While many things are changing around us, one thing remains constant - and that is OCALI's unwavering commitment to inspire change and promote access for people with disabilities. Supporting our community and bringing hope and inspiration to the people we serve is more important than ever.
With remote learning in our schools and families now working from home, OCALI is here to connect families and caregivers with accessible materials, online learning, and other resources. We want to ensure that you have what you need to best support the family members and people that you live with, love, and care for during this unprecedented time.
From tips and ideas, to specific resources and strategies, and inspiring quotes and funny stories, our team is excited to share these resources with you.
Our staff and the people we serve represent a wide range of disabilities, ages, races, backgrounds, and experiences. Because of this, we strive to lead by example and demonstrate respect and care for one another by sharing a wide range of information and resources. The non-OCALI resources shared through our #HereToHelp campaign does not indicate an advertisement or endorsement by OCALI.
Assistive Technology Consideration Series: Beyond the Checkbox
The Assistive Technology and Accessible Educational Materials Center (AT&AEM Center) at OCALI is hosting AT Consideration Series: Beyond the Checkbox. This series will guide participants through the AT Consideration process, including the six steps of the AT Decision-Making Tool (ATDMT). Sessions begin September 17, 2025, and continue through March 11, 2025, on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. For more details and registration, visit here.
Your Voice. Your Family. Your Impact.
Family Engagement Survey from the Interagency Work Group on Autism (IWGA) and OCALI
Every family’s journey with autism is unique. By sharing yours, you help us understand what families truly need.
Why now?
Because the resources, connections, and supports we build depend on what we hear from families like yours. Voices like yours have helped guide us before and we are checking in to make sure we are still on the right track.
Your Opinion Matters!
Take a few minutes to help shape what comes next. Start Survey
FREE Virtual Professional Development Series!
The Assistive Technology and Accessible Educational Materials Center (AT&AEM Center) at OCALI is pleased to host AT Consideration Series: Beyond the Checkbox, which takes a deep dive into the AT consideration process framed around the six steps of the AT Decision-Making Tool (ATDMT). Sessions begin
September 17, 2025 and continue through March 11, 2025.
This series will guide participants through the AT Consideration process, including the six steps of the ATDMT, to build confidence in decision-making and clarify the next steps. Whether or not you're currently using the tool, each session offers valuable insights into the core components of AT consideration, with opportunities to engage with hosts and fellow participants, plus a dedicated Q&A segment at the end of each session.
All sessions are Wednesdays from 3:30pm - 4:15pm
September 17, 2025 – Getting Started with AT Consideration: Identifying the task
October 8, 2025 – Technology Everywhere: When Universal Tools become AT
December 10, 2025 – Deep Dive: AT Assessment Essentials
January 14, 2026 – Unpacking Accessible Educational Materials
February 18, 2026 – Deep Dive: Identifying Accessible Formats
March 11, 2026 – Making it Count: Documenting in the IEP
AAC and Young Children: Supporting Communication in Infants and Toddlers
This course, from the OCALI Education Station, introduces the foundations of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for infants and toddlers with complex communication needs. Participants will explore how AAC can be used from the earliest stages of development, learn to recognize when AAC may be needed, and discover strategies for introducing AAC within everyday routines and play. The course also addresses common myths and highlights the role of caregivers and teams in building strong early communication foundations. You can access the module here.
NewsFlash!
NewsFlash!
Our first statewide cross-agency in-person event brought together youth and young adults with disabilities from across Ohio to learn, connect, and speak up for themselves—and it was a huge success!
OHIO YOUTH VOICE ALERT!
This event was — packed with connection, learning, and self-advocacy power!
“I loved meeting others who understand me!”
“It felt amazing to share my voice.”
Statewide partners joined forces to make this happen, including:
The Arc of Ohio • DD Council • FRNO • OACB • OCALI • OCECD • ODEW • ONI • OSDA • OSU Family Engagement Center • OOD • SST 7 • SDMNO • UCCEDD • DODD
Now it’s YOUR turn!
Don’t miss our next statewide opportunity to connect with peers, grow your leadership skills, and make your voice count. Express your interest in participating by emailing Amy Freeman – amyf@ocecd.org
Let’s make the next event even bigger and louder for youth voice in Ohio! Facebook/Social Media Be part of our next big event—meet new friends, grow your leadership skills, and make your voice heard.
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