Shari Cooper, a well-known advocate in Ohio, talks about how she found her voice and passion for advocacy in this post for the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities.⠀ ⠀ "Having a disability poses its challenges. Being a black woman with a disability is a whole different ball game," she writes.⠀ ⠀ "I started advocating for myself at a young age. Little things such as speaking up at doctor's appointments, Individualized Educational Program (IEP) meetings and even ordering pizza over the phone, started my journey to become one of the sought-out advocates in Ohio."⠀ ⠀ Read her post, "Loving My Skin," on the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities website: https://www.nacdd.org/loving-my-skin-celebrating-african-american-history-month/⠀ ⠀ #developmentaldisabilities #ohio #nacdd #advocacy #blackhistorymonth #leadership #speakingup 
Our staff has been working tirelessly for the past month operating our COVID-19 vaccine clinic. As we move on to second doses, we are thankful for their endless dedication and commitment to this unprecedented effort! ⠀ ⠀ #ourteamrocks #vaccine #hcdds #cincinnati #covid19 #hamiltoncountyhealth #thankyou #dedication #community 
What a lineup for A Celebration of Inclusion in Film & Media on March 11! #repost⠀ •••⠀ @otrfilmfest We’re pumped to have stars from Netflix’s Raising Dion, Orange is the New Black, CripTales, America’s Got Talent + more for ✨A Celebration of Inclusion in Film & Media✨ on March 11!⠀ •••⠀ PLUS performances by Indigo Girls, Sweet Honey in the Rock and BETTY.⠀ •••⠀ Don’t miss out - get your tickets at the link in our bio. 
Hi! I am Miranda, and I am relatively new to the Benefits Team, but I am not new to Medicaid and SNAP Benefits from my prior role at @hamiltoncojfs. While working remotely my work space is a little cramped, but I love the convenience of working from home! Sometimes working in my PJs while assisting individuals and their families is the best!⠀ ⠀ Thanks for following along—we hope you enjoyed learning about the HCDDS Benefits Team!⠀ ⠀ #hcdds #takeover #workfromhome #benefits #team #helpingothers #remotework #pjs 
The most important correspondences come from Job and Family Services. Our Benefits Representatives come into Support Center daily to open and scan the mail so that notices are reviewed in a timely manner.⠀ ⠀ Sore fingers and thumbs!⠀ ⠀ #hcdds #takeover #benefits #attheoffice #mailday #cincinnati #eastwalnuthills #notices 
My name is Kaylie Trinkle, and I’ve been with HCDDS for more than eight years. I started at Jackson Adult Center and moved to Support Center as the receptionist before I landed in the Benefits Department, where I’ve been for four years. ⠀ ⠀ We help people we serve by maintaining Medicaid and SNAP Benefits for them. I enjoy being in a position that really benefits those we support, and I know that we really ease the stress of families and providers.⠀ ⠀ #hcdds #takeover #workfromhome #benefits #teamwork #medicaid #snap #ohio #hereforyou 
Hi, I’m Renee Dunn-Blackwell and I’m starting day 2 of our takeover. My current role is Benefits Representative in the Medicaid, Contracts, and SSA Department. I help obtain and maintain an individual’s Medicaid for people with and without waivers. I’ve worked for HCDDS for almost 21 years and have made some long-lasting friendships—some are like family!⠀ ⠀ Working from home is one of the many changes I’ve experienced over the years, and I LOVE working from home. I find myself being even more focused and productive. I mean, who doesn’t like working in their sweats?!? I’ve also learned how to use technology to do my work, such as Adobe programs, converting documents to different formats and virtual meetings on Zoom. ⠀ ⠀ The technology of today! ⠀ ⠀ #hcdds #takeover #benefits #team #remotework #helpingothers #technology #workfriends #focus 
My name is Teresa Schlemmer and I serve in a dual role within the department. I have been a Benefits Representative for 11 years, and in this role, I process waiver applications, conduct Medicaid and SNAP benefits for the people our agency serves.⠀ ⠀ My other role is Benefits Analyst, where I’ve been since receiving my Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC) certification in 2016. I calculate work earnings for someone when they start employment, increase/decrease in their hours they work, and/or get a raise. Social Security and Medicaid benefits are often impacted by these scenarios, so when I conduct these sessions with people, we look at many eligible benefits and how work impacts them all.⠀ ⠀ Through both positions, I thoroughly enjoy navigating through difficult and challenging situations and working closely with people we support and their families.⠀ ⠀ #hcdds #takeover #workfromhome #benefits #teamwork #analyst #workincentive #impact #cincinnati #uptothechallenge #community 
During the pandemic, our team needed to create safe ways to collect important documentation so people can keep their Medicaid and Food Assistance benefits. People we support can return items electronically, but we also have a drop-off box for paperwork at our Support Center, 1520 Madison Road. Because of the snow, we're closed today, but our building is usually open from 8 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday if you need to drop off paperwork. ⠀ ⠀ Hope everyone is staying safe and warm today!⠀ ⠀ #hcdds #takeover #dropbox #paperwork #hereforyou #benefits #cincinnati #medicaid #foodassistance