Summit DD and Domestic Relations Court Partner to Expand Access for All at Upcoming Legal Clinic
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 – Akron, OH — The Summit County Domestic Relations Court is proud to announce a meaningful partnership with Summit DD and the Inclusioneers to bring a new standard of accessibility and care to families in need. As part of this effort, the Sensory Bus—a mobile, calming space designed for individuals with developmental disabilities and sensory sensitivities—will be on-site at the Court’s upcoming Free Legal Clinic on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Maple Valley Public Library.
Administrative Judge Katarina Cook shared, “This partnership reflects the Court’s belief that the concept of inclusion is not just a fad—it will be the standard.” Everyone who turns to the Court for help should feel safe, heard, and supported. The Sensory Bus offers a model of what that looks like in practice: a space where people can take a breath, calm their senses, and re-enter the legal process with dignity. It is the Court’s ongoing goal to create a permanent quiet room at the Summit County Domestic Relations Court, and by featuring the work of the Inclusioneers we hope to inspire the community to help us make that vision a reality.
We also invite members of the public to share with us why feeling safe and supported matters to you during your legal journey. The Court is committed to learning from the people we serve—and building a justice system that reflects what you need to thrive.
Join Us for a Day of Service and Support
In partnership with the Ohio Justice Bus, the June 13th clinic offers free, confidential legal advice on family law matters, including divorce, custody, parenting time, and child support. No appointment is necessary – but pre-registration is preferred, and local attorneys will be available for one-on-one guidance.
The Summit DD team and the Sensory Bus will be on-site throughout the event, providing information, support, and a safe sensory-friendly environment for individuals of all ages.
How You Can Participate
- Pre-register for the clinic at https://drcourt.org/wp/ohio-justice-bus-landing/ to help us serve you more efficiently.
- Visit the Sensory Bus and meet our partners from Summit DD and the Inclusioneers.
- Share your voice—tell us what inclusion means to you, and how the court can better support your needs. You can do so by emailing Paul Henry, Community Outreach Director, at phenry@drcourt.org or by filling out a survey at the next Ohio Justice Bus Event.
This event is more than just legal assistance—it’s a public demonstration of what equitable, inclusive justice can and should look like. We hope you’ll join us in creating something lasting.
About Summit County Domestic Relations Court:
Summit County Domestic Relations Court handles matters of divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, and family law. The Court is dedicated to serving families with fairness, accessibility, and integrity. www.drcourt.org
About the Ohio Justice Bus
Free Brief Legal Advice: Attorneys provide confidential, one-on-one consultations on civil legal issues such as family law, housing, record sealing, driver’s license reinstatement, wills and probate, public benefits, and immigration. https://www.ohiojusticefoundation.org/grantees/ohio-justice-bus/
About Summit DD
Summit DD provides services to over 5,000 individuals with developmental disabilities across all age groups—from infants to seniors. In 2024 alone, they served 5,215 individuals, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. https://www.summitdd.org/
About the Inclusioneers Mobile Sensory Bus
The Summit Sensory Bus, officially known as the Inclusioneers Mobile Sensory Bus, is a collaborative initiative between Summit DD (Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board) and the nonprofit organization Inclusioneers. This mobile unit is designed to provide a calming and inclusive environment for individuals with sensory processing needs, particularly during community events that may be overwhelming due to noise, crowds, or other stimuli.
*Photos are not property of Summit County Domestic Relations Court and are sourced by the following publications
1.Ohio Justice Justice Bus Profile https://www.ohiobar.org/about-us/media-center/osba-news/2019-district-meeting-releases/PR-Dist-5/ Accessed 06/10/2025.
2.Sensory Bus Profile https://www.summitdd.org/resources/events/akron-art-walk-empowering-artists-of-all-abilities-march-2025/ Accessed 06/10/2025