Ohio DD Talks

In this episode of Ohio DD Talks, host Shari Cooper sits down with four current members of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council for a candid conversation about what it really means to serve — and why it matters. Noriko Kantake, Jennifer Kucera, Madge George, and Morgan Deavers share their personal stories, break down how the Council works, and make the case for why more people with disabili...

In this episode of Ohio DD Talks, host Shari Cooper sits down with three advocates who know firsthand how complicated — and consequential — the rules governing disability support services can be. Renee Wood, a well-known Ohio disability advocate and two-time author; Dana Charlton, Executive Director of the Ohio Self-Determination Association; and Nicholas Comstock, speaker and podcaster, join Shar...

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...

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...

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, S...

Getting quality healthcare that actually meets your needs can be a real challenge—especially for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In this Part 2 episode, we follow up on our 2024 interview with StationMD by bringing you the latest updates from their team. Dr. Deven Unadkat, President and Chief Medical Officer, joins host Shari Cooper to share how StationMD has expande...

In this episode of Ohio DD Talks , we continue the conversation on accessibility and inclusion with Changing Spaces: Part 2 . Host Shari Cooper is joined by experts and advocates to discuss the incredible progress made in the Changing Spaces movement, which is working to ensure that people with disabilities have access to Universal Changing Tables in public spaces across Ohio. Since our last discu...

Navigating Social Security and Medicaid benefits can be overwhelming, especially when considering employment. In this episode, we dive into the Ohio Disability Benefits 101 (DB101) Integration Project and how it is helping people with disabilities understand their financial and employment options. Nicholas Love joins the conversation to share insights about DB101, employment myths, and the importa...

In this inspiring episode of Ohio DD Talks , Shari Cooper chats with Josh Young, Director of Operations for the Ohio Network for Innovation (ONI). Together, they delve into the importance of supported decision-making, its role as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship, and ONI's creative approaches to empowering individuals with disabilities to make their own life decisions. From the...

In this episode of Ohio DD Talks: Ambassador Edition, host Shari Cooper guides a conversation about the My Life. My Story. Storytelling Workshop, which is helping people with developmental disabilities in Ohio share their experiences in their own unique ways; and helping to build connection, empowerment, and inclusion. Shari is joined by Dr. Becca Monteleone, Assistant Professor of Disability Stud...

In this episode of Ohio DD Talks , host Shari Cooper talks about the huge difference that universal changing tables are making for people with disabilities in Ohio. The adult-sized tables are being installed in public places across the state, giving people with disabilities more freedom and dignity when they need to use the restroom. Shari is joined by disability advocates, local leaders and a par...

In the latest episode of Ohio DD Talks, hosts Shari Cooper and Marci Straughter are joined by Dr. Maulik Trivedi, the Chief Strategy Officer of StationMD. StationMD is revolutionizing medical care for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) by providing high-quality telehealth services that cater to the unique needs of patients and their caregivers.  Dr. Trivedi shares th...

Content Warning: Abuse, neglect, and violent crimes. Welcome everyone to another episode of Ohio DD Talks! Today's episode welcomes Katherine Yoder, Executive Director and Leigha Shoup,  Deputy Director from the Adult Advocacy Centers here in Ohio. They are joining us to share more about their organization and how it helps people with developmental disabilities and even how people with disabi...

Content Warning: Abuse, trauma, discussion about inappropriate vocabulary regarding people with disabilities Welcome everyone to another episode of Ohio DD Talks! Today's episode welcomes Katherine Yoder, Executive Director and Leigha Shoup,  Deputy Director from the Adult Advocacy Centers here in Ohio. They are joining us to share more about their organization and how it helps people with de...

Welcome everyone to another episode of Ohio DD Talks! Today's episode welcomes Cara Whalen Smith, Project Director at Ohio State University Medical Center, who is joining us to discuss a new initiative around inclusive sports for youth with disabilities!  OSUMC's Government Resource Center just released a survey to understand what inclusive sports looks like for Ohio's youth with di...

Welcome everyone to another episode of Ohio DD Talks! Today's episode we are focusing on a crisis in the developmental disability community that has been affecting all of us in our everyday lives. The developmental disabilities nursing crisis is affecting individuals with DD and their families across Ohio. Today, Mackenzie Burness and Stephanie Hosley, of Ohio State University Medical Center...

Nathan Turner sits down with producer Wes Nelson to discuss his new position with DoDD, reflect on his time as host of Ohio DD Talks, and set a plan for the future of the podcast.  Thank you for being such a great host, Nate, and congratulations on the new position!

Welcome back to Ohio DD Talks for 2023!  In this month's episode, hosts Nathan Turner and Marci Straughter will meet ODDC Council Member, Jennifer Kucera. 

This month's episode will be spotlights on some of our host Nathan's favorite DD Talks moments over the past year. We can't wait to relive some of the highlights of this year with you! 

This month our host, Nathan Turner, sits down with Renee Wood and Bethany Toledo, Executive Director at Ohio Alliance of Direct Support Professionals. Join us as we talk about the DSP crisis and what we can do about it. 

Join our host, Nathan Turner, as he sits down with Kyle Pigman and Kevin Truitt of Disability Rights Ohio to talk about all things voting!

Mother-and-son duo, Jackie and Justin Martin, join host Nathan Turner in the latest Ohio DD Talks podcast to speak about advocating for IEPs and what parents need to know. Learn from the Martins experiences and advice!

Nathan Turner speaks with James Harley about the Ohio Advocacy Task Force for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Ohio DD Talks - Building Healthy Relationships Barbara Thomas talks about about building healthy relationships.