Adam Herman, Lisa Comes, Jake Dowling, Lora Morrison, and Alex Lomicka represented OACB at the 2026 Synergy Conference, which welcomed more than 900 registrants from across Ohio’s developmental disability community. Hosted by PAR, Lighthouse Cove, People First, and OSDA, the conference brought together people with disabilities, families, providers, advocates, and other system partners to promote inclusion, collaboration, and strategies that support healthy, independent lives. OACB staff participated in several conference activities, with Lisa hosting the “Fear Factor” booth in the Synergy Exchange and Jake presenting during “Every Vote Counts: Building Confidence in Voting and Advocacy” and participating in the “Meet the Policy Maker” session. Jake joined Maggie Skultety (Medina), and Diana Mairose to share the importance of voting and how individuals can participate confidently in elections. Jake provided an overview of races and ballot issues in the November election, voter registration, and available voting options. Maggie shared information on accessing accessible ballots and voting equipment, while Diana offered her perspective on the importance of voting and resources available when polling locations are not accessible. Pictured left to right: Diana Mairose, Jake Dowling, and Maggie Skultety after their session.
Adam Herman and Jake Dowling joined Emma Dennis, an attorney, Union DD board member, and person with lived experience navigating DD services, for an Ohio DD Council “lunch and learn”-style session introducing approximately two dozen Ohio House and Senate staff members to the county board system. The discussion walked staff through how people access services, the role of local funding and Medicaid waivers, and why available supports can differ across county lines. Staff also learned how growing fiscal pressures, including increasing mandatory Medicaid waiver match costs, can place locally funded services such as Early Intervention and others at risk. The session concluded with practical guidance for legislative offices assisting constituents with disabilities, encouraging staff to view their local county board superintendent as a resource for resolving constituent concerns and connecting people with appropriate services and supports. Pictured, from left to right: Colin Connors (DD Council), Adam Herman, Emma Dennis (Union DD), Pepper, Lori Kershner (LMK Advocacy), and Paul Jarvis (Ohio DD Council).
Erica Wallace, OACB's Children and Families Advisor, participated in Groundwork Ohio’s Roadshow 2026 in Scioto County, joining local partners and families for conversations focused on Early Intervention, pediatric health care, family recovery supports, and community collaboration. The visit included an Early Intervention roundtable at the Scioto DD, conversations with families receiving Early Intervention services, and visits with community partners to better understand how health care, home visiting, recovery, child welfare, and Early Intervention systems work together to support young children and families. Feedback gathered during the Roadshow will help inform the group’s statewide recommendations and future policy discussions aimed at strengthening supports for children and families.
OACB CEO Adam Herman traveled to Cambridge at the invitation of superintendent Kellie Brown (Guernsey) to provide a board member in-service for all seven board members at Guernsey DD about OACB’s role and the services available to member boards. Board members learned about the association’s statewide advocacy, communications, professional development, technical assistance, and operational support, including its work with state agencies, lawmakers, and federal policymakers. The presentation also highlighted resources available directly to board members and discussed the unusually consequential policy environment ahead, including the gubernatorial transition, 2027 state budget, and continued fiscal pressures facing Ohio’s county board system. Pictured left to right: Board members Michelle DeLong and Anna Lowery, superintendent Kellie Brown, board members Mike Campbell and Dennis Harding, Adam Herman, board members Steve Marvin, Sam Williams, and Jeremy Morrow.
OACB CEO Adam Herman joined Christine Brown and members of Ohio’s provider community on Capitol Hill as part of ANCOR’s 2026 Hill Day, which brought together 335 advocates from 42 states for more than 300 congressional meetings. OACB joined Ohio’s delegation for meetings with the offices of Rep. Troy Balderson and Rep. Bob Latta. Discussions focused on protecting and strengthening Medicaid-funded home- and community-based services and addressing direct support workforce needs. In addition, OACB shared how the unique nature of Ohio’s county board system minimizes and largely eliminates the potential for fraud, waste, and abuse in the Medicaid system. Pictured left to right: Pete Moore (OPRA), Jacob Parker (U.S. Rep. Bob Latta), Caille Ostrolencki (Welcome House), Christine Brown, Adam Herman, Tim Neville (Echoing Hills), and Scott Marks (OPRA).
Jake Dowling traveled to Marion DD to present at the Marion County Self Advocates monthly meeting where he shared guidance on effectively advocating before the legislature and elevating the voices of people with disabilities and their families. He shared the importance of knowing one’s elected officials, preparing a clear and concise advocacy message, and following up with legislative offices. Jake also encouraged attendees to participate in the civic process and ensure they are registered to vote ahead of the October 5 deadline. Pictured left to right: Cora Layne, Amanda Lambka, Jake Dowling, and Christina Pigg.