National Disability Voter Registration Week
In order to bring more attention to the power of the disability vote, the week of July 15 - 19 is declared as National Disability Voter Registration Week (NDVRW) as a part of the REV UP Campaign. This week is a focused effort to get people with disabilities registered to vote, educated about elections, and prepared to cast a ballot in November or whenever there is a local election.
While there is no federal election this year, there are many special elections and local elections being held for offices locally and statewide that are as important as the federal elections. REV UP’s campaign is designed to keep voters engaged and informed in the voting process.
NDVRW is held annually during the third week of July, just before the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The REV UP Campaign, launched by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) in 2016, is a nonpartisan initiative that coordinates with national, state, and local disability organizations to increase the political power of the disability community while also engaging candidates and the media on disability issues. The Campaign focuses on voter registration, education, access, and engagement.
For more information on REV UP Campaign, download this PDF.
Executive Director Carolyn Knight presents
Kay Treanor with her retirement plaque and pen.
Ohio DD Council Says Farewell to Kay Treanor
Ohio DD Council staff member Kay Treanor will officially retire as of July 1, 2019 after 39 years of state service. She spent the last 18 years with DD Council as a policy analyst for the Children and Health Committee. Prior to working for Council, she was a drug and alcohol counselor providing therapy to inmates in Ohio’s corrections system.
“Kay has always had a special connection with families who have children with developmental disabilities, particularly those in need of or receiving early intervention services,” said Executive Director Carolyn Knight. “Over the years, her expertise in this area and her connections with families and professionals have been a valuable resource for Council and its work. She will truly be missed by Council and countless others.”
Kay is the mother of three children and has two grandchildren. Her 35-year-old son is on the autism spectrum and receives services from his county board of developmental disabilities to support him to live in his own apartment and participate in his community. Kay said that part of her decision to retire is to have more time to focus on assisting her son to ensure his supports are in place and to be more readily available for his medical and daily living needs.
Congratulations on your retirement, Kay! We thank you for your time at the Ohio DD Council and wish you the best in your next chapter of life.