The History
VOC18 is different from other organizations like Autism Speaks, The Upside of Downs, or United Cerebral Palsy because it is not focused on a specific disability. Instead, it helps people with cognitive, intellectual, and physical disabilities, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, or gender identity. The organization also helps the families and guardians of these individuals.
Nicole never realized how vulnerable her son was to abuse because no one talks about the statistics, and there is very little preventive education for individuals with disabilities. Nicole believes that with proper education, she and her family would be better prepared and able to help her son.
Nicole believed that her son's disability made him lose his rights. He faced discrimination from those who were supposed to protect him, and his voice was NEVER heard. She felt alone in her search for justice and resources to help her son recover, as well as support their family.
Individuals with disabilities who have been victims of abuse/assault need a voice, advocates, and preventive education, along with education on the next steps, access to support systems and recovery.
The vision, THE MISSION
By sharing lived experiences and collaborating with law enforcement, mental health and medical professionals, and similar organizations, Voices of Change 2018 is building a foundation for advocacy, awareness, education, and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families.
THE MISSION
To reduce the risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of individuals with disabilities.
WE ARE ACCOMPLISHING THE MISSION THROUGH:
AWARENESS • ADVOCACY • COLLABORATION • EDUCATION • EMPOWERMENT • JUSTICE • RESPECT • RESOURCES
AWARENESS: To create awareness of the global epidemic of abuse of individuals with disabilities.
ADVOCACY: To be an advocate for individuals with disabilities.
COLLABORATION: Voices of Change 2018 seeks to strengthen its vision and mission through collaborations with local, state, national, and international organizations.
EDUCATION: Voices of Change 2018 believes education for parents, guardians, school districts, the community, law enforcement, mental health, and medical professionals is imperative to reduce the risk of abuse for individuals with disabilities.
EMPOWERMENT: Voices of Change 2018 position is that through appropriate education, individuals with disabilities will develop self-awareness of their bodies and be able to identify unsafe situations and how to tell a
“Caring Adult” in their circle if they feel unsafe or if they have been abused.
JUSTICE: Voices of Change 2018 feels the path to justice, in whatever form, should be equal and accessible to all.
RESPECT: Voices of Change 2018 philosophy is that everyone should be treated with dignity, equality, and respect. Everyone’s voice has a right to be heard.
RESOURCES: Voices of Change 2018 believes families, caregivers, and professionals should have access to resources to provide preventative measures to reduce the risk of abuse. Voices of Change 2018 also believes in having immediate access to resources for individuals with disabilities and their families in the event the individual has been abused.
Statistics
Worldwide, there are 1.3 billion children under the age of 18. Assuming the same rate as the United States, there are 55.9 million children under the age of 18 with disabilities. Therefore, worldwide, there are 11,850,000 children with disabilities being abused.
It is suspected that the rate of child abuse and neglect is at least three (3) times higher in children with disabilities than in their typically developing peers.
However, due to underreporting, it’s challenging to know the actual numbers of how many individuals with disabilities have been victims of abuse or neglect.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 91% of the time, children are abused by someone known and trusted by the child or the child’s family members.
If your child, step-child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or child you knew was disabled and you found out he/she was abused, would you sit back and be able to stay silent or allow the abuse to continue?
This is a global systemic health epidemic, one that needs to be addressed NOW!
Why are Children with disabilities more vulnerable to being abused?
Children with Disabilities are particularly vulnerable to being abused due to:
- Conditioned compliance due to the need for interventions
- Frequent separation from typical peers
- Increased exposure to multiple adults and caregivers
- Lack of education in body awareness and boundaries
- Limited verbal communication and vocabulary
- Many people have a preconceived notion that individuals with disabilities are asexual or nonsexual
- Parents of children with disabilities often feel so anxious when it comes to their children growing up and having relationships
- Reliance on helpers for personal and physical needs
- Societal expectations that children with disabilities are extremely friendly to all people, even strangers
- Strong desire for attention = vulnerability to manipulation
Why we need to Start having tough conversations
Even with education and increased awareness, abuse of children with disabilities is still extremely difficult to talk about. As a society, we need to be able to speak openly about abuse to end the stigma, reduce the risk, and protect our innocent children. We no longer live in a world where silence is an option for any systemic issue. It's our responsibility to protect our children. Change needs to start at home.
A Message From THE Founders
Our family went through this. We should have had access to support and services, but we didn’t. We should have been supported, but we weren't. We felt the devastation and never want anyone else to feel that way.
We have built a foundation from our lived experience by providing:
1. Preventative education for individuals with disabilities, their parents, guardians, medical and mental health professionals, and law enforcement
2. Guidance, resources, and support for victims and their families
the Team
Nicole Moehring
Founder, Executive Director
Nicole Moehring, the Founder and Executive Director, is instrumental in establishing the company's core values and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
Chris Moehring
Chief Financial Officer
As the chief financial officer of Voices of Change 2018, Chris Moehring oversees the organization's financial operations. He leads the finance team and works closely with other team members to ensure transparency and efficient financial management.
Maci Lynch
Community Liaison
Maci Lynch's role as a Community Liaison involves organizing community events, outreach programs, and fostering community engagement.
Lori Stringer
Lead Illustrator for Evan and Gillian Says
Jacob O'Connor
Intern
Jacob O'Connor, in his capacity as an intern, shows initiative and a willingness to take on new responsibilities. He consistently strives to exceed expectations and make meaningful contributions to the team.
Board of Directors
Voices of Change 2018 is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors.
Clare Quartaraco
President, Treasurer
Clare Quartaraco - Clare is the Owner of LaVida Massage and has an extensive business background. She holds our organization's esteemed dual position of President and Treasurer. As President, Clare is responsible for leading the team with vision and strategic direction, ensuring that all members work towards our common goals. In the role of Treasurer, Clare meticulously manages the organization's finances, overseeing budgeting, and providing clarity and transparency in all financial matters.
Kathy Morris-McCandless
Board Secretary
Kathy Morris-McCandless brings 40 years of business experience and expertise to Voices of Change. She manages the Voices of Change 2018 executive administrative tasks and provides essential support to the team's leadership by managing their calendars and handling confidential information. Including scheduling meetings, maintaining records, and coordinating communication among team members and external partners.
David Dohnal
Board Member
David Dohnal - Retired Probate Judge. David worked as the Assistant General Counsel. For Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. David serves as a Voices of Change 2018 Board Member with a critical role in steering the organization's strategic direction. With vast experience and a strategic mindset, he offers invaluable insights that help shape the vision and growth of the company. David has served on the Summit County Board of Development Disabilities and has also served on the Board of the Ohio Association of County Boards (OACB), the Governor’s Victims of Crime Task Force, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) Abuser Registry Panel External Review Committee and as a Board Member with Advocacy and Protective Services (APSI).