Congratulations to Amy Hayden and Sean Vicente, the winners of this year’s John Romer Advocacy Award! Miara Miles and Courtney Meatchem received honorable mentions for their advocacy work.

The award recognizes people whose exceptional advocacy work on behalf of themselves and others has significantly impacted their community. HCDDS will present the awards at our Sept. 10 Board meeting and celebrate the winners at the Advocacy Summit this fall.

Advocate: Amy Hayden

Amy Hayden is an active advocate and community volunteer. She is involved with Project CARE, Neighbors in Action, Visionaries + Voices, and more. She has grown in her advocacy to take on leadership roles with Neighbors in Action and My Life magazine. Amy works incredibly hard to make sure the voices of people with disabilities in our community are heard and have opportunities to share what is important in their lives.

One judge said Amy “shows hard work, dedication and determination to their involvement in community activities, advocacy and empowering others. She demonstrates kindness generosity while empowering others to be who they are and use this voice.”

Professional: Sean Vicente

Sean Vicente is the director of the municipal division of the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office. Through his work there, he has been a selfless and compassionate advocate for people with disabilities who become involved with the criminal justice system.

Sean has helped a young man remove a criminal conviction from his record, connected another person with needed services to safely live in the community, and ensured legal representation for someone charged in another county.

His nomination said, “Sean’s advocacy within the legal system on behalf of Hamilton County residents with developmental disabilities is unsurpassed and has resulted in countless positive outcomes.”

Honorable Mention: Miara Miles

Miara Miles uses her personal experiences to improve the community for herself and others. After spending time in hospitals and a nursing home, she advocated for herself to move into her own home.

While facing her own challenges, Miara remained passionate about helping others. She created a patient advocacy and peer support program at Cincinnati Children’s and frequently speaks at events to promote inclusion for people with disabilities.

One judge said Miara shows how she “overcame struggles and challenges and used that to make a bigger impact on her community and help others.”

Honorable Mention: Courtney Meatchem

Courtney Meatchem is a provider who makes an impact on families. Earlier in her career, she worked as an independent provider showing dedication and love for two young children with autism.

When Courtney later found out one of the children was separated from the home due to behavioral issues, she advocated to be his direct support professional (DSP) and support his transition to adulthood. “My son has difficulty trusting many professionals and providers,” the father wrote, but “he loves and trusts her, which has allowed progress and independence.”

Courtney also started a provider agency, Premium Personal Care, to make an impact on the lives of others. “We need more DSPs like this one who truly care,” said one judge.