Ohio Association of County Boards of DD

08/05/2026

After a three-month break, our Executive Development Program (EDP) participants were back together this week. They hit the ground running with two days of learning about ethics, advocacy, and public policy, and included a visit to the Ohio Statehouse.

Day 9 focused on Personal Ethics and Legal Obligations, with sessions on the legislative process, Ohio ethics law, the history of litigation in the DD system, and how federal policy is developed and implemented.

Day 10 brought the learning to life with a visit to the Ohio Statehouse, where participants heard from State Representatives Crystal Lett and Mike Odioso, received a finance update on the state budget process, and met with leadership from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.

Thank you to all of our presenters for sharing your expertise and to this year's EDP class for your thoughtful questions, engagement, and commitment to strengthening leadership across Ohio's county boards of developmental disabilities!

Feel free to add a tag!

08/03/2026

Heroes came in many forms at the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/ Deepwood second annual Hero Day! More than 300 people gathered at Broadmoor School in Mentor on July 31 to meet local first responders, explore emergency vehicles, enjoy ice cream and face painting, and connect with community heroes in a fun, welcoming environment.

Events like Hero Day help build trust and familiarity between people with developmental disabilities and the first responders who serve their communities. By creating opportunities to connect before an emergency happens, Lake DD is helping strengthen relationships that can make a real difference when it matters most.

Learn more and see photos from the event below:

Heroes of all shapes and sizes turned out to have some fun with over 300 visitors during The Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities second annual “Hero Day” on July 31 in the parking lot of their Broadmoor School in Mentor. The …

07/28/2026

The countdown is over! The 2026 Ohio State Fair opens tomorrow, and this year's Fair is more accessible than ever.

From July 29-Aug. 9, fairgoers can enjoy expanded accessibility features across the Fairgrounds, making it easier for everyone to experience the rides, food, exhibits, concerts, and all the fun. New and enhanced features include:
• 6 Universal changing tables
• Complimentary accessible shuttles
• Quiet rooms for sensory needs
• Power mobility device charging stations
• ASL interpretation at select events
• Aira Explorer for visitors who are blind or have low vision
• Accessible seating, assistive listening devices, communication boards, and more

The Fair will also host an extended Sensory-Friendly Day on Thursday, July 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in partnership with OCALI, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). During this time, rides will operate without flashing lights or music, and guests can enjoy sensory-friendly activities throughout the Fairgrounds.

These enhancements help ensure more Ohioans can experience the traditions, entertainment, and excitement of the Ohio State Fair.

Learn more about accessibility features: https://ohiostatefair.com/accessibility

07/27/2026

Yesterday marked the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law that affirmed the rights of people with disabilities and helped create a more accessible and inclusive society. For 36 years, the ADA has expanded opportunities in employment, education, transportation, public services, and community life. While there is still work to be done, its legacy reminds us that accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity benefit everyone.

At OACB, we're proud to support Ohio's county boards of developmental disabilities as they work every day to help people with developmental disabilities live, learn, work, and thrive in their communities. Happy 36th anniversary to the ADA!

07/21/2026

Advocacy starts with people willing to share their stories, and OACB Trustee and Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities Board Member Marci Straughter is doing just that. Recently, Marci represented Ohio in Washington, D.C., at the National Council on Independent Living's annual conference and advocacy day, where she met with federal policymakers to advocate for people with disabilities.

Marci's leadership reminds us that people with developmental disabilities belong at the table and should help lead the conversations that shape public policy. Thank you, Marci, for your dedication to Ohio's developmental disabilities community!

Read more about Marci's advocacy and her trip to Washington on the OACB website: https://www.oacbdd.org

Pictured below: OACB Trustee and Franklin DD Board Member Marci Straughter with Senator Bernie Moreno

07/14/2026

Ohio's future is on the ballot—and your voice matters. Join disability advocates, self-advocates, families, providers, and community partners for the Ohio Disability Policy Candidates Forum 2026 on Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Fawcett Center in Columbus or attend virtually.

Hear directly from candidates for statewide office as they discuss the issues that matter most to Ohio's disability community. This is a unique opportunity to learn about their priorities, ask questions, and engage in conversations that will help shape the future of disability policy in Ohio. OACB is a major sponsor, and we'll be there! Learn more below:

Don’t miss the Ohio Disability Policy Candidates Forum 2026 on Thursday, August 20th, doors open at 11:30 AM—your chance to hear directly from candidates about their plans for the disability community. This is a crucial opportunity to make an informed decision before the election. More details and tickets available: https://bit.ly/OhioDisabilityPolicyForum.

07/09/2026

Meet Elianna Uribe, who receives services from the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. For Elianna, reliable self-directed transportation provided by Uber Health is helping her attend school while working toward her dream of becoming a pastry chef.

Transportation is one of the greatest challenges facing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the country. Thanks to partnerships like this one between Uber, GT Independence, and the team at Butler DD, Ohio is a national leader in overcoming those challenges using modern technology!

Watch Elianna's story here:

Accessible, flexible transportation can make all the difference. He...

07/03/2026

July is Disability Pride Month! This year's theme, "The World Works Better with Us," recognizes the contributions, talents, and leadership of people with disabilities while celebrating disability as a natural part of human diversity. Disability Pride Month is observed each July to mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—a landmark civil rights law that expanded opportunities and protections for millions of Americans.

Looking to learn more? Your local library is a great place to start. Explore books, films, and stories that celebrate disability history, culture, and lived experiences, including works by disability rights advocate Alice Wong, whose collections Disability Visibility and Year of the Tiger amplify the voices of people with disabilities.

And if you're looking for local stories, be sure to check out the Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services Stories section of the article linked below, where people with developmental disabilities and their families share their journeys, achievements, and the power of community.

Explore the stories, people, and experiences that shape Disability Pride Month with help from the Library. 

06/30/2026

Did you know? Many common medications, including psychotropic medications, diuretics (water pills), and some allergy medications, can increase the risk of heat-related illness and dehydration. As temperatures rise, it's important to take extra precautions to stay safe, especially for people with developmental disabilities.

Remember to:
💧 Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
🧴 Wear sunscreen and seek shade during peak sun hours.
🏊 Practice water safety and provide close supervision around pools, lakes, and other bodies of water.
🚗 Never leave anyone unattended in a parked vehicle.
🦟 Use insect repellent and check for ticks after spending time outdoors.

Planning ahead can help everyone enjoy a fun and safe summer. Read Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities' full summer safety guidance here: https://dodd.ohio.gov/health-and-welfare/health-and-welfare-alerts/summer-safety-alert-2026

06/25/2026

Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities recently partnered with the City of Toledo to host Molly’s Day with Friends, an inclusive splash pad event inspired by Molly Henry, a person served by Lucas DD who wanted to enjoy a fun day in the water with her friends. With support from the city and the use of Lucas DD’s portable changing station, Molly and others were able to change, transition safely, and fully participate in the fun!

Check out WTVG’s coverage of this exciting day:
https://www.13abc.com/video/2026/06/25/mollys-day-with-friends/