The Center for Disability Empowerment

Universal Design in Learning: Educating All Learners In and Beyond the Classroom
2025-04-17 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | Westerville Community Center, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH, 43082, United States
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Universal Design in Learning: Educating All Learners In and Beyond the Classroom
Thurs. | April 17, 2025 10AM to 3PM
Westerville Community Center 350 N. Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082 Lunch provided for a small fee
Registration Link
Who should attend? K-12 Administrators and Teachers, Educators and staff in Summer programs, After School programs, Arts and Recreation programs, Parents
Morning Keynote with Dr. Paula Kluth (Virtual Presenter) Dwelling in Possibility: The Values, Beliefs, & Habits of Inclusive Schools
This session is inspired by the poet, Emily Dickinson, who wrote, “I dwell in possibility.” We will explore the history and current state of inclusive schooling as we apply Dickenson’s reflection. Dr. Kluth will also discuss a vision for the future of this social justice movement and how inclusion practices will help educators succeed in educating, challenging, motivating, and supporting all learners.
Afternoon Session with Dawn Bentley (In Person) explores in-depth strategies for accommodating all learners in any setting (classrooms, after school programs, summer programs, library and museum programs and more) through universal design.
Presenter Bios
Paula Kluth – Keynote Speaker Paula, a former K-12 educator, is the founding member and principal consultant for Inclusion Rules LLC. She is a consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. Paula has also been a university professor and has taught courses on inclusive education and disability studies. Her professional interests include Universal Design for Learning, co-teaching, and educating students with complex support needs.
Dawn Bentley – Strategies Presenter Dawn has more than 20 years experience in the education field, as an early intervention and developmental therapist and consultant, and as a director in the nonprofit sector of the disability field. Dawn began consulting firm, CAIRE, LLC (Community Access Inclusion Representation and Equity), in 2021, that works with local community organizations who have an interest in accessibility and inclusion. Dawn is a member of the Human Relations Commission for the City of Toledo and is a founding member of the DEAI Alliance of Northwest Ohio.
Deadline for registration is April 11th. For meeting accommodations contact Chrissy Bailey at cbailey@disabilityempowerment.net

Empower YOUth Meeting
2025-04-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Columbus Metropolitan Library – Franklinton Branch, 1061 W. Town St., Columbus, OH, 43222, United States
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EmpowerYOUth – Make connections, Try new things, Find belonging, Grow your self-expression. All are welcome here. ALL MEETINGS On the last Wednesday of each month from 6pm-7:30pm. In-person meetings with option for joining virtually. Can’t join in-person? Email Maddy Mathias, Youth Transition Coordinator, for a link: mrandolph@disabilityempowerment.net. Our EmpowerYouth program is a space for youth with and without disabilities to learn, grow, advocate, and belong. The Center for Disability Empowerment. 614-575-8055 | www.disabilityempowerment.net

Call for Sponsors
2025-07-11
We are pleased to invite you to be part of the central Ohio area 35th Anniversary celebration of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark civil rights legislation. This milestone event will honor the progress we’ve made, recognize the challenges that remain, and celebrate the individuals and organizations who have dedicated themselves to advancing disability rights and equality.
The 35th ADA Anniversary celebration is scheduled for July 11, 2025, in Columbus.
The day will culminate with a keynote address by Rebecca Cokley, program officer for the Ford Foundation’s first-ever U.S. Disability Rights program, which is focused on strengthening the field, building a pipeline of diverse leadership, promoting disability pride, and mobilizing resources toward disability rights work.
As a sponsor of this special event, your organization will have the unique opportunity to align with a powerful cause that impacts millions of lives across the nation. By partnering with us, you’ll not only demonstrate your commitment to advancing disability rights but also gain significant exposure to a broad audience. We have curated a variety of sponsorship packages that offer valuable benefits, including recognition in event materials, social media shout-outs, and prominent placement during the celebration.
We would be honored to have your support as we come together to commemorate this historic achievement and continue the journey toward a more inclusive future. Please feel free to contact Jackie Martin at 614-362-4286 to discuss partnership opportunities or to request further details or simply click this link:
https://disabilityempowerment.networkforgood.com/events/83432-35th-ada-anniversary-sponsorship?fbclid=IwY2xjawJH6XRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHScwHc3jhMXhz4vT-e2iefPzjKRlfKGBFAs-dH5lWgKXfeuUle5HpDRERg_aem_z3-ZRnQyZFnEbC5zdMi5qg
We look forward to the possibility of working together to make the 35th Anniversary of the ADA a resounding success!
On behalf of the 35th ADA Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee, thank you!

Save The Date! 35th Anniversary Celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act
2025-07-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Columbus Museum of Art, 480 East broad Street, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
You are cordially invited to join us as we honor and celebrate the 35th Anniversary of
the Americans with Disabilities Act
Doors open at 6 p.m.
6 to 7: Drinks and Hors d'oeuvres. Enjoy entertainment and Tom Olin photo exhibit
7 to 8: Program, Essay Contest Winners, Keynote Rebecca Cokley
8 to 9: Mingle, drinks and hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and Tom Olin photo exhibit
All are welcome.
There is no charge for attending this event, however, registration is required.*
Interpreters and CART sponsored by Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council.
Keynote Speaker: Rebecca Cokley, Program Officer Ford Foundation’s first-ever U.S.
Disability Rights program
*To register, to become a sponsor, or for expanded event information, please scan the
QR code or visit: Here
Event sponsored by:
Gold Investment:
Centene Corporation/Buckeye Health Plan
Silver Investment:
Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Greater
Columbus Arts Council, Phyllis Newman
Bronze Investment:
Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio/ElevateDD, Disability
Rights Ohio
Champions of the ADA: Ohio Olmstead Task Force (OOTF), Ohio Provider Resource
Association (OPRA), The Arc of Ohio, Elford
Friends of the ADA:
Center for Disability Empowerment, State Representative Christine
Cockley, Harry Apostolos
(Additional sponsors are added to the registration page as they are received)
Celebrating 35 years of Helping Ohio Become Accessible for Everyone.
Friday, July 11, 2025
6:00pm – 9:00pm
Great Lakes ADA Center
480 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215
Contact Jackie at jmartin@disabilityempowerment.net

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FCBDD Provider and Community Resource Fair
2025-09-02 13:00 - 19:00 | 717 E 17th AveColumbus, OH 43211, 717 E 17th Ave, Columbus, 43211, United States
The 2025 Franklin County DD Provider and Community Resource Fair is set for Tuesday, Sept. 2, in Kasich Hall at the Ohio Expo Center.
The free event allows people with disabilities, families and caregivers to connect in person with dozens of service providers, community-resource organizations and — new this year — employers.
The Center for Disability Empowerment will have a table with information at the event.

2025 DCBDD Block Party & Provider Fair
2025-09-04 16:00 - 19:00 | 7560 Gooding Blvd, 7560 Gooding Blvd, Delaware, OH, 43035, United States
DCBDD’s annual Block Party & Provider Fair occurs on the Thursday after Labor Day and brings together people supported by DCBDD, their families, providers, and our community partners for a day of celebration of all that Delaware County has to offer!
The Center for Disability Empowerment will have a table with information at the event.

Olde Towne East Jazz Festival 2025
2025-09-14 13:00 - 17:00 | Blackburn Park and Recreation Center, 263 Carpenter St, Columbus, OH, 43205, United States
OTE 2025 Flyer PDF
The Center for Disability Empowerment will have a table with information at the event on Saturday, September 13th from 1pm-5pm.

Inclusive Opportunity Fair
2025-09-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Westerville Community Center, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH, 43082, United States
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The Center for Disability Empowerment will have a table with information at the event.
