Thanks for visiting People First University! You’ll find our archive for the 2025 season below. Join us again this fall as we kick off another season of PFU. Registration details coming soon!
February 12th Presentation: History of Disability Rights/Key Legislation (then and now)
Join Gary Tonks (The Arc of Ohio) and Kraig Walker (The Arc of OH/People First of OH) discussing historical moments in the DD field and the need for advocacy today!
February 26th Presentation: Building a Strong Self Advocacy Group
Join Michael Richards & Kraig Walker from People First of Ohio, discussing ideas to build a strong self-advocacy group. Questions for group discussion: *Is our message clear? *Do people in our community know us? *What steps can we take to get our message across? *What issues are important to my life? Our lives? *How can we involve others in the community to advocate?
March 12th Presentation: Technology
Join People First as we speak with Christina from the Ohio Tech Ambassadors on how technology can work for you!
Resource: https://ohiotechambassadors.
March 26th Presentation: Voting Rights and the Election Process with Jennifer Kucera
In this episode, we speak with Jennifer Kucera about voting rights for those with disabilities in the state
of Ohio.
April 16th Presentation: Supported Decision Making
Josh & Celia take us through the basics of Supported Decision Making in Ohio! Helpful resources may be found at: https://www.sdmno.org/ Questions to consider – When do I need help to make an important decision? What is the difference between guardianship & Supported Decision Making? Get involved by joining the monthly SDMNO meetings online & hear how Supported Decision Making works in everyday life!
April 30th Presentation: How to Connect with Policy Makers
People First members attended the 2025 Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, DC. Hear tips on how to contact your representatives and have your voice heard – locally, at the state, and in DC!
May 14th Presentation: Clear Language with Leslie Connelly
Join us as we speak with Leslie Connelly from the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council to discuss the use of Clear Language in presentations, meetings, and all communication!
Check out the resources mentioned in the video at https://ddc.ohio.gov/resources-and-publications
May 28th Presentation: Choosing a Provider
Our special guest, Ruben Garcia (a founding member of People First of Ohio) shares tips on choosing a provider! Questions to ask, schedules to consider, providing a schedule of appointments & more.
Finding a Provider: https://dodd.ohio.