2-26-2026 11:51am

Three Warren County Advocates Selected for People First Advocacy Training

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- Only 15 people from across the state of Ohio were chosen to take part in a special People First advocacy training this year. Three of the selected advocates are from Warren County.

The Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group in Warren County is composed of adults who receive services from The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities who meet monthly to advocate for independence and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. Advocates Grant Isaacs, Ishika Sharma, and Jacob Smith were chosen to take part in this training.

Ellen Hudson, The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities advocacy coordinator, was shocked to learn that three of the 15 available spots were earned by Warren County advocates.

“The trainings will enhance their leadership skills… It’s going to open up opportunities for them, because they’re networking with different people other than their peers in Warren County,” Hudson said. “I’m beyond proud."

Isaacs said that all three Warren County advocates met new people during the first in-person training session and discovered additional advocacy opportunities in nearby areas through their peers.

He added that his main motivation for attending the trainings is to learn about a wider range of issues within the disability community that need advocacy. Isaacs said he is especially passionate about advocating for transportation, assistive technology, and the elimination of subminimum wage.

Sharma said she hopes to learn skills from the sessions that she can share with other members of The Voices Speaking Out. Her ultimate goal is to use her newfound knowledge to work toward serving as a board member at The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

The 3-month People First training program invites the 15 selected Ohioans to six training sessions focused on advocacy-related topics, including:

Community Organizing, Advocacy, and State Legislation
The History of Developmental Disabilities
Service Coordination and Person-Centered Planning
Supported, Competitive, & Integrated Employment and Supported Living
Positioning & Behavior, Media Skills, and Assistive Technology
Federal Legislation, Parliamentary Procedure, and Serving on Boards

Smith said advocacy is an important part of following his dreams. He is hoping that participating in the Voices Speaking Out and the People First training is his first step in a well-rounded advocacy education.

People First of Ohio is a non-profit organization that supports people with disabilities to become self-advocates and community leaders. Sharma, who has previously attended People First trainings virtually, said she applied for the training opportunity to continue learning about state legislation and the Developmental Disabilities system in Ohio.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.