Southern Ohio Advocacy Group

Southern Ohio Advocacy Group is a committee of the Southern Ohio Council of Governments that promotes advocacy efforts and encourages people with disabilities to speak up for themselves. The members are made up of people with disabilities, family members, private providers and natural supports. Ohio counties that are represented in the group include: Adams, Brown, Clinton, Fayette, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, and Scioto.

Committee Information

Advisors:

Co-Facilitator: Kelli Gothard – SOCOG, kgothard@socog.org
Co-Facilitator: Travis Dresbach – SOCOG, Pickaway County, tdresbach@pickawaydd.org

2026 MEETING DATES:

MEETINGS WILL BE FROM 11AM-12:30Pm - see login instructions below for virtual meetings - location for in-person meetings will be at the Chillicothe and Ross Co Public Library, Annex Room B, 140 S Paint Street in Chillicothe, Ohio. (unless otherwise noted below)

In-person & zoom: January 20 - (Guest Speaker: Molly Carroll from Safe in Home)
In-person & zoom: February 17
In-person & zoom: March 17
In-person & zoom: April 21
In-person & zoom: May 19
In-person only: June 16 - "On the Road" at Scioto County's Summer Kick-Off
In-person & zoom: July 21
In-person & zoom: August 18
In-person only: September 22 - Yoctangee Park (Mobile Smart Home and SOAG Picnic)
In-person & zoom: October 20
In-person & zoom: November 17
In-person: December 15 - Holiday Party

ZOOM MEETING LOGIN - this login is to be used until further notice

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87250551628?pwd=aFRZTHRtbGxiL010aGRQTmdvTFVpZz09

Meeting ID: 872 5055 1628
Passcode: 438986

Resources

Stable Account: https://www.stableaccount.com/
Project STIR: https://www.osdaohio.org/project-stir/

Small Envelope Makes Big Difference

Advocacy Group Brings Safety Initiative to Ohio Roadways

Flashing lights approaching behind your vehicle give all of us a little jolt of anxiety – no matter the situation. Imagine that anxiety amplified knowing that your ability to communicate with officers may be hindered by your disability. Thousands of drivers throughout Ohio know this feeling – and a simple blue envelope can help.

The Southern Ohio Council of Governments (SOCOG) is pleased to announce the launch of the Blue Envelope Program across the state of Ohio. The program uses communication tools to assist individuals with developmental disabilities during interactions with law enforcement and emergency personnel.