(Sandusky, OH) - Advocates and county employees worked together to prove the worth of the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities by sharing invaluable experiences and knowledge at the 2025 Synergy Conference in Sandusky, Ohio, from October 1 to 3, 2025. 

The annual Synergy event is an inclusive conference that aims to introduce communities to new perspectives and solutions with session topics like exploring technology, planning for your future, self-care, how to navigate waivers, health equity, community employment, and more.

Several Warren County employees attended to give presentations and to support individuals served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Members of The Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group also experienced the conference and shared their own experiences, allowing Warren County’s impact to resonate throughout the conference at the Kalahari Resort.

Ishika shares experience with Charting the Life Course

Advocate Ishika Sharma co-led a session titled, “Your Story, Your Strengths, Your Voice: Creating your Charting the Life Course One-Pager.” This session invited participants to hear from Sharma and Latisha Brown from the Ohio DD Council about their experiences with employment, healthy living, advocacy, and how creating a one-pager helps them to achieve their goals in different aspects of life. 

A one-pager is a simple, easy-to-read sheet that shares important information about a person on a single page. It usually includes sections like what people like about me, what’s important to me, how to support me, and my goals. Its purpose is to help an individual communicate their needs at home, work, school, and in the community.

“My one-pager helps take things into more perspective and they learn more about you,” Sharma said. “That’s why I think the purpose of this is to share with who you interact with in daily life, even if it’s just your family members or your co-workers.”

WCBDD staff host Escape Room and independent living session

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator Susan Meyer designed the Hut Hop Escape Room aimed at “unlocking skills for independent living.” Meyer planned this event as a member of the Vibe Tribe Engagement Committee.

The escape room experience encouraged participants to work as a team to help a fictional character living with a disability named Sandy with a busy day at her new home, including going to the park, grocery store, bank, and pharmacy. The goal of the activity was to build essential skills for independent living, supported decision-making, teamwork, and self-determination.

As an escape room enthusiast, Meyer developed the Escape Room game to create a fun, inclusive experience that allows people of all abilities to develop new independent living skills. Participants worked together to solve puzzles that allowed the fictional character Sandy to navigate living on her own.

Meyer and SSA Manager Kellie Hampton guided participants in the correct direction throughout the session and Clearwater Council of Governments assisted with manning each station of the Escape Room.

Advocate Kelley Castle, who attended the escape room experience, said she enjoyed the variety of puzzles, which reminded her of a forensics investigation game. She said she has struggled with working with a team in the past and typically prefers to work independently. However, she said the activity helped her to work as a team and ensured everyone in her group participated. 

Castle attended the session independently and was paired with a group to complete the experience. She expressed that she would like to try the escape room again with her fellow advocates when the group returns home to Warren County.

Meyer hopes to host the Escape Room again at the 2026 Synergy event.

On the third and last day of the conference, the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Residential Options Coordinator Lori Carr joined Meyer and Hampton to present a session titled “Pathways to Independence: Navigating Life Skills, Housing, and Financial Planning.” The session aimed to equip individuals with the tools needed to successfully navigate the journey to independent living, including budgeting, managing daily tasks, accessing support systems, housing options, and financial planning strategies.

Meyer, who manages the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Smart Technology Studio, also highlighted the tools inside the studio, where other similar Ohio resources are located, and the role of assistive technology in enhancing independence and improving accessibility.

Michael shares AI music

Advocate Michael Yeamans, the newest member of the Ohio Tech Ambassadors, set up a booth 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.

Luke and Jacob recognized with awards

Two advocates from Warren County were surprised to win two of the five Synergy Awards, presented by Sharon Travis of Southwestern Ohio Council of Governments, highlighting the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ impact at the conference.

Advocate Luke Marshall was awarded with the Ultimate Teammate Award for his advocacy work as the president of the Voices Speaking Out.

“He ensures that everyone's voice is heard at Voices Speaking Out meetings and does a great job at leading in a productive direction. He is always the most positive person in the room, radiating positive energy to others around him,” Travis said. “If not working, he attends events and is a great team player. He encourages collaboration and is always willing to learn and grow.”

This is not the first time Marshall has been recognized for his teamwork and leadership skills- he was also awarded the Team Player Award at the first annual Open House Award Ceremony on March 11, 2025, and the Rachel Rice Advocacy Award in 2023.

Advocate Jacob Smith was awarded with the Achievement Award for his work through the Voices Speaking Out and his YouTube channel @CookFromJacob, which is dedicated to making unique dishes, sharing recipes, and traveling. 

“He is captivating, educational, and has a funny side,” Travis said. “Jacob uses his platform to help change perceptions of autism and to advocate for himself and others.”

In one video dedicated to disability awareness, Smith said, “In today's society, we are proud to be accepted and treated equally, and not segregated or hidden. We focus on common interests, characteristics, and personality, not disability. Ableism will not be tolerated.”

Warren County advocates who attended Synergy ranged from first-timers to people who have attended several Synergy conferences. Regardless of experience, everyone was excited for three days of education, independence, and fun. 

Despite only having 11 advocates at the event, attendees could see the neon-green Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities advocacy shirts dotted across the conference. Advocates spoke up during sessions to share their experiences, networked, made new friends, and made full use of the Synergy experience.

Outside of sessions, participants enjoyed social activities, a dance party, and Ohio’s largest indoor waterpark. The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to support the Synergy conference and its mission to encourage collaboration, innovation, and positive change.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities will return to Synergy in 2026.

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