OHIO PUBLIC IMAGES RECOGNIZES ATHENS SELF-ADVOCATES FOR THE NAME CHANGE BILL
Submitted by Steve Koch, Habilitation Specialist
On March 15th at the Ohio Superintendents Association annual meeting in Columbus, Ohio representatives from the PersonnelPlus Advisory and Advocacy Council and the Athens Developmental Disabilities Council Center on Public Policy were recognized by Ohio Public Images (OPI) with an Award of Excellence for their efforts in advocating for the Passage of Senate Bill 79, commonly known as the “Name Change” bill. Also receiving an Award of Excellence for a Community Member or Elected Official from Ohio Public Images was Senator Jimmy Stewart. This bill removed the words “mental retardation” from usage at the state and local levels and changed the name of the Ohio Department of MR/DD to just the Ohio Department of DD. Senator Jimmy Stewart originally introduced the bill in 2008 while still a legislator in the Ohio House and championed the “Name Change” bill through the Ohio Senate. Attending the luncheon from the PPAAC was Sylvia Fields, Jim Gillespie, Jason Licht, Glenda Murray and Steven Koch. Representing the Athens DDCCPP were Deana Peacock, William Peacock, Marty Zinn and Scott Dennis. Senator Stewart joined Athens self-advocates at their table for the luncheon. The Athens self-advocates received a Passion Works flower as their award as well as individual certificates. Ohio Public Images Network’s mission is to promote positive perceptions of people with developmental disabilities and increase awareness of their value and participation in their communities.
Front Row: Sylvia Fields, Glenda Murray & Jason Licht.
Second Row: Senator Strickland, Deana Peacock, Jim Gillispie & Marty Zinn
Third Row: Steve Koch, William Peacock, & Scott Dennis