Ohio Disability Policy Candidates Forum 2026

Meet some of the candidates hoping to win your vote this fall. Learn about their understanding and intentions for the disability community.
About this Event

Ohio Disability Policy Candidates Forum 2026

Join us in person or virtually for the Ohio Disability Policy Candidates Forum 2026! This is your chance to meet and hear directly from candidates running for statewide positions about their plans and commitments to the disability community in Ohio. Whether you're passionate about advocacy, accessibility, or just want to get informed, this event is the place to be.

We hope you’ll join us for a day of connection, insight, and advocacy as we help to shape the future of disability policy in Ohio.

If you cannot access this form, email, [email protected] for direct assistance.

Organizers: Center for Disability Empowerment, Disability Rights Ohio, Independence Alliance, LEAP, Ohio Association of County Boards, Ohio Disability Vote Coalition, Ohio League of Women Voters, Ohio Olmstead Task Force, Ohio Provider Resources Association, Ohio Self-Determination Association, People First Ohio, The Ability Center, The Arc of Ohio, The Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council, University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

Note: Forum organizers do not endorse any candidate or political party. This is a nonpartisan voter education event permitted under state and federal law.

Event Sponsors:

Gold:

• Ohio Association of County Boards (OACB)

Silver:

• Center for Disability Empowerment (CdE)
• Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities (FCBDD)

Bronze:

• Creative Housing
• Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a)

Agenda

🕑: 11:30 AM - 04:00 PM
Ohio Disability Policy Candidates Forum - Tentative Agenda
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Networking, Vendor Tables, and Refreshments

Info: Kick off the forum by connecting with fellow attendees, advocates, and members of Ohio’s disability community. Stroll through our curated selection of vendor tables, where organizations and businesses share resources, services, and products relevant to people with disabilities. Enjoy a variety of hors d’oeuvres and beverages as you mingle, ask questions, and spark new collaborations. This hour is all about building relationships and discovering what’s new and noteworthy in Ohio’s disability policy landscape.

🕑: 12:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Candidate Forum: Disability Policy Q&A

Info: At 12:30 sharp, we’ll move to the main event: a series of focused conversations with candidates running for key statewide offices, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, and Senate. Each candidate will address a set of prearranged questions, all centering on disability policy and issues that matter most to Ohioans with disabilities.This is your chance to hear directly from those seeking to lead our state—how they plan to address accessibility, inclusion, employment, healthcare, education, voting rights, and more. The format ensures every candidate has equal time to answer and engage, allowing for a clear comparison of their positions and priorities. Attendees are encouraged to take notes, reflect on the responses, and consider how each candidate’s vision aligns with the needs of Ohio’s disability community.