01/05/2026

Keith’s Law to help people with disabilities communicate with first responders

Gabriella Winans

LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) — A new law set to take effect this month is geared toward helping first responders and people with disabilities communicate.

After being passed and signed by Gov. Mike DeWine in October, House Bill 144, better known as Keith’s Law, will officially go into effect in Ohio on Jan. 19.

The bill is designed to improve the interactions between first responders and those with disabilities by informing the first responders of the individual’s specific needs ahead of time.

“At a county level, we are very excited to see something like this go statewide,” said Erin Anthony, a behavioral specialist. “There were many counties that have implemented this, but it hasn’t been statewide, and it is definitely a need.”

Keith’s Law expands the state’s Communication Disability Database, allowing individuals to register their disability in a form to be stored in 911 dispatchers’ systems so first responders are aware of a person’s condition before they arrive on scene.

“It’s very good information for people to have, so that they actually know that that person is not being combative — they just don’t understand what’s going on,” said Bill Devon, Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities superintendent.

The law covers developmental and communication disabilities, as well as mental health conditions, providing first responders with crucial information about the person they’re serving. It’s a way the community can work together to improve emergency response.

“When you get into these situations, whether you have a disability or not, it’s a stressful situation,” said Holly Adams, CCBDD support supervisor. “And that is what we are trying to help these individuals and their providers and their caregivers with, because we are one community and one people, and we all want to be together and make sure that there’s prevention and there’s resources there.”

Those who want to register with Keith’s Law can submit a disability verification form to the Department of Developmental Disabilities.