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 Hilliard 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 Franklin County –President, Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities- Consumer Representative, Ohio Department of DD Family Advisory Council, Christine moved to Franklin County in May 2009 and has been experiencing living life including all of the joys and challenges that come with it.
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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!
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