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ElevateDD Authentic inclusion in all of life's opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

Save the date for our November webinar! People with developmental disabilities and their families need clear information...
10/15/2026

Save the date for our November webinar!

People with developmental disabilities and their families need clear information about the systems that support their everyday lives. Join ElevateDD’s ConnecteDD series for a conversation with Lyndsay Nash, Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), hosted by Troy Hunter, President & CEO of ElevateDD.

Together, they will explore the current landscape of developmental disability services in Ohio, challenges the system is navigating, and issues that deserve continued attention as we look toward 2027. The discussion will connect the broader statewide picture with the experiences and information needs of individuals and families.

Designed for self-advocates, families, caregivers, providers, and community partners, this accessible conversation offers an opportunity to better understand Ohio’s disability services system and consider how its work connects with services and supports across the lifespan.

For more information, to register for this session, and to see all of our ConnecteDD webinar recordings, please visit https://www.elevatedd.org/webinars.

Last week, the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities brought together community members, advocates, profes...
10/14/2026

Last week, the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities brought together community members, advocates, professionals, and partners for its annual Community Star Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients! Your dedication, passion, and commitment to supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families make a lasting impact throughout Franklin County.

We are also grateful for our continued partnership with Franklin County DD. They have been a tremendous partner to ElevateDD, and we appreciate their leadership, collaboration, and shared commitment to creating more opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to thrive.

Thank you to the Franklin County DD team for bringing the community together to recognize the people whose work and contributions make Franklin County stronger!

We’re looking forward to the next session of our ConnecteDD webinar series! Join ElevateDD and The Arc of Ohio on Wednes...
10/13/2026

We’re looking forward to the next session of our ConnecteDD webinar series!

Join ElevateDD and The Arc of Ohio on Wednesday, October 21 at 1 PM for “Navigating Medicaid Waivers in Ohio: What Families Need to Know.”

Gary Tonks, President & CEO of The Arc of Ohio, will help break down how the waiver system works, current challenges and potential changes, and what people with disabilities, families, and advocates should be watching across Ohio.

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wC5li3UETZqPsG3m7rc5Bg

County boards of developmental disabilities play an important role in connecting people with developmental disabilities ...
10/12/2026

County boards of developmental disabilities play an important role in connecting people with developmental disabilities and their families to services, resources, and opportunities that support everyday life, employment, and community participation.

Local property tax levies are one source of funding for these services. Depending on the county, levy proposals may involve renewing existing funding, replacing a current levy, or requesting additional resources. Each proposal is different, and understanding those differences is important.

This fall, levy issues affecting developmental disability services are on the ballot in Ashland, Champaign, Cuyahoga, Delaware, Henry, Jefferson, Logan, Mahoning, Marion, Meigs, Pike, and Tuscarawas counties.

We encourage residents to learn more about the proposals in their communities, review the ballot language, and understand how local funding supports developmental disability services.

For additional information, visit your county board of developmental disabilities or local board of elections.

Today we’re celebrating Sarah Vasulka’s third anniversary with ElevateDD!As our Digital Communications Coordinator, Sara...
10/09/2026

Today we’re celebrating Sarah Vasulka’s third anniversary with ElevateDD!

As our Digital Communications Coordinator, Sarah plays an important role in helping ElevateDD share our work and connect with the people we serve. Her thoughtful approach and attention to detail make a difference in how our stories and resources reach our audiences.

We’re grateful for all Sarah brings to the ElevateDD team. Happy anniversary, Sarah!

This past Sunday DSACO hosted our 25th Columbus Buddy Walk and it was a day full of excitement and love! We were thrille...
10/08/2026

This past Sunday DSACO hosted our 25th Columbus Buddy Walk and it was a day full of excitement and love!

We were thrilled to present our first inaugural DSACO Down Syndrome Champion Award to Governor Mike DeWine! 🎉

This award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocacy, and sustained commitment to advancing opportunities, inclusion, and quality of life for people with Down syndrome.

Over the last eight years, Governor DeWine has shown a deep commitment to the Ohio developmental disabilities community. In recognition of his constant support, and the impact it’s had, it was our honor to recognize him with the first DSACO Down Syndrome Champion Award!

Thank you, Governor DeWine, for your commitment to Ohioans with disabilities and your genuine love for the DSACO community.
ElevateDD

Your voice belongs in the conversation.The Leadership Access Scholarship helps make it possible for people with developm...
10/08/2026

Your voice belongs in the conversation.

The Leadership Access Scholarship helps make it possible for people with developmental disabilities and their family members to participate in Ohio-based learning and leadership opportunities by reducing financial barriers to event registration.

Learn more and apply: https://www.elevatedd.org/leadershipaccessscholarship

The federal government is proposing changes to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a national survey that helps...
10/07/2026

The federal government is proposing changes to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a national survey that helps researchers and public health programs understand people’s experiences with health, disability, health care, and insurance.

The proposed 2028 survey would be shorter, but it would also include far fewer disability-related questions. That could make it harder to understand the experiences and health needs of people with disabilities, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The public can weigh in. Comments are due October 19, 2026.

Our latest blog post explains what’s changing, why disability data matters, and how you can share your perspective with the federal government.

Read the blog post and learn how to comment: https://www.elevatedd.org/news/nhispubliccomment

Join ElevateDD and The Arc of Ohio on Wednesday, October 21 at 1 PM for another session in our ConnecteDD webinar series...
10/06/2026

Join ElevateDD and The Arc of Ohio on Wednesday, October 21 at 1 PM for another session in our ConnecteDD webinar series, focused on understanding Ohio’s Medicaid waiver system.

Gary Tonks, President & CEO of The Arc of Ohio, will help break down how the waiver system works, current challenges and potential changes, and what people with disabilities, families, and advocates should be watching across Ohio.

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wC5li3UETZqPsG3m7rc5Bg

What does the recent Texas v. Kennedy decision mean for people with disabilities and their right to live and participate...
10/02/2026

What does the recent Texas v. Kennedy decision mean for people with disabilities and their right to live and participate in their communities?

A recent federal court decision vacated a key part of the 2024 Section 504 regulations related to community integration. While the decision does not repeal Section 504 or the ADA or overturn Olmstead v. L.C., it creates important questions about how community integration protections will be interpreted and enforced moving forward.

Our latest blog post breaks down what changed, what did not, and why it matters for Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families.

Read the blog here: https://www.elevatedd.org/news/understanding-texas-v-kennedy-what-the-section-504-decision-means-for-community-integration

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Columbus, OH
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