first step is to gather public input through our survey. The survey is available in English, Spanish, and Somali. Use the links below to access the survey.

  • Courtney Hineman: How to practice Inclusion

    Courtney Hineman: How to practice Inclusion

    by Courtney Hineman

    Loveland, Ohio – In my debut broadcast of “Courtney Explains it All” I talked about what inclusion means for those with a developmental disability and what we can all do together to make life more manageable and equitable.

    In this excerpt from my original full length vlog, I talk about one of my most loved organizations, Best Buddies. I also talk about how I learned to make friends and build upon those friendships.

    I think it is important for schools and workplaces to practice inclusion by learning and teaching about different kinds of disabilities and I give some concrete examples. Also, why it is important for businesses to give employment opportunities and support employees with a disability.

    As someone who has lived with a disability all my life my desire is to explain why inclusion is important for someone with a disability.

    I hope you find my explanations and tips helpful. Thank you so much for checking out my vlog!

    “Courtney Explains It All” is a vlog on LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV that will feature my insight on different topics, issues, and interviews focused on the developmental disability community.

    ________________________

    You can also watch the full episode here.

    ______________

    My desire is that you will find the following organizations helpful as we continue our journey together!

     

    Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 Butler County Residents. Supports and services are available life-long through contracts with partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.

    Founded in 1967, the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 people. Supports and services are available life-long through partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.

    Much of our services go beyond the walls of our facilities and take place in the community. The Board’s supports are geared toward the philosophy of person-centered thinking, which places the individual at the center of decisions made about the services they receive. We are committed to helping people determine their dreams and helping to make those dreams come true.

    Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS) is a government social services agency established by state law. For more than 50 years, HCDDS has provided educational, vocational, and residential support and services to thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). Each year, we support approximately 7,300 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their lives, from babies through seniors, by providing case management, monitoring service quality, and funding services provided by our community partners.

    We treat each person we serve as a unique individual and connect them to services to reflect the life they want. By collaborating with more than 1,000 certified providers, we’re able to support people to live a life that is important and meaningful to them, on their own terms.

    Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The mission of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to help those we serve expand capabilities and navigate the possibilities. We envision a culture comprised of inclusive communities where people with disabilities thrive and live a life on their own terms. Individuals and families served by the Clermont County Board of DD have the right of choice and flexibility regarding what, how and where services are provided.  Individuals and families will be empowered to make decisions, become partners and work cooperatively with professionals, and exert control over the services provided to them.

    Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports to over 2,400 people in Warren County who have developmental disabilities. The mission of the board is supporting people with disabilities and their families to achieve what is important to them. The Board employs 127 people in full and part time positions. We operate out of four locations in Warren County, and have an annual budget of $30,500,000.00. More than 65% of our revenue is derived from local levy funds.

    Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

    The mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. The Ohio DD Council operates under the authority of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) and is a part of the Ohio DD Network. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities assists and supports the Ohio DD Council as the federally mandated designated state agency.

    ________________

    Courtney Hineman is a disability rights advocate. She is the Community Outreach Advocate at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities and was appointed by Governor DeWine to the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council for the second term. She is a member of Butler County’s self-advocacy group, and enjoys participating in Best Buddies.

  • Courtney Hineman: “What defines Inclusion”

    Courtney Hineman: “What defines Inclusion”

    by Courtney Hineman

    Loveland, Ohio – In my debut broadcast of “Courtney Explains it All” I talked about what inclusion means for those with a developmental disability and what we can all do together to make life more manageable and equitable.

    This excerpt from my original full length vlog is about “What defines Inclusion”, and how you can practice it for your own benefit or to benefit others.

    As someone who has lived with a disability all my life my desire is to explain why inclusion is important for someone with a disability.

    I hope you find my explanations and tips helpful. Thank you so much for checking out my vlog!

    “Courtney Explains It All” is a vlog on LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV that will feature my insight on different topics, issues, and interviews focused on the developmental disability community.

    ________________________

    You can also watch the full episode here.

    ______________

    My desire is that you will find the following organizations helpful as we continue our journey together!

     

    Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 Butler County Residents. Supports and services are available life-long through contracts with partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.

    Founded in 1967, the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 people. Supports and services are available life-long through partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.

    Much of our services go beyond the walls of our facilities and take place in the community. The Board’s supports are geared toward the philosophy of person-centered thinking, which places the individual at the center of decisions made about the services they receive. We are committed to helping people determine their dreams and helping to make those dreams come true.

    Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS) is a government social services agency established by state law. For more than 50 years, HCDDS has provided educational, vocational, and residential support and services to thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). Each year, we support approximately 7,300 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their lives, from babies through seniors, by providing case management, monitoring service quality, and funding services provided by our community partners.

    We treat each person we serve as a unique individual and connect them to services to reflect the life they want. By collaborating with more than 1,000 certified providers, we’re able to support people to live a life that is important and meaningful to them, on their own terms.

    Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The mission of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to help those we serve expand capabilities and navigate the possibilities. We envision a culture comprised of inclusive communities where people with disabilities thrive and live a life on their own terms. Individuals and families served by the Clermont County Board of DD have the right of choice and flexibility regarding what, how and where services are provided.  Individuals and families will be empowered to make decisions, become partners and work cooperatively with professionals, and exert control over the services provided to them.

    Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports to over 2,400 people in Warren County who have developmental disabilities. The mission of the board is supporting people with disabilities and their families to achieve what is important to them. The Board employs 127 people in full and part time positions. We operate out of four locations in Warren County, and have an annual budget of $30,500,000.00. More than 65% of our revenue is derived from local levy funds.

    Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

    The mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. The Ohio DD Council operates under the authority of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) and is a part of the Ohio DD Network. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities assists and supports the Ohio DD Council as the federally mandated designated state agency.

    ________________

    Courtney Hineman is a disability rights advocate. She is the Community Outreach Advocate at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities and was appointed by Governor DeWine to the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council for the second term. She is a member of Butler County’s self-advocacy group, and enjoys participating in Best Buddies.

  • Debut Edition: “Courtney Explains it All”

    Debut Edition: “Courtney Explains it All”

    by Courtney Hineman

    Loveland, Ohio – In my debut broadcast of “Courtney Explains it All” I talk about what inclusion means for those with a developmental disability and what we can all do together to make life more manageable and equitable.

    “Courtney Explains It All” is a vlog on LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV that will feature my insight on different topics, issues, and interviews focused on the developmental disability community.

    This vlog episode is about what inclusion is, what inclusion looks like, and how to advocate for others with disabilities. As someone who has lived with a disability all my life, I hope you find my explanations and tips helpful. Thank you so much for checking out my vlog!

    My desire is that you will find the following organizations helpful as we continue our journey together!

    ______________

    Welcome to the Roll Mobility – your go-to app for a smoother life, specially designed for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues. With a staggering 12% of U.S. adults facing mobility disabilities, we’re here to make a difference.

    Discover a world of convenience with Roll Mobility. Our platform equips you with reliable information about the accessibility of restaurants, public spaces, businesses, trails, and parking areas. Say goodbye to doubts about whether a place is truly accessible.

    Roll Mobility isn’t just an app; it’s a community-driven accessibility tool. Unlike other search engines, we understand that accurate data requires a united effort from the community. Together, we’re paving the way for a more inclusive future.

    Disability Rights Ohio 

    Disability Rights Ohio is a non-profit corporation with a mission to advocate for an equitable Ohio for people with disabilities

    Since October 2012, Disability Rights Ohio has served as Ohio’s Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system and Client Assistance Program (CAP). It is governed by a Board of Directors, primarily consisting of people with disabilities and family members of people with disabilities.

    Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 Butler County Residents. Supports and services are available life-long through contracts with partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.

    Founded in 1967, the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 people. Supports and services are available life-long through partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.

    Much of our services go beyond the walls of our facilities and take place in the community. The Board’s supports are geared toward the philosophy of person-centered thinking, which places the individual at the center of decisions made about the services they receive. We are committed to helping people determine their dreams and helping to make those dreams come true.

    Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS) is a government social services agency established by state law. For more than 50 years, HCDDS has provided educational, vocational, and residential support and services to thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). Each year, we support approximately 7,300 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their lives, from babies through seniors, by providing case management, monitoring service quality, and funding services provided by our community partners.

    We treat each person we serve as a unique individual and connect them to services to reflect the life they want. By collaborating with more than 1,000 certified providers, we’re able to support people to live a life that is important and meaningful to them, on their own terms.

    Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The mission of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to help those we serve expand capabilities and navigate the possibilities. We envision a culture comprised of inclusive communities where people with disabilities thrive and live a life on their own terms. Individuals and families served by the Clermont County Board of DD have the right of choice and flexibility regarding what, how and where services are provided.  Individuals and families will be empowered to make decisions, become partners and work cooperatively with professionals, and exert control over the services provided to them.

    Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports to over 2,400 people in Warren County who have developmental disabilities. The mission of the board is supporting people with disabilities and their families to achieve what is important to them. The Board employs 127 people in full and part time positions. We operate out of four locations in Warren County, and have an annual budget of $30,500,000.00. More than 65% of our revenue is derived from local levy funds.

    Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

    The mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. The Ohio DD Council operates under the authority of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) and is a part of the Ohio DD Network. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities assists and supports the Ohio DD Council as the federally mandated designated state agency.

    ________________

    Courtney Hineman is a disability rights advocate. She is the Community Outreach Advocate at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities and was appointed by Governor DeWine to the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council for the second term. She is a member of Butler County’s self-advocacy group, and enjoys participating in Best Buddies.

  • Without Direct Support Professionals, I would not be able to live on my own

    Without Direct Support Professionals, I would not be able to live on my own

    Courtney Hineman and Cassie Mattia at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities Annual DSP Appreciation Honk-a-Thon

    It’s DSP Appreciation Week and it’s the perfect time to express my gratitude.

    Courtney Hineman

    by Courtney Hineman

    This week is DSP Appreciation week. My name is Courtney Hineman and I work at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities as the Community Outreach Advocate. I also receive services due to my disability.

    I have direct support professionals (DSPs) who come to my apartment every day. They help me with getting ready for the day, making sure I take my medications, take me to and from work, laundry, and cleaning my apartment.

    They also take me to do fun things out in the community like visiting my family and friends, going to the Cincinnati Zoo, Kings Island, going to church/ bible study, and going to Best Buddies events in Oxford. Sometimes with staff it can feel like I’m just hanging out with a friend because of getting to see each other almost every day and the close relationship we have. I feel like my staff look out for me like I’m their own family member.

    I am very grateful that I have good, hardworking staff because without them I would not be able to live on my own. If you are a direct support professional thank you so much for your hard work and dedication! You really are making a difference in people’s lives.

    About Courtney Hineman

    Courtney Hineman is a disabilities rights advocate. She is the Community Outreach Advocate at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities and was appointed by Governor DeWine to the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council for the second term. She is a member of Butler County’s self-advocacy group, Speak Up, and has enjoyed participating in Best Buddies.

    About the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports to over 3,700 Butler County residents so they can successfully live, work, and learn in the community. Supports and services are available life-long through partner agencies or directly provided by the Board. The Board’s primary source of funding is from property tax levies collected annually and the Board was last on the ballot in 2004.

     

  • Law removing harmful language on mental health, disabilities praised by advocates

    Law removing harmful language on mental health, disabilities praised by advocates

    BY: SUSAN TEBBEN – Ohio Capital Journal

    A law recently signed by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine finally removes derogatory language about people with disabilities from state law, a move years in the making.

    Advocates praised the passage and signing of the Mental Health and Disability Terminology Act, introduced with bipartisan sponsors as House Bill 281.

    The bill was years in the making, and removes words like “idiot,” “lunatics,” and “derangement” that were still a part of Ohio Revised Code.

    “The words are very stigmatizing, they’re very traumatizing and antiquated,” said Katherine Yoder, executive director of Ohio’s Adult Advocacy Centers. “It’s one of those things that as society … and as people’s humanity evolves, language is the most obvious thing that changes.”

    As the work began in 2021 to get the bill into the Ohio House, legislators reacted with surprise, mainly because they thought the changes had already been made.

    State agencies were renamed in 2009 to remove the word “mental retardation” from county and state agencies, but the language remained in revised code.

    Yoder said it’s common for people to think these language changes have been made to eliminate words so commonly known as pejorative, but those not working directly with people with disabilities may overlook changes that haven’t been made.

    So, when the attempt to remove the language was put together in 2021, Yoder was relieved to find the legislative push led by organizations doing the work. It’s one thing to be supportive of the moves and take charge without knowing the world in which people with disabilities live, Yoder said.

    “It’s another thing to kind of step back and allow that community or that cultural group to make the necessary changes and advocate for themselves,” Yoder said.

    Part of the measure’s journey through the Ohio House and Senate was educating legislators in committee meetings. HB 281 passed quickly through the House with state Reps. Dontavius Jarrells, D-Columbus, and Tom Young, R-Washington Twp. at the helm.

    “It’s something that obviously you have to seek out and you have to learn,” Yoder said.

    The legislation was bolstered by a host of organizations, such as Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities, the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, Disability Rights Ohio, and the Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition.

    “Emphasizing a person’s humanity and individuality rather than defining them solely by a specific characteristic fosters understanding and inclusion, and the use of people-first language in statute will promote more equitable access to the benefits of our laws and civil society,” said Erich Bittner, director of government relations for the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, during a November meeting of the Senate Health Committee.

    For the Adult Advocacy Centers, language is particularly important because of the work they do helping crime victims who have developmental disabilities. Language is a “foundational piece” to avoid marginalizing individuals, and when Ohio Revised Code can be cited with antiquated language still included, equity is hard to achieve, according to Yoder.

    In criminal justice, Yoder said there’s a gap in training for those investigating crimes where the victim has disabilities. From talking to victims to creating accessibility at courthouse for those attending court cases, the many layers of changes needed to help start with allowing the voices of the victims to be heard.

    “The justice system was never set up with people with disabilities in mind,” Yoder said.

    With the language changes approved, advocates are hoping to move forward with more changes, like increased representation in criminal justice with forensic interviewers, more specifically trained to help those with disabilities through criminal cases.

    “The goal or the focus (of forensic interviewing) is not helping people with developmental disabilities find their voice,” Yoder said. “They already have their voice. It’s about allowing their voice to be heard.”

    As the year goes along, advocates also hope to receive some of the remaining American Rescue Plan funds to help build facilities for advocacy work, and to tackle crimes like benefits trafficking – the victimization of people with disabilities for their government assistance checks.

  • Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council Accepting Applications for New Members

    Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council Accepting Applications for New Members

    The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is seeking applications from advocates to become a part of the Governor-appointed board that works to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life.

    The Ohio Development Disabilities Council (DD Council) is recruiting new membership for the following categories:

    • Individual with a developmental disability,
    • Parent or guardian of a child with a developmental disability, and
    • An immediate relative or guardian of an institutionalized or previously institutionalized individual with a developmental disability or an individual with a developmental disability who resides or previously resided in an institution.

    The Ohio DD Council consists of at least 30 members appointed by the governor. Members are people with developmental disabilities, parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities, representatives from concerned state agencies, and nonprofit organizations and local agencies providing services to people with developmental disabilities.

    If you are interested in becoming a member, go to the New Member Application page for more information. You may apply online or download documents to complete and mail to the office. Deadline to apply is May 28, 2021.

  • Governor Appoints Michael Denlinger, of Hamilton County Chairperson to Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

    Governor Appoints Michael Denlinger, of Hamilton County Chairperson to Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

    Hamilton County, Ohio – Michael Denlinger, of Hamilton County, has been named Chairperson of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council by Governor Mike DeWine. During his tenure, Denlinger has served on nearly all the Council’s committees including Community Living, Employment, Leadership Development, among others.  

    Denlinger, who has cerebral palsy, says he has always been a lifelong advocate for people with disabilities.  His focus is often on the areas of housing and transportation for people with disabilities. In addition, he has begun to work on an LGBTQ initiative. “I want the voices of those LGBTQ with disabilities to be equally represented, so all have a seat at the table,” Denlinger says. 

    He also serves as the host of Ohio DD Council’s popular podcast “Ohio DD Talks”, a web series featuring stories and conversations of Ohioans with disabilities. In addition to his Council work, Denlinger is a member of the Housing Network of Hamilton County’s Board on Developmental Disabilities.

    As Denlinger looks ahead to being chair of the Council, he says, “One thing I really want to do is to look at the counties in eastern and northeastern Ohio where people either don’t apply to be on the Council or don’t know about it. I’d like to see the Council create an outreach plan to invite people from all over the state to talk to us about advocacy work they’ve done in those underserved populations.”

    Denlinger adds,” We are doing wonderful, revolutionary things [on the Council]. Our diversity and inclusion work with various ethnicities and with LGBTQ is making sure everyone is represented and heard. Being a Council member is a reward to me, allowing me to help others.”