State Representative Sara Carruthers Honored as Legislator of the Year by Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities

COLUMBUS – State Representative Sara Carruthers has been recognized with the esteemed "Legislator of the Year" award by the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (OACBDD) for her unwavering commitment and impactful advocacy on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities and the hard-working direct support professionals (DSPs) who support them.

In 2023, Carruthers was a steadfast supporter of a historic state investment in developmental disability services while serving as chairwoman of the House Finance Health and Human Services Subcommittee this past spring, which reviewed key portions of the state’s two-year operating budget (House Bill 33). As a result of her leadership and passionate advocacy, both on the committee and within her caucus, the Ohio House of Representatives invested hundreds of millions of dollars into the state’s Medicaid rate to support higher wages for the front-line workers who support people with developmental disabilities across the state.

“Driven by her strong personal commitment and passion for supporting people with disabilities in her community, Representative Carruthers used her platform to amplify the voices of those who are often overlooked during the state budget process,” said Adam Herman, CEO of the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities. 

“Her dedication to improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities was evident in the pivotal role she played in securing this historic funding increase, which will have a profound and lasting impact on their support systems for years to come.”

On hand to present the award to Rep. Carruthers in Columbus at the 40th Annual Convention of the Ohio Association of County Boards of DD was Lisa Guliano, superintendent of the Butler County Board of DD. Representative Carruthers serves the constituents of Ohio’s 47th House District, which includes significant portions of Butler County.

“Representative Carruthers was a champion for the developmental disability community this year,” Guliano said. “Her efforts were what made the difference in our unprecedented success, and we are so very honored to present her with this year’s award.” 

Upon accepting the award, Rep. Carruthers credited her House colleagues and the passionate advocacy of people with developmental disabilities, their families, and the disability system stakeholder community for their role in the outcome achieved in the state budget.

“The success we achieved in this budget was a collective effort, and this award is a testament to the dedication and passion of everyone involved in advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities,” said Rep. Carruthers upon receiving the award.  “I remain committed to continuing this crucial work and striving for a more inclusive and supportive Ohio for all.”

The Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (DD) represents all 88 of the state’s county boards, which collectively fund, oversee, and coordinate a lifetime of services to more than 105,000 people with developmental disabilities and their families in Ohio.