People First of Ohio promotes speaking up and using your voice to promote change. ACBDD hosts The Just Do It Crew, a People First chapter that meets the 3rd Thursday of the month to support one another in advocacy. A popular advocate that takes responsibility for his life and wants to help others was elected to the Board of People First of Ohio representing the northwest region.
James Gephart is an active member of his community who loves to meet people and will represent the area well. On top of being appointed to this new position, James is also the Aktion Club secretary, a volunteer for Capabilities, a trainer and leader for Project Stir and a presenter for APPLE. Every year James works at the Ohio State Fair as a ticket taker and the Allen County Fair taking ride tickets. James has also been employed with Meijer for two and a half years.
In starting this new role, James is excited to meet the fellow members of the board and start collaborating on advocacy efforts. James said he would “like to learn more about People First and maybe through that might be able to learn more about myself.”
When asked what self-advocacy means to him, James shared that it is “being able to speak up for yourself, and helping others speak up for themselves.” He is also hoping that this position and working with others from People First will help him grow in being able to speak up for himself.
Congratulations, James!
For more information about People First of Ohio or Just Do It Crew, contact Sue Savinsky 419-221-1385 ext. 2359.