Self Advocate of the Year

Christine A. Brown, Owner of Brown-Cooley Associates in Self-Determination is well known to many in the 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 Grandview Heights Ohio in Franklin County 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. Also she got the Award of completion on the OSDA Board in 2010 and Oct. 2010 she received Individual of the Year from PAR She is affiliated with several organizations and projects to promote concepts related to self-determination. Organizations include: Ohio Self Determination Association - Central Region Chair; People First of Franklin County –Member , Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities Self Advocate Advisory Council Representing OSDA, and recently got promoted on the Central Ohio Transit Authority board, Christine has been in Franklin County since May 2009 and has been experiencing living life including all of the joys and challenges that come with it but she always is thinking on improving the lives of people with disabilities

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 has been an Associate with Brown-Cooley Associates since 2007. He brings a great background and great skills to the business. He has worked with the Ohio MRDD System for over 20 years and has self-advocated for over 30 years for individuals with and without disabilities He currently lives in Toledo Ohio where he has worked with the Lucas County board of MRDD as a Self-Advocate over 30 years. He has also worked with the Mayor of Toledo on the mayors commission of disabilities counsel. Ruben got Elected on the Arc of Lucas County board in Oct. 2008 and he was one of the founding members of People First of Ohio and Toledo Ruben receieved in 2006 a special recognition from the Lucas County Board of MRDD for presentation of the Rights brothers, In 2001 got 14 years of service with the EAAC council of Lot Industires and the 2008 Steven R. Cooley Award from Ohio Self-Determination Association

• 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.