SOAG Southern Ohio Advocacy Group

24/10/2025

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

23/10/2025

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

22/10/2025

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.

21/10/2025

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

16/10/2025

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.

14/10/2025

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.

09/10/2025

A story on our Blue Envelope Program is scheduled to air at on 10TV (Columbus) during the 11:00 pm news. 💙
We will post a link tomorrow.

08/10/2025

Sheriff Matthew O. Hafey is pleased to announce that the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office has the packets available! This program started in San Diego, CA and has been spreading across the United States. The Ohio Blue Envelope Program is designed to promote inclusion. It serves as an enhanced communication awareness tool between law enforcement and community members. Disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder dementia, a physical disability, or mental health conditions that might require additional accommodations or awareness during law enforcement interactions.

These envelopes are available free of charge at the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office administration offices M-F 8-4 or anytime in the lobby of the Pickaway County Jail. A huge thank you to Pickaway County Developmental Disabilities for providing this valuable resource to our community.

18/09/2025

We are pleased to announce that an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be available for our upcoming 11:00 a.m. worship services.
By providing ASL interpretation, we aim to ensure that everyone can participate fully in our services.

We invite you to join us this Sunday and experience our worship in a way that is accessible to everyone.
We look forward to seeing you there!

For questions about the ASL ministry at Real Joy Community Fellowship,
Phone: (740)663-6333
Email: the church at: info@real-joy.org
or
Jeffery Burns at: mrjeffreyburns@gmail.com

16/09/2025

Tim Steward from the Fayette County Board of DD brought SOCOG’s Mobile Smart Home to our September meeting. THS recently updated the home with their latest technology.
For more information on the Mobile Smart Home or how to bring it to your event, contact Tim at tstewart@fchcdd.org.