Personal stories about Ohioans are affected by the crisis are key to reaching lawmakers.

Thank you for considering sharing your story.

See below for some writing prompts and a structure that may be helpful.

Begin your personal story with:

Who are you?

  • I’m a person with developmental disabilities and this crisis has impacted me by…

  • I’m a family member / Guardian of a person with developmental disabilities and this crisis has impacted my family by…

  • I’m a (Caregiver, Direct Support Professional) for people with developmental disabilities, and this crisis has impacted me by…

  • I’m an employee at a County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the crisis has impacted…

  • I’m an employee at a private provider in Ohio and the crisis has impacted…

Transition to:

How has the crisis impacted you or someone you care about?

  • What have you not been able to do because of the crisis?

  • How has the crisis impacted your physical/mental/emotional health or the health of others?

  • How has the crisis impacted your job?

  • How has the crisis impacted your ability to provide for your family?

  • How has the crisis impacted your business?

Conclude your personal story with a call to action!

Remember that:

  • Developmental disability providers are (locked into, stuck with, restricted by) reimbursement rates set by the State of Ohio.

  • Only action by state officials can resolve this issue!

  • As such, please request that the state legislators protect the health and safety of people with developmental disabilities by supporting a historic investment is service reimburse-ment, allowing providers to recruit and retain quality Direct Support Professionals.