Warren County Voices Speaking Out Advocate Michael Yeamans is the newest member of the Ohio Tech Ambassadors, where he will serve as a mentor to promote assistive technology use and support independence.

The Ohio Tech Ambassadors are Ohioans who have developmental disabilities and discuss how they use assistive technology at home, at school, at work, and in the community. Tech Ambassadors share their personal experiences through peer-to-peer mentoring sessions across the state.

Assistive Technology refers to equipment of all kinds that enhances learning, working, and daily living for people with developmental disabilities. Some examples are screen readers, power wheelchairs, and smart door locks.

Yeamans, who is on the autism spectrum, said this is a natural position for him since he often helps family members and fellow advocates work with unfamiliar technology. He said he has been interested in technology since he received his first computer at 5 years old.

Today, he is a student at Sinclair Community College studying cybersecurity. He is planning to graduate in the spring. He aims to start a cybersecurity company that employs individuals with disabilities.

“I'm very much looking forward to helping others learn about technology,” Yeamans said. “I think the people that don't know as much about technology, they're afraid of it. They just don't know how to use it or what to do with it. We need to teach people not to be afraid of it.”

While creating the SMART Technology Studio, a space resembling a studio apartment designed to offer individuals a chance to practice using assistive technology, Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Service and Support Administration Manager Kellie Hampton asked for feedback from the Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group. She said Yeamans was a huge help.

“Just talking to him, you can tell this is such a passion of his,” Hampton said. “He’s such a great resource for people who want to learn more about technology.”

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator Susan Meyer said having a Warren County advocate as an Ohio Tech Ambassador greatly increases the county’s resource pool.

“He has the knowledge to showcase technology in a positive way,” Meyer said. “I think giving individuals we serve a real-world experience in technology can assist individuals and families that are hesitant to pursue any kind of technology option.”

As one of his first responsibilities as a tech ambassador, Yeamans attended the 2025 Synergy Conference in Sandusky, Ohio, from October 1 to 3, 2025, to share the power of artificial intelligence. Yeamans created a variety of music with AI and shared his creations with Synergy attendees, representing the ways in which AI can be utilized in daily life.

“If someone tells you you’re not capable of doing something… if they’re saying you can't go to college, if they’re saying you can’t live on your own, show them,” Yeamans said. “Talk to your service coordinator, talk to your advocacy group… talk to your legislators… every little bit helps.”

Watch his introductory interview with the Ohio Tech Ambassadors here. To contact Michael Yeamans for support with assistive technology or to request him at a speaking engagement, email Michael@OhioTechAmbassadors.org or visit OhioTechAmbassadors.org/request/.



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