Disabilities board president visiting DC

TIFFIN — Erin Simmons, president of the Seneca County Board of Developmental Disabilities, has been selected to participate in the Federal Legislative Advocacy Partnership in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 9-10. Simmons, who also serves as Parent Mentor for the North Central Ohio Educational Service Center and as a trustee with the Ohio Association of County Boards, will join other Ohio leaders for two days of training, networking and meetings with federal lawmakers. The partnership is designed to strengthen advocacy on issues affecting individuals with disabilities and their families. Representatives from the Independent Living Network, Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, Disability Rights Ohio and other agencies will collaborate with Simmons to present policy priorities to congressional staff and elected officials. Simmons, a longtime advocate for families navigating education and disability services, said she is eager to share local perspectives at the national level. "This is a tremendous opportunity to represent Ohio and to advocate for policies that improve the lives of individuals with disabilities," she said. "I'm honored to represent Seneca County and the families I work with every day."