Nisonger Center Leadership Group
February 13, 2008
Staff Present: Tom Fish; Paula Rabidoux; Luc Lecavalier; Pat Cloppert; Betsey Benson; Ed Sterling;
Dan Coury; Maureen Meck; Margo Izzo
David Crawford, Media Relations Director & Doug Flowers
 Handout of Media Department services, and contact names
 Reports and represents on behalf of the Medical Center on a city, state and national level
 Creates news releases and public awareness education pieces
 Creates video and audio news releases for TV media outlets throughout the country. (90
seconds in length)
 Presented/viewed an example video news release that Dr. Aman and Dr. Arnold presented on
research projects
 Video releases don’t have to be a “new” story items; Media Relations will do pieces for followup stories, awards presented, etc.
 David suggested that if Faculty is approached by a reporter for an interview, faculty can call
David for help with questions, or direct the reporter to the Media Relations Department (David
or Doug) so they can field what type of questions the reporter will be asking
 Send all stories/topic ideas to David or Doug at Cramblett Hall, room 1018
 Can help Nisonger with more University visibility in “On-Campus” and on-line news in OSU
Today and Connect: News from Ohio State
 The Media Relations Department give Speaker Training classes, Dr. Coury suggested we
consider this for Nisonger
 There is no cost to our Department for their services
Nisonger Consumer Advisory Committee Meeting Update – Margo Izzo
 Gave an update to the CAC on the Director search, and Nisonger Faculty Retreat
 Finalization of Nisonger Mission statement and brochure
 Discussed the “Strengthening Ohio’s Disability Alliance conference call with Cincinnati; DD
Council and Ohio Legal Rights on systematic proactive service outcomes; northern Ohio
expansion; inter-agency agreements and more statewide collaboration
 Disability Studies is fastest growing interdisciplinary minor at OSU and Nisonger will
strengthen the relationship which maybe mutually beneficial for all parties.
Legislative Update – HB 405
 Hand out of House Bill 405 that is moving forward in the House regarding “wait list” issues
 More detailed info will be placed by the coffee pot on the 3rd flr.
 Marie Crawford (former LEND parent trainee) has been attending hearings on this bill and has
much information
Marketing Brochure Update
 Replacing front picture and adding more adult photos
 Order 2,000 brochures and 3,000 bookmarks, and possibly 5,000 folders for a 12-18 month
period.
Announcements - All
 Maureen reminded faculty that the P-3 (new Performance Evaluation Tool), 6 month update is
approaching

Dr. Coury gave an update on the Combating Autism Act conference call, $6 million dollar has
been directed to LEND programs to increase training in ASD. There will be a closed
competition among LEND’s for 2/3 of the funds, the remaining money will be to fund new
LEND programs. Funds will be dispersed by July 1st.

Dr. Sterling announced that the College of Medicine Facilities approved the funding of new
carpet replacement in McCampballs 1st flr and 3rd flr lobby. Room 301 is now vacant and
Nisonger has put in a request to the COM space committee to re-acquire it. McCampbell Hall
now has a fresh coat of paint in many areas of the building.
Next Meetings:
February 27th
March 12th