Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities The Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services to people from birth throughout their life.

Our mission is enriching, empowering, and connecting people with their community.

Each month, we spotlight people we support working in our community and the employers who foster inclusive workplaces. T...
07/29/2026

Each month, we spotlight people we support working in our community and the employers who foster inclusive workplaces. This month, we’re excited to highlight Austin!

Meet Austin, who has been a valued member of the team at the Ashtabula Harbor McDonald's for the past two years. As a maintenance employee, Austin takes pride in keeping the restaurant clean and welcoming for customers. Each morning, he cleans the parking lot, restrooms, machine filters, and much more to ensure everything is in great condition. Austin enjoys seeing the restaurant clean and presentable, knowing his hard work makes a difference.

Austin's manager shares, "Austin is a great worker. He is task-oriented, knows exactly what needs to be done, and you almost never have to ask him to complete a task unless it's something unexpected. It is a great benefit having him here because he is very punctual and helps keep the restaurant looking great."

When asked what he enjoys most about his job, Austin says it's his coworkers. He appreciates working alongside such amazing people and enjoys being part of the team. Outside of work, Austin enjoys riding his bike around town and playing video games.

In each Newsletter we spotlight a "Community Champion". Community Champions are businesses that prioritize and promote a...
07/28/2026

In each Newsletter we spotlight a "Community Champion". Community Champions are businesses that prioritize and promote accessibility and inclusion in their everyday work. This past Newsletter we highlighted the Kingsville Public Library:

ACBDD has proudly partnered with Kingsville Public Library Ohio for many years to create meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people throughout our community. Together, we share a commitment to ensuring that people of all abilities feel welcomed, valued, and connected through accessible programs, services, and experiences. This partnership has created opportunities for learning, socialization, and community engagement while fostering spaces where everyone can experience a true sense of belonging.

Over the years, we have collaborated on several inclusive community events, including the Community Video Game and Board Game Night and the Annual Summer Senses event. These events bring people of all ages and abilities together in a welcoming environment where everyone can participate, connect, and have fun. Kingsville Public Library continues to demonstrate its dedication to the people we serve with different activities. We are grateful for this longstanding partnership and look forward to continuing our partnership.

To learn more about what the Kingsville Public Library does and all that ACBDD is up to check out our latest newsletter, visit: t.ly/cGROD

Each month, the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities selects up to three exceptional Direct Support Prof...
07/27/2026

Each month, the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities selects up to three exceptional Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who go above and beyond to serve people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in our community.

Our final DSP of the Month for July is Areona Clark with New Avenues to Independence, Inc.! She was nominated by Jeremy and SSA, Miriah Kister, who shared, “Areona is an exceptionally positive, upbeat, and caring Direct Support Professional who has made a meaningful impact on the lives of the two gentlemen she supports. She has built strong, trusting relationships with both of them, and they genuinely enjoy spending time with her."

Thank you, Areona, for your dedication and the positive impact you bring to the lives of others.

Do you know a DSP who goes above and beyond? Nominate them today:
https://www.ashtabuladd.org/Announcements/?capostid=62633

Today, we celebrate 36 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! Since 1990, the ADA has helped communities ac...
07/26/2026

Today, we celebrate 36 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)!

Since 1990, the ADA has helped communities across the country become more accessible and inclusive, creating greater opportunities for people with disabilities to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. Today, we are celebrating this landmark civil rights law and the progress it has helped make possible!

As part of our ADA 36th Anniversary celebration, we are highlighting just a few of the projects that have helped make local spaces more accessible and inclusive. Through ACBDD’s Accessibility and Inclusion Grant, we have been proud to partner with local organizations and support projects that help remove barriers and create opportunities for people of all abilities to participate, connect, and be included in their communities.

📍 Mobi-Mats at Conneaut Township Park and Walnut Beach
🚻 Accessible restroom and changing table at our office, Ashtabula County Board of DD (ACBDD)
♿ Wheelchair lift and universal changing table at Shea's Downtown
📚 Concrete ramp to the Storytime Trail at Andover Public Library
🧩 Sensory playroom at Kingsville Public Library Ohio
🎠 Inclusive playground, parking, and walkways at Walnut Beach
🎭 Accessible hearing device and restroom at Ashtabula Arts Center
🌳 Accessible trails at Ashtabula County Metroparks Redbrook Metro Park
🅿️ Accessible parking lot at Malek Park
🌊 Accessible ramp to the water at Geneva Township Park

These are just a few examples of the work happening across Ashtabula County to promote accessibility and inclusion. Thank you to all of the organizations and community partners who are working alongside us to make accessibility a priority and help create a community where everyone belongs!

What accessible places or features in our community are you thankful for? Tell us in the comments!

Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of visiting the Ashtabula County Senior Services Levy, where Ray shared his life ...
07/25/2026

Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of visiting the Ashtabula County Senior Services Levy, where Ray shared his life story and the heart behind his Rays of Sunshine page.

Ray spoke about overcoming challenges, spreading kindness, and using social media to encourage others while highlighting the abilities of people with disabilities. He also talked about his podcasts on Spotify, including one that shares inspiring stories from people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, advocates, and professionals.

Ray may have met his match in Wii bowling! After discovering that Ray and several of the ladies at the Senior Center are skilled bowlers, they invited him back for a friendly competition. We can't wait to see who comes out on top!

A special thank you to the folks at the Senior Center for welcoming Ray to share his story. We truly enjoyed our visit!

To learn more about Ray and follow his inspiring journey, visit his Rays of Sunshine Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DK9VzE3wZ/

Are you a parent or caregiver of a child in rural Ohio who relies on medical equipment or technology to support their he...
07/24/2026

Are you a parent or caregiver of a child in rural Ohio who relies on medical equipment or technology to support their health and daily life at home?

Medical technology may include equipment such as ventilators, feeding tubes, oxygen, monitors, mobility equipment, or other medical devices used to support a child’s health and daily life.

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University and West Virginia University are seeking volunteer parent caregivers to participate in three focus group sessions exploring the supports and services families need. Your experiences and insights can help shape the development of a future website designed to support parent caregivers in rural Ohio.

✅ Parents/caregivers of children ages 1–25
✅ Must understand and speak English
✅ Must be at least 18 years old
✅ Compensation provided after each session

Interested in participating or learning more? Contact Valerie Toly, PhD, RN, CPNP-PC, FAAN, at 216-534-5844 or [email protected].

Each month, the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities selects up to three exceptional Direct Support Prof...
07/24/2026

Each month, the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities selects up to three exceptional Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who go above and beyond to serve people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in our community.

Please help us continue this month’s celebration by recognizing Matthew Woodburn of New Avenues to Independence, Inc.!

Nominated by SSA, Miriah Kister and Jeremy, Matthew was recognized for being caring, funny, and considerate.

Jeremy shared, “Matt likes to go with me places such as the movies and to get ice cream. Matt makes me laugh and is a good buddy. ”

We are grateful for the difference Matthew makes every day!

Stay tuned as we continue to highlight more outstanding DSPs making a difference in Ashtabula County!

Do you know a DSP who goes above and beyond? Nominate them today:
https://www.ashtabuladd.org/Announcements/?capostid=62633

Last week, County Board staff stepped up to the plate to take on the Special Olympics softball teams in the 7th Annual S...
07/23/2026

Last week, County Board staff stepped up to the plate to take on the Special Olympics softball teams in the 7th Annual Special Olympics vs. ACBDD Softball Scrimmage! With big hits, great plays, and plenty of friendly competition, both games were full of excitement and teamwork.

Thank you to all of the staff and family members who volunteered to play and helped make this annual tradition such a success.

We wish the Ashtabula Lakers the best of luck as they compete throughout the season!

July’s Cookie Connections was filled with homemade treats, meaningful connections, and the joy of giving back!This month...
07/23/2026

July’s Cookie Connections was filled with homemade treats, meaningful connections, and the joy of giving back!

This month, we brought Cookie Connections to Active Day Adult Day Program, where we baked alongside advocates from Active Day, Director of Early Intervention (EI) Amanda Clugh, and Community Partner, Deanna Bottar, Northeast Ohio Outreach Specialist with Help Me Grow • Bright Beginnings.

Together, we baked, shared stories, and enjoyed meaningful conversations while strengthening connections throughout our community. The homemade treats were donated to His Helping Hand to help spread kindness to others.

A special thank-you to Active Day Ashtabula for hosting us and providing such a welcoming space for connection and community. We are grateful to Amanda, Deanna, and the advocates from Active Day for making this month’s Cookie Connections so special!

Together, we’re building connections, sharing kindness, and making a difference, one cookie at a time.

What began as a childhood dream when CJ was just 4 or 5 years old is now becoming a reality! At 18, CJ is taking the nex...
07/22/2026

What began as a childhood dream when CJ was just 4 or 5 years old is now becoming a reality!

At 18, CJ is taking the next step toward becoming a first responder through the North Kingsville Fire Department’s Youth Cadet Program.

Through the program, young people learn about firefighting, EMS, equipment, CPR, first aid, physical fitness, teamwork, and the dedication it takes to serve as a first responder. The program introduces the next generation to careers in emergency services while helping build confidence, responsibility, friendships, and a strong sense of community.

Thank you to the North Kingsville Fire Department for creating this incredible community program and helping make CJ’s dream come true!

Address

2505 South Ridge Road East
Ashtabula, OH
44004

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+14403351587

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