In this episode of Ohio DD Talks, host Shari Cooper sits down with four current members of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council for a candid conversation about what it really means to serve — and why it matters. Noriko Kantake, Jennifer Kucera, Madge George, and Morgan Deavers share their personal stories, break down how the Council works, and make the case for why more people with disabilities and their families should get involved.

Host: Shari Cooper Guests: Noriko Kantake, Jennifer Kucera, Madge George, Morgan Deavers

Key Topics

The Council's Origins: Jennifer traces the Ohio DD Council back to the Kennedy administration, when people with disabilities began demanding the right to speak for themselves. That push led to the federal DD Act, which established councils in every state and gave people with disabilities and their families real power over how DD funding is spent.

How the Council Works: Council members hear project proposals, vote on funding, and serve as an advisory body to the governor. Nearly all members are appointed by the governor, and at least 60% must be people with DD or their family members — including one member who has lived in an institution, a role Jennifer fills based on her own experience.

Projects Making a Difference: Council members highlight funded initiatives from across the state, including Athens On Demand Transit, which provides door-to-door transportation for people with disabilities — not just for medical appointments, but for everyday life. Noriko shares a memorable moment watching an elderly couple arrive at a movie theater thanks to the service.

Why Representation Matters: Morgan and Noriko both emphasize that Council members represent all 88 counties of Ohio, and that the lived experience people bring from their home regions — rural or urban — shapes the decisions the Council makes. How one county operates is not how all counties operate.

What It's Like to Join: Madge, one of the newer members, talks about how her SSAs encouraged her to apply and how the Council gave her a way to use her voice without backlash. Jennifer and Morgan, who joined around the same time in 2022, describe it as a welcoming space for people at any stage of their advocacy journey.

Advice for Prospective Members: Just do it. Whether you are brand new to advocacy or have been doing this work for years, the Council is a place to learn, connect, and make a real difference — not just for today, but for generations to come.

How to Get Involved: Council meetings are hybrid and open to the public. They take place in February, April, June, August, and October. You can attend virtually or in person in Columbus. The Ohio DD Council is currently accepting applications for board membership.

Why It Matters

The Ohio DD Council was built on the idea that the people most affected by disability policy should have a hand in shaping it. This episode is a warm, honest, and inspiring look at what that principle looks like in practice — told by four people living it.

Resources and Links

• Ohio DD Council Website — Find meeting links, agendas, and the board member application on the homepage