ASO cosponsoring A Disability Public Policy Legislative Event with the ARC

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASO:

In conjuction with the ARC of Ohio and the Ohio Developmental Disabilites Council, the Autism Society of Ohio is one of several groups co-sponsoring THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW! A Disability Public Policy Legislative Event. We are very excited about this event because not only will it include a statehouse rally, similar to has been done for Autism Awareness month in the past couple of years, there will also be opportunites to learn about the latest legislation in Ohio, a chance to meet many of the new directors (and perhaps the Governor), advanced training in legislative advocacy and a cocktail party providing an informal opportunity to "meet and greet" legislators - and of course further our cause.

ASO is very pleased to be co-sponsors of the ARC rally as many of the issues that are being addressed at the rally - changes in special education, Medicaid Buy-In, Money follows the Person Initiatives, new state waivers, and changes in Adult Day services - affect our population. Our board saw it as an opportunity to have a greater impact on these issues (many of which are part of the Ohio Autism Taskforce recommendations) though larger numbers and greater collaboration - something legislators like to see. Larger numbers mean a stronger voice for these issues with legislators.

Look for more from ASO and ARC on this event soon!

Sincerely,

Barbara C. YavorcikPresidentAutism Society of Ohio701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311(330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...home: byavorcik@...web: www.autismohio.org

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THE ARC OF OHIO and THE OHIO DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITES COUNCIL

Present

The Time for Action is Now!

There is a growing list of organizations joining us as co-sponsors.

A Disability Public Policy Legislative Event

March 27 – 28, 2007

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

Present

The Time for Action is Now!

A Disability Public Policy Legislative Event

March 27 – 28, 2007

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

The Columbus Renaissance Hotel

50 N. Third St.

Columbus, OH 43215

8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Registration (includes Continental Breakfast)

10:00 a.m. – Noon Opening Session - Speakers: Governor Ted Stricland (invited) & Directors of

the Departments of MR/DD, Job & Family Services and Health and others (invited)

Noon – 1:30 p.m. Awards Luncheon

1:45 – 4:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions:

· Proposed New Waivers in the 2008/2009 State Budget Medicaid Buy-In

· v. Taft Proposed Settlement Changes in Special Education

· Money Following the Person Initiatives Changes in Adult Day Services

· Family Opportunity Act Statehouse Tour

PLUS: Advanced Training in Legislative Advocacy with Bobby Silverstein

Bobby Silverstein is the Director of the Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy (CSADP). In this capacity, Mr. Silverstein has written guides on how to be effective policy change agents and papers analyzing policy issues from a disability perspective. For over 13 years he served on Capitol Hill in various capacities, including staff director and chief counsel of the Senate Subcommittee on Disability Policy, chaired by Senator Tom Harkin. Mr. Silverstein was the behind-the-scenes architect of more than 20 bills enacted into law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Rehabilitation Act.

4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception for Legislators, Staff & New Administration (Sponsored by Scioto & ViaQuest)

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Ohio Statehouse West Lawn (High Street side)

Join with hundreds of individuals with disabilities, family members, advocates, providers, county staff and support personnel to present a united voice. “The Time for Action is Now!â€. Ohioans with disabilities and their families have waited too long for help!

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Rally Registration

11:00 a.m. – Noon The Time for Action is Now! Rally

Noon – 3:00 p.m. Scheduled Individual Legislative Appointments

Return the registration form early and make your hotel reservations now. Space is limited.

Continuing Education Units for ODMR/DD and Social Work are pending.

2007 The Time for Action is Now!

Renaissance Hotel Columbus

Registration Form March 27 & 28, 2007

Name Badge and Mailing Information (use a separate form for each person)

Name ________________________________________

Badge Name ________________________________________ (this name will appear on your name badge)

Title ________________________________________

Organization ________________________________________

Mailing Address ________________________________________

City _________________________ State ____________________ Zip Code __________

Work Phone ____________________ Fax ____________________ E-mail ____________________

Conference Registration

Registration Fees:

I am a person with a developmental disability q FREE

I am a family member q FREE

Professionals/Other q $75.00

Amount Enclosed $ __________

Purchase Order# (please send me an invoice) __________

q I want ODMRDD Continuing Education Units

q I want Social Work Continuing Education Units

q I need help scheduling an appointment with my state legislator

Days I will attend:

q Tuesday - - include sessions, lunch, and cocktail reception (sponsored by Scioto & ViaQuest)

q Wednesday Rally at the State House

Ways to register:

l Register & pay online at www.thearcofohio.org

l Fax to 614-487-4725

l Mail to The Arc of Ohio/1335 Dublin Road, Suite 205-C/Columbus, OH 43215

*Please call 1-800-875-2723 with any questions*

Hotel rooms are available at the Columbus Renaissance.

The overnight fee is $119 (single, double, triple or quadruple occupancy)

Please call 1-800-417-1057 to make your reservation by Wednesday, February 28, 2007.

Be sure to mention The Arc of Ohio to receive the group rate.

Return to: The Arc of Ohio

1335 Dublin Road, Suite 205-C

Columbus, Ohio 43215

(614) 487-4720

Fax (614) 487-4725

SPACE IS LIMITED! REGISTER EARLY!

Funded in part by The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council Under The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.