Ohio Association of County Boards of DD

10/14/2026

Congratulations to Andrew Taylor and Heather White of the Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities on receiving statewide honors at the 2026 Synergy Ohio Conference!

Andrew Taylor, shared director of service and support administration for Knox and Coshocton counties, received the Leadership Award for his work expanding opportunities for inclusion, self-advocacy, and community engagement.

Heather White, service and support administrator, received the Ultimate Teamwork Award for her dedication to collaboration, advocacy, and helping people with developmental disabilities achieve their goals.

Both awards recognize the fantastic work happening across Ohio's county boards of DD and the dedicated professionals making a difference every day. Congratulations to Andrew and Heather on these well-deserved honors!

Read more here:

Heather White and Andrew Taylor received statewide recognition at the 2026 Synergy Ohio Conference held Sept. 30-Oct. 2.

10/13/2026

Your Voice Matters! Public Comments Needed by Oct. 19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is proposing changes to the National Health Interview Survey, an important source of information about the health and needs of people with disabilities.

Under the proposal, the number of questions about disability and daily life would be reduced from 49 to approximately 15. Some of the questions being removed help identify people with developmental disabilities and better understand their health, daily experiences, and support needs.

Why does this matter? The information collected through this survey helps researchers and policymakers understand health disparities, identify needs and make decisions that affect people with disabilities. Removing important questions could make it harder to ensure people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are represented in national health data.

The changes are not final, and the CDC is seeking public feedback! People with disabilities, families, advocates and professionals are encouraged to share their perspectives. You don't need to be an expert to comment. Your personal experiences and insights are valuable!

Deadline: Monday, Oct. 19, 2026

Submit a public comment: https://www.regulations.gov/document/CDC-2026-1387-0001

Use an easy online comment form from the American Association of People with Disabilities: https://aapd.quorum.us/campaign/170801/

Help ensure the experiences and needs of people with developmental disabilities continue to be reflected in national health data. Every voice matters!

10/09/2026

For people with developmental disabilities and their families, county boards of developmental disabilities provide essential services and supports that make a difference in their everyday lives. From early intervention and employment supports to helping people live and participate in their communities, these services are a lifeline for thousands of Ohioans.

As this story from NBC4 highlights, families like the Diaz family in Delaware County depend on these supports. And with county boards relying on local property tax levies for the majority of their funding, the outcome of the November election could have a significant impact on the services available in many communities.

On Nov. 3, voters in 12 Ohio counties will see a county board of DD levy on their ballot: Ashland County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Champaign County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities, HOPE Services - Henry County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Jefferson County Board of DD, Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities - MCBDD, Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Meigs County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Pike County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

These levies are about more than funding. They're about ensuring people with developmental disabilities and their families have access to the services and supports they need to live, work, and thrive in their communities. If you live in one of these counties, take time to learn about your local DD levy and make your voice heard at the polls!

Read more here: https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/delaware/delaware-county-families-push-for-levy-that-funds-disability-services/

10/08/2026

This week, EDP participants came together for Days 13 and 14, focusing on the skills and strategies that help leaders support their teams—and themselves.

Monday’s conversations centered on trauma-informed care, self-care, compassion fatigue, workplace wellness and navigating conflict. On Tuesday, the group shifted to leading effective meetings and communicating with greater purpose and impact.

Thank you to Bobbi Beale, Jason Bunting, Holly Jones, Andrea Applegate and Blythe C***s for sharing their expertise with the group, along with OACB’s Willie Jones and John Trunk for continuing to guide participants through the program.

Check out a few photos from this week below.

10/01/2026

This is what community support looks like! Hundreds of people gathered in Belmont County this week to show their support for people with developmental disabilities and the services they rely on. Families, advocates, and community members made their voices heard as the Belmont County Budget Commission considered a potential reduction in funding for the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Ultimately, the commission voted not to move forward with the proposed reduction at this time.

County boards of DD are rooted in their communities, and strong community support matters. When people with disabilities, families, friends, neighbors, and community partners come together and speak up about the services and supports that make a difference in people’s lives, their voices can have an impact. Thank you to everyone in Belmont County who showed up, shared their experiences and demonstrated the importance of supporting people with developmental disabilities in our communities!

Read the full story from WTRF below.

BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO (WTRF) – It was quite the scene in one local county today as a large group of residents gathered outside the courthouse to make their voices heard. The demonstration took…

09/29/2026

A haircut can be a routine experience for many of us, but for some people with developmental disabilities (especially kids), a trip to a barbershop or salon can come with challenges. We love seeing Tuscarawas DD bring the barbershop and salon experience directly to students! Local stylists volunteered their time and talents to provide haircuts in a familiar, comfortable environment. Kudos to everyone who made this experience possible!

09/25/2026

A new accessible housing option is opening doors to greater independence in Hamilton County! LADD and Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services recently celebrated the opening of the first of nine new Smart Living homes designed to help adults with developmental disabilities live more independently in their communities.

The fully accessible homes combine smart technology, remote supports, and thoughtful design, including ADA-accessible bathrooms, safety sensors, smart appliances, sensory and fitness spaces, and access to sidewalks and public transportation. The first two residents have already moved in, with more homes expected to open through 2027. Once complete, the nine homes will provide community-based housing for 36 adults. Congratulations to the new residents as they begin this exciting chapter!

Read more about the project and hear from the first residents:https://www.wvxu.org/local-news/2026-09-15/smart-living-homes-developmental-disabilities-ladd

09/22/2026

Best Buddies International is bringing its inaugural Family Forever Conference to Columbus! Columbus has been selected as the host city for this new conference designed specifically for parents and caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The event will offer opportunities to connect with other families, share experiences, and learn practical ways to support loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Date: Oct. 16–17, 2026
Location: The Junto Hotel, Columbus
Tickets: Early registration: $149

Scholarships are available for those who may need financial assistance, and attendees can also create personal fundraisers to help cover costs.

Learn more and register for the Family Forever Conference:

Where parents and caregivers recharge, connect, and find inspiration.

09/18/2026

As DSP Recognition Week comes to a close, we’re grateful for the dedicated direct support professionals across Ohio who make a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities every day.

We love seeing county boards like Richmond DD celebrate and recognize the DSPs in their communities. Thank you to all the DSPs out there for all you do!

09/16/2026

Our 2026 Executive Development Program cohort was back together this week for two more days of learning, collaboration and leadership development!

On Monday, participants explored Community Partnerships in Service Provision, with conversations focused on community housing and integration, supporting children and families, workforce partnerships, and creating more inclusive communities.

Tuesday focused on Modernizing DD Services with Technology Solutions, including mobile technology, assistive technology and remote supports, practical technology solutions in service delivery, and IT security for non-IT leaders.

Thank you to all of our presenters for sharing their expertise and to our EDP participants for another great two days of learning and discussion! Check out a few photos from both days!