In this episode of Ohio DD Talks, host Shari Cooper takes us inside one of the most energizing events of the year for Ohio's developmental disability advocates, the annual DD Awareness and Advocacy Day at the Capitol. Shari, who served as emcee for her 12th consecutive year, sits down with three guests who help make the day happen: Shannon Strow, Manager of Government Affairs for LMK Advocacy; Hunter Robinson, a lead advocate at the Ross County Board of DD; and Krystal Albright, advocate and community volunteer from Paulding County.

Together, they reflect on how the event has evolved over more than a decade, growing from two separate days into one powerful gathering of 500 advocates. They also share what this year's theme, "Power of Support," means to them personally. From meeting with state legislators to hearing Governor DeWine speak live for the first time, this episode captures why showing up at the Statehouse matters and what it feels like to be in a room full of people fighting for the same things.

Host: Shari Cooper

Guests: Shannon Strow, Hunter Robinson, Krystal Albright

Key Topics

The History of DD Awareness and Advocacy Day: Shannon shares how the event began over 10 years ago as two separate events and how LMK Advocacy has helped shape and grow it over the last five years.

This Year's Theme: Power of Support: Hunter and Krystal reflect on what "Power of Support" means in their own lives, from job coaching and HPC support to transportation services and the networks of people who make their goals possible.

Taking It to the Legislators: Hunter shares his experience meeting with State Representative Mark Johnson to discuss sidewalk and bus stop accessibility in his community and what it feels like to advocate face to face for real, local change.

Governor DeWine at the Capitol: For many attendees, this was the first time seeing the Governor in person. Guests reflect on his message around DSP pay, universal changing stations, and making Ohio more accessible statewide.

Storytelling on the Main Stage: Shannon highlights the event's storytelling segment, where advocates Hunter, Christina, and Hope shared personal stories of support, as the most meaningful moment of the day. For Hunter, it was a dream years in the making.

An Invitation to First-Time Advocates: Shannon and Hunter encourage anyone thinking about attending to take the leap. The event includes a walkthrough of the legislative meeting process and is designed to help new advocates build confidence.

Why It Matters

This episode is a reminder that advocacy is not just something that happens in policy rooms. It happens when real people show up and share their stories. DD Awareness and Advocacy Day gives self-advocates, families, and providers a direct line to the lawmakers who shape the systems they rely on every day. Whether it is fighting for better DSP pay, more accessible sidewalks, or bringing the Special Olympics closer to home, this event shows what it looks like when the developmental disability community shows up together. If you have ever thought about adding your voice, this episode will convince you that now is the time.

Resources and Links

• Ohio DD Council Website
• LMK Advocacy
• Learn about DD Awareness and Advocacy Day

In this episode of Ohio DD Talks, host Shari Cooper sits down with Jan Goings, director of strategy and partnerships of Starfire, and the Cail family—Grace, her father Jeff, and her mother Kathleen—to discuss the inaugural Inclusion Seekers Summit held in October 2025 at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Organized by Starfire with support from the Ohio DD Council and Interact for Health, the Summit drew over 250 attendees from 17 states and 80+ organizations to address loneliness and build genuine belonging in communities across Ohio and beyond.

Grace's story is at the heart of this episode. A docent and researcher at the Museum Center, advocate, and passionate fan of Sabrina Carpenter, Grace shares what it meant to be at an event where people asked about her interests, not her disability. Her family reflects on what it truly takes to build a full, connected life.

Host: Shari Cooper, Ohio Developmental Disability Council Ambassador Guests: Jan Goings (Director of Strategy and Partnerships, Starfire), Grace Cail, Jeff Cail, Kathleen Cail

Key Topics

What Is the Inclusion Seekers Summit? Jan Goings explains how the Summit grew out of years of community-building work at Starfire. With Ohio DD Council support, they hosted this first large-scale, one-day event to bring a diverse group together around reducing loneliness and building real community connections.

Dr. Vivek Murphy and the Epidemic of Loneliness Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murphy delivered the keynote. Jeff Cail shares how Murphy's accessible style and actionable "take five" framework resonated with attendees and inspired real behavior change.

Grace's Experience: Being Seen Beyond Disability Grace reflects on meeting people who were curious about her passions—women's rights, history, musical theater, and Sabrina Carpenter—rather than her disability. Her family shares how community connection has grown her confidence and amplified her voice.

Storytelling as Community Building The Summit was designed for active participation, not passive listening. Breakout sessions, shared meals, and real-world stories—like Operation Hello's neighborhood events in Middletown—gave attendees both inspiration and new connections to take home.

Reaching Beyond the "Choir" Kathleen highlights why Starfire deliberately invited the general public—not just disability organizations—because Grace's world and the broader community need to intersect around shared interests, not just shared labels.

What Comes Next Starfire is exploring smaller regional summits, story hours, and continued trainings to keep the momentum going and help people take bite-sized steps toward connection every day.

Why It Matters

Loneliness is a public health crisis, and people with developmental disabilities feel it deeply. The Inclusion Seekers Summit is a reminder that the answer isn't more programs: it's community. When people with disabilities are seen as whole people with interests, passions, and gifts, they participate in and shape community. Grace's story shows what's possible when a young woman is surrounded by people who value her voice.

Resources and Links

• Starfire Website
• Ohio DD Council Website
• Learn more about the Inclusion Seekers Summit
• Learn about the ODDC Community Ambassador Program

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In this special reunion episode of Ohio DD Talks, we celebrate five incredible years of the podcast and the closing of the Ohio DD Council’s five-year state plan. Host Shari Cooper is joined by DD Council legends and former hosts—Nate Turner, Michael Denlinger, and Marci Straughter—as they reflect on the podcast’s origins, their personal journeys, and what makes this show so special.

In Part 2, Shari chats with current DD Council Chair Jennifer Kucera, who highlights some of the most impactful grant projects from the last five years, including Dollars and Sense, DB101 Ohio, and the FLAP program. They also discuss the Council’s unique Ambassador Program, which gives self-advocates the platform to share their stories and spotlight community experiences across Ohio.

Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the show, this episode is full of energy, insight, and appreciation for the power of storytelling in the disability community.

Host: Shari Cooper, Ohio Developmental Disability Council Ambassador

Guests: Nate Turner, Michael Denlinger, Marci Straughter, Jennifer Kucera

Key Topics

The Evolution of DD Talks
A look back at how the podcast began, its purpose, and how it has grown over five years.

Passing the Mic: Reflections from Former Hosts
Former hosts Nate Turner, Michael Denlinger, and Marci Straughter share how they shaped the podcast and what made their hosting styles unique.

Spotlight on DD Council-Funded Projects
Jennifer Kucera highlights impactful grants such as Dollars and Sense, DB101 Ohio, and the FLAP program that supported self-determination, financial literacy, and policy advocacy.

Ambassador Program Successes
Shari and Jennifer discuss the Council’s innovative Ambassador Program, which empowers self-advocates to share stories from their local communities.

Hopes for the Future of the Podcast
Guests reflect on what they want DD Talks to become—from growing the audience to reaching national platforms.

Why It Matters

This episode honors five years of disability-led storytelling, leadership, and impact. It shows how people with developmental disabilities are not just participants but creators, organizers, and innovators. From celebrating self-advocate-led media to highlighting systemic changes made possible through DD Council grants, this reunion captures the value of community-driven narratives. It reminds us that when disabled people have platforms to speak, teach, and lead—entire systems become more inclusive, more responsive, and more human.

Resources and Links:

• Ohio DD Council Website
• Apply to be on the Council: Council Application Page
• DB101 Ohio Website
• Listen to the DB101 Ohio DD Talks episode on Buzzsprout
• Learn about the ODDC Community Ambassador Program
• Submit your story for the podcast

Do you have a story to share? The Ohio DD Council is always looking for individuals to feature on Ohio DD Talks. Submit your story!

Thanks for listening—don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode!