SOAG Southern Ohio Advocacy Group

12/15/2025

The SOAG Holiday Party is tomorrow at 11:00 am at the Chillicothe Library Annex.
RVSP to Kelli at kgothard@socog.org if you plan to attend.

12/11/2025

An opportunity to advocate

https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0iDrHAJRzcERgMu

12/09/2025

DODD added an advocacy page to our website to support your personal mission and vision.

Advocacy means speaking up for a cause or group to help create change in your community, an organization, or government. On this page, you'll find helpful tips to guide you on your advocacy journey, as well as state resources related to disability and self-advocacy.

Learn more at dodd.ohio.gov/your-family/advocacy/advocacy-mission-vision.

12/05/2025

11/05/2025

The Patrol is proud to be part of Ohio’s Blue Envelope Program, a statewide initiative designed to support individuals with developmental disabilities during traffic stops and emergency situations by enhancing communication and reducing anxiety.

Participants carry a blue envelope containing key documents and information about their condition. This allows troopers to quickly understand how to best interact with the community member.

Each packet includes:
🔹 A blue envelope for documents and accommodation notes
🔹 A car decal to alert first responders
🔹 A program overview brochure

These envelopes are available for free through your local County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

10/24/2025

Thank you NBC4 for bringing attention to our program.

The Hilliard Division of Police (HPD) is now offering Ohio’s Blue Envelope Program, a program aimed at making traffic stops and emergency situations less stressful. https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/hilliard/new-program-by-hilliard-police-aims-to-ease-communication-for-disabled-individuals/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_NBC4

10/23/2025

Make Halloween fun for everyone! Communication boards help people share their needs, choices, and ideas using pictures or symbols. DODD has created a Halloween-themed communication board so everyone can join in the spooky fun and feel included in community activities.

Find the communication boards here: https://dodd.ohio.gov/about-us/communication/communication-boards/communication-boards

10/22/2025

At the October SOAG meeting, our members were recognized by SOCOG, ODDC, and Chillicothe Chief of Police Ron Meyers for their contributions to the implementation of Ohio's Blue Envelope Program.
SOAG launched the state-wide Blue Envelope Program on May 5, 2025 making Blue Envelope Packets available for free to all individuals with disabilities throughout the state of Ohio. County Boards of DD have partnered with SOAG to distribute packets to the people they serve.
To date, over 35,000 packets have been distributed and 79 of Ohio's counties are using this Blue Envelope program or a similar program.
Ohio's Blue Envelope Program is the result of the efforts of SOAG members who were part of the development, implementation, and distribution of the program. They were recognized at the meeting with the presentation of a Blue Envelope Pin and advocacy award.
To get your free Blue Envelope Packet, visit or call your local board of DD office.

10/21/2025

The zoom meeting started late due to technical difficulties with my computer. Sorry for the delay

10/16/2025

Spectrum News ran a story today on our Blue Envelope Program.

Ohio's Blue Envelope Program focuses on making traffic stops and other encounters between law enforcement and drivers with disabilities safer and less stressful.

10/14/2025

Columbus station 10TV featured our Blue Envelope Program.

The initiative was driven by concerns from people with disabilities who worry about being misunderstood during interactions with law enforcement.