Self Advocate of the Year

Christine A. Brown, Owner of Brown-Cooley Associates in Self-Determination is well known to many in the MR/DD service system. Christine has been advocating for people with disabilities since 1994. She has a passion for advocating change and seeing choices for people with disabilities. She lives in Lancaster and has worked with county boards and the local officials, including the mayor to foster awareness for disabilities issues affecting people in her community. Christine received Ohio Public Images’ 2005 Self-Advocate of the Year Award, as well as the 2006 Steven R founding co-owner. She is also affiliated with several organizations and projects to promote concepts related to self-determination. Organizations include: Ohio Self Determination Association – board member; People First of Fairfield County –President, Lancaster City Council – Consumer Member, Fairfield County MRDD Transporation Advisory Committee, Ohio Department of MRDD Family Advisory Council, Christine moved into her own apartment in 2004 and has been experiencing living life including all of the joys and challenges that come with it.

Steven R. Cooley was the founding co-owner of Brown–Cooley Associates in Self-Determination. Unfortunately, Steve passed away in September of 2005 after realizing his dream to establish his own company. Steve was also very proud of his work at The Ohio State University, Nisonger Center where he taught students about services and rights for people with disabilities. Steve spoke at statewide as well as national conferences on topics related to Self-Determination. Steve was always a hard worker but even a better friend. He genuinely cared about others and the lives that they led. He felt strongly about the fact that people should be able to make their own decisions. Steve was a great advocate for people with disabilities and a “real” human being. Thanks for the memories, Steve. You will be remembered forever!

Ruben Garcia, New associate of Brown-Cooley associate in self-determination has worked with the MR/DD system for twenty years. Ruben has self-advocated for thirty years for individuals with and without disabilities. He currently lives in Toledo, Ohio where he has worked with the Lucas County Board of MR/DD as a Self-advocate for nineteen years .He has also worked at Lott Industries for twenty years. Ruben also currently is a Member of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council for five years. He has also worked with the mayor of Toledo on the mayor's commission of disabilities counsel for a year and a half. Ruben has also worked with the ARC of Lucas County in Ohio and was also one of the founding members of People First of Ohio and Toledo. Ruben has received in 2006 a special recognition from the Lucas County Board of MR/DD for presentation of the Rights Brothers, 2001 self-advocate of the year second place from the Public Images and the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, and 2001 fourteen years of services with the EAAC council of Lott Industries

• Increase public awareness;
  
  
• Assist families in exploring options involving critical life situations that include transition from school to work, from living with family to becoming more independent, etc.;
  
  
• Teach individuals and families about becoming self advocates;
  
  
• Promote an understanding of how providers can best support individuals in the provision of services/support;
  
  
• Assist in the development of community membership through education and understanding by neighbors, employers, community organizers and other key participants;
  
  
• Promote education and inclusion through the sale of novelty items with poignant messages.
  
• ? Participate with Statewide Committees to promote systems change.