The Center for Disability Empowerment
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Central Ohio Regional
Youth Leadership Forum

The Center for Disability Empowerment (CDE) is pleased to have received a grant from the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities to create a Regional Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) in Central Ohio, focusing on Franklin, Delaware, Union and Licking counties. YLF began in California in 1992 to bring young people with different disabilities together and empower them to be leaders in their communities. The YLF curriculum/model has been replicated extensively nationwide, including in Ohio where a statewide version has taken place since 1999. Eight Regional Forums, each hosted by Centers for Independent Living throughout the state, will allow personal follow up with local youth participants after the event to continue to build on the leadership skills addressed during the Forum. CDE is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) agency which serves people with any disability of any age. We provide information and referral, independent living skills training, advocacy, peer support and transition services among other services.

The Central Ohio Regional Youth Leadership Forum will be held June 14-18, 2021 virtually via
Zoom. The forum is open for application to any 11 th  or 12 th  grade student with a disability in
Franklin, Delaware, Union or Licking counties. Applications must be fully completed and turned
in by April 29, 2021 for consideration. Applications may be sent in via email at jlahrmer@disabilityempowerment.net. Any questions can be directed to Jamie Lahrmer by phone at (614) 575-8055 or via email.

YLF Regional Site Contact List

We’re here to help

If you’re a person with a disability who lives in Franklin or Delaware County Ohio, the Center for Disability Empowerment (CDE) can help you find resources to live, learn, worship, work and play alongside people who do not have disabilities.

Our community-based, non-residential center is under your direction and guided by your choices. We will help you create an Independent Living Plan (ILP) with the steps and resources you need to reach your goals, whether they’re big or small. Here are a few examples:

  • Learn skills, such as how write a letter, interview for a job, manage money, or apply for benefits
  • Find services, such as transportation options, healthy resources, or personal care assistance
  • Defend your rights, by gaining access, speaking up, or working for broader change

CDE’s assistance is completely free for people with disabilities of any age.

Ready to get started? Click on one of the top tabs to learn more, or get in touch. We will be happy to hear from you!

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Micah Hetrick assists Governor John Kasich in signing Ohio’s Employment First Executive Order, March 2012
First Columbus Power and Pride Parade

COVID-19

From Disability Rights Ohio:

Because of the pandemic, healthcare providers may make changes to the way patients receive care. However, patients with disabilities cannot be denied treatment because of their disability.

Use these Factsheets to learn more about your Healthcare Rights during COVID-19:

Healthcare Rights: https://bit.ly/3kPhZI2

Hospital Visitation: https://bit.ly/34ccTzB

COVID-19 Resource Center:
https://www.disabilityrightsohio.org/covid19

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