Spotlight on Cincinnati Pride Festival: Celebrating Every Identity

Pride

In June, TruCare Provider Services proudly joined the vibrant crowds at the Cincinnati Pride Festival. With countless rainbow flags, our team connected with hundreds of community members, many who are both members of the LGBTQ+ and Disability Communities. Being there wasn’t just symbolic; it was a declaration that every part of who we are deserves celebration and support.

Disability and LGBTQ+ status aren’t separate experiences, they overlap in ways that shape access, well-being, and community integration. People with disabilities who also identify as LGBTQ+ often face unique challenges, from finding accessible safe spaces to overcoming combined stigma. By showing up at Pride, we acknowledged those dual identities and affirmed that TruCare stands for inclusion in its fullest sense.

Throughout the festival, our awesome staff volunteers engaged in conversations about the park’s unique accessibility, shared information about our services, and listened to your stories. As we reflect on Cincinnati Pride, let’s carry forward the lessons learned: true inclusivity requires more than ramps, it needs empathy, awareness, and ongoing dialogue. We invite everyone to keep discussing disability needs in our communities. Together, we can ensure every celebration truly embraces the full spectrum of the human experience.

Watch our social media to learn more about our involvement in community events near you!

Red, White, and Bloom into Independence with Clermont County Board of DD Services

In July, the entire TruCare Provider Services IT staff and others hosted our interactive tech home at the Thomas A. Wildey School for the 2025 Red, White & Bloom into Independence Tech Fair. 

Attendees were able to walk through the tech home and see first hand how technology helps enhance an individual’s independence while living alone or with assistance. This event is held annually and it is an excellent opportunity to see how quickly technology is changing to meet the needs of people in the developmental disability community. 

If you are interested in a tour, contact the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities at (513)732-7000.

Tech Tip Spotlight: RogerVoice–Empowering Phone Conversations for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

For many of us, making a phone call is second nature. But for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, traditional phone conversations can be a significant barrier to connection.

RogerVoice is a mobile app available on both Android and iOS that provides real-time captions for phone calls. Using advanced voice recognition, the app transcribes spoken words into text instantly, allowing users to read what the other person is saying as the conversation unfolds.

How it works:

  • When a user makes or receives a call through the RogerVoice app, the spoken dialogue is transcribed live on the screen.
  • If the user prefers not to speak, they can type their responses using the Text-to-Speech feature. RogerVoice will then vocalize the typed message to the person on the other end.
  • The app works over Wi-Fi or mobile data, and no special equipment is required, just a smartphone and the app.
  • Free to use when calling other RogerVoice users, must purchase call credits for other calls

A user can call their doctor’s office, read the receptionist’s responses in real time, and type back questions or confirmations. You can confidently handle work calls with accurate and fast transcription. From calling a bank to ordering takeout, RogerVoice makes routine interactions more accessible and independent.

Unlike traditional relay services that rely on a third-party, RogerVoice offers direct and private communication experiences. It’s also FCC-certified, ensuring quality and reliability for users across the U.S.

Eligible users with hearing loss can download RogerVoice for free and begin making captioned calls right away. The app includes 30 free minutes of outgoing calls in the first year, with additional plans available as needed.

Letter from a Director – Clarisa Leveridge: ADA Director        

Clarisa Leveridge

Hello wonderful people! I am Clarisa Leveridge and I would like to share with you features of our Adult Day Services Program at TruCare. I have been the director of this program for two years. We are a recreation and leisure program with a centralized goal of building independence and creating friendships that will last a lifetime. We are a community-oriented organization–meaning we spend a lot of our time in neighboring communities to participate in various activities. Some of our activities include, but are not limited to, Top Golf, volunteering at New Life Thrift Store, going to the movies, Dave & Buster’s, attending music therapy, yoga club, attending museums and so much more! We love being active in our community and are always looking for new, fun opportunities to explore! Outside our regular weekly activities, we plan one major event each month, encouraging everyone to attend. For July, we had a watergun fight and potluck style lunch to celebrate the 4th! We are centrally located, across the street from Sharon Woods, and our program runs from 10AM – 3PM, Monday through Friday. If you are looking for a program, we’d love to grow our friendship circle! Schedule a tour with us today!

Schedule a tour at: [email protected]

Bridging the Digital Device: Spectrum Internet Assist Empowers Adults with Developmental Disabilities

In our connected world, reliable home internet isn’t optional, it’s essential. For adults with developmental disabilities, it unlocks vital services like telehealth consultations, virtual day programs, online job training, digital social groups, and skill-building resources. Affordable and dependable internet access is a catalyst for independence, inclusion, and self-advocacy.

Spectrum Internet Assist is a discounted broadband plan designed for qualifying low-income households. For just $25 per month, subscribers receive reliable 50 Mbps download speeds, fast enough to stream video appointments, participate in interactive classes, and connect with family and friends online.

Why it Matters for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

  • Telehealth & Remote Supports: Enables online therapy sessions, medication management, and check-ins with care coordinators without traveling.
  • Virtual Day & Employment Programs: Opens doors to remote day habilitation, job coaching, and online vocational workshops.
  • Social Inclusion: Reduces isolation by supporting video calls, digital clubs, and social media engagement.
  • Digital Literacy: Builds confidence in using apps for transportation, assistive technology, and independent living tools.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Ensures timely access to safety alerts, crisis hotlines, and support networks when needed.

Who Qualifies?

A household member must participate in one of the following assistance programs:

  • National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or it’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for seniors age 65+

By targeting these groups, Spectrum Internet Assistance ensures those facing financial hardship can still connect at home.

How to Apply?

  1. Visit the Spectrum Internet Assist page:
     https://www.spectrum.com/internet/spectrum-internet-assist
  2. Gather required documentation: proof of NSLP/CEP participation or SSI benefits.
  3. Complete the online application, uploading your documents.
  4. Await approval, most applications are processed within days, and enjoy no-contract service with free modem rental.

Don’t let cost barriers keep you offline. Spectrum Internet Assist offers a straightforward way for eligible adults with developmental disabilities to stay connected, engaged, and empowered. Head to the application page today and open the door to digital independence.