[Ohio-talk] {Disarmed} Fw: A Message From Governor Strickland

[Dr. JW Smith]

Ted Strickland for Governorfyi

jw

Dr. J. Webster Smith
President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
P.O.BOX 458 Athens, Ohio, 45701-0458
Phone Number - 740-592-6326 
"Changing What it Means to be Blind"
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Strickland for Governor 
To: JW Smith 
Sent: Monday, October 11, 2010 3:12 PM
Subject: A Message From Governor Strickland



              


            What follows is a message from Ted Strickland. We know that you may be a part of an association that does not endorse. While we recognize this, we do ask that you consider sharing this letter with your members just as you would share information from any candidate.
             
            Dear Friends in Ohio's Disability Community,
             
            I have appreciated the opportunity to work with and be a part of Ohio’s disability community for the past four years as Governor. I believe that leadership is important, particularly a style of leadership that brings people together to create an environment where ideas are openly shared, where differing opinions are welcomed, and civil discourse is encouraged.  By listening to one another, we have grown significantly in many ways together. 
             
            This is exactly the reason why I appointed John Martin to lead the Department of Developmental Disabilities and Michael Rench to lead the Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC).  In the spirit of working together and making sure that everyone’s voices were heard, both of these leaders in Ohio’s disability community have toured the state, listening and learning from the collective wisdom of almost 2,000 people in the community, gathering your input to shape Ohio’s disability initiatives.
             
            With your help, we have been able to accomplish many things.  In the developmental disability community, we have decreased the size of our state-operated developmental centers by 18% in a responsible manner while increasing the number of individuals served in our waver program by over 30%.  We have maintained our goal to return people to their community, not isolate them from our communities. We have supported the provision of early intervention services in natural environments, and have supported collaborative efforts of local entities who are working together to share strengths and operate more efficiently. 
             
            We implemented the National Core Indicators allowing Ohio to benchmark its services with those of other states, helping us move forward in ways that are informed by data, not just guesses.   We have banned the use of prone restraints and invested heavily in helping our citizens with disabilities utilize their untapped potential to become a valuable part of Ohio's workforce. 
             
            At RSC, our focus on individuals with significant disabilities has opened the door for hundreds of individuals around the state to obtain gainful employment.  Mini-grants have been made available for individuals to start their own business, and transition programs from school to work are better preparing our young people for meaningful employment.
             
            RSC improved services from the customers’ perspective, simplified processes and invested millions more in self employment and creative customized employment. Michael Rench is actively engaging Ohio’s Centers for Independent Living in improving Ohio’s disability employment and independent living services, increasing access and opportunities for all citizens.
             
            In short, we as a community, supporting each other, have moved forward together in significant ways.  Like the rest of Ohio, we have had to deal with significant issues, and our ability to work together has made us stronger, and much good work has occurred thanks to everyone’s efforts. 

            Please help us continue our work together by voting to keep in place the creative, collaborative and caring leadership team that is the hallmark of our Administration. Election day is November 2nd and early vote has already started, so you, your friends and your family can now go to your board of elections to vote anytime between now and election day. Your vote is important to ensuring that the work we have started together continues over the next four years.


            Sincerely,



            Ted Strickland
            Governor
             
             





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