Congratulations to Neil Kelly and Dr. Lauren Wang, the winners of this year’s John Romer Advocacy Award! Michelle Schreffler and Elizabeth Whelpdale received honorable mentions for their advocacy work.

The John Romer Advocacy Award recognizes people whose exceptional advocacy work on behalf of themselves and others has made a significant impact on their community. HCDDS will present the awards at our Sept. 9 Board meeting and celebrate the winners at the Advocacy Summit on Sept. 23.

Advocate: Neil D. Kelly

Neil Kelly’s advocacy work is comprehensive and impactful, stemming from his leadership roles with the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), LADD’s Advocacy Committee, Independence Alliance, Deer Park City Council, and co-creating a countywide commission on accessibility.

Neil consistently elevates the voices of the disabled community, ensuring their perspectives are integrated into crucial decision-making processes that shape a more equitable and accessible world for all.

His strategic advocacy has directly contributed to creating a more inclusive community by breaking down physical and systemic barriers to participation, ensuring accessible transportation, creating tangible pathways to employment, and empowering independence.

Neil has made a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities. His advocacy underscores his commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and ensuring the voices of the disabled community are heard and acted upon.

Professional: Lauren Wang, MD

Dr. Lauren Wang is the director of UC Health’s Timothy Freeman, MD, Center for Developmental Disabilities, which recently opened a new facility to serve more patients and provide expanded services.

Without Dr. Wang’s hard work and unwavering advocacy, many adults in our community would still be lacking the critical healthcare they need as adults.

Her leadership is evident by her commitment to serving on local and national boards, working with varied medical interest groups, and providing education and training to fellow doctors, medical students and residents.

Dr. Wang has dedicated her career to providing coordinated, specialized, patient-centered care for adults with developmental disabilities, and she works tirelessly to improve outcomes and change systems that previously made healthcare access difficult.

Honorable Mention: Michelle Schreffler

Michelle Schreffler has made a transformative impact on the Cincinnati Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Through her advocacy, she’s prompted local institutions to improve communication access and fostered a more inclusive Cincinnati.

In moments of crisis or injustice, Michelle stepped in to provide guidance, amplify concerns, and help others navigate complex systems. Her personal experience is not only a tool for change, but a source of strength to uplift others facing similar barriers.

Because of her advocacy, those who previously faced isolation, discrimination, or a lack of support now have a stronger voice, greater representation, and access to vital resources. Michelle doesn’t just fight for change—she invites others into the movement and helps them see their own power to make a difference.

Honorable Mention: Elizabeth Whelpdale

Elizabeth Whelpdale empowers people by leading with empathy and showing others that being Deaf is not a limitation but a source of strength and pride. As Manager for Community Services for the Deaf at Hearing, Speech and Deaf Center, she goes beyond simply providing resources—she truly listens, understands, and walks alongside people on their journeys.

Elizabeth tirelessly advocates for access to interpreters, technology, education, and support services. She’s opened doors for many Deaf individuals, helping them find meaningful employment, access vital healthcare, and receive an education.

She shares her voice and experience on important advisory committees like the Cincinnati Accessibility Board of Advisors (CABA), the Workforce Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities (4PWD), and the Ohio Relay Advisory Committee. Her leadership has influenced policies that create more welcoming and accessible communities.

Legacy Award: Rosie Lawrence-Slater

Rosie Lawrence-Slater was an incredibly involved advocate on all levels. She focused on disability rights, supported decision-making, self-determination and other issues.

Rosie was a Project STIR trainer and part of the Ohio Self-Determination Association. She helped countless other people with disabilities who wanted to become more independent, make their own decisions, and have more control over their lives. That advocacy included herself, as she fought for years to become her own guardian.

Rosie taught her community how to show up with care and enthusiasm. Her generous spirit was a beacon to all who knew her. One of her nominations said, “I will be forever grateful to Rosie, who showed me that an advocate can have both grace and strength.”