ElevateDD

11/02/2026

Technology can open doors, but it doesn't remove every barrier.

In this guest perspective, Alicia Hopkins reflects on living with a learning disability in a digital world. Technology has helped her write books, participate in advocacy, and engage in her community. Yet everyday tasks, from completing paperwork to understanding healthcare information, can still present challenges.

Written by Alicia and dictated by Amy Savage, Speech-Language Pathologist, this piece reminds us that accessibility means more than providing digital tools. It means recognizing different ways of learning and understanding information.

Read Alicia’s perspective: https://www.elevatedd.org/news/disability-pride-and-the-age-of-technology

11/02/2026

On November 3, voters in 12 Ohio counties will consider developmental disabilities levies that help fund local services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

These levies can also play an important role in Ohio’s Medicaid waiver system. County boards help fund the local share of waiver costs, which means local funding decisions can affect the resources available to support people with developmental disabilities in their communities.

Want to better understand how Ohio’s Medicaid waiver system works? Watch the recording of ElevateDD’s October 21 webinar for an overview of waivers and how they help people with developmental disabilities access services and supports.

Webinar archive: www.elevatedd.org/webinars

10/30/2026

Adult Literacy Ohio has a limited number of openings in their 1:1 adult literacy tutoring program, and they are looking for folks in Franklin County to take those spots!

If you or someone you know is interested in strengthening their literacy skills, please visit www.adultliteracyohio.org right away!

Franklin County adults with developmental disabilities: We're looking for YOU!

Adult Literacy Ohio has a limited number of openings in our 1:1 adult literacy tutoring program, and we're hoping to fill these spots ASAP!

If you're interested in building your reading skills, growing your confidence, and working one-on-one with a dedicated tutor, we'd love to hear from you!

Ready to get started? Visit www.adultliteracyohio.org and click the Sign Up button to apply.

Questions? Our team is happy to help! Reach us at [email protected] or call 614-263-6020 ext. 1075

Help us spread the word by sharing this post with someone who might be interested!

10/30/2026

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re recognizing the value people with disabilities bring to the workplace and the importance of creating opportunities for everyone to contribute their talents.

Kyle McKay brings his photography skills to ElevateDD, capturing moments that reflect the connection and belonging at the heart of authentic inclusion. His work is a reminder that inclusive workplaces make room for people to share their strengths and pursue meaningful work.

We’re proud to work alongside Kyle and continue advancing a future where people with disabilities have the opportunity to thrive in the workplace.

10/29/2026

As National Disability Employment Awareness Month comes to a close, the conversation about inclusion at work must continue beyond October.

In our latest blog post, ElevateDD Voices Fellow Taylor shares her perspective on what it means to belong in the workplace. Drawing from her own experiences and a recent Big Table conversation, Taylor explores why meaningful employment must include a sense of connection and belonging.

Read Taylor’s perspective on why belonging matters at work and beyond: https://www.elevatedd.org/news/more-than-a-job-the-importance-of-connection-and-belonging

10/29/2026

This morning, ElevateDD President & CEO Troy Hunter joined national leaders at the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) 2026 Annual International Conference in Omaha, Nebraska, for a keynote panel discussion, “Be the Change! Advocating for Children with Disabilities in Your State and Communities.”

Troy joined fellow panelists Kathleen Gibson of PEATC - Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center and Brigit Hurley of The Children's Agenda, with the conversation facilitated by Judy Reidt-Parker of Start Early.

They explored the power of advocacy at the state and local levels, from elevating family voices in policy decisions to strengthening early intervention, addressing workforce and funding challenges, and expanding access to inclusive early childhood experiences.

Meaningful systems change begins by centering the voices and experiences of people with disabilities, families, and the professionals who support them. We were proud to bring an Ohio perspective to this national conversation and contribute to a shared vision of systems where every child has the opportunity to belong, participate, and thrive.

Thank you to Division for Early Childhood (DEC) for creating space for these conversations and bringing together advocates committed to turning ideas into meaningful action!

10/28/2026

October is National Head Start Awareness Month, a time to recognize how early childhood education helps children build a strong foundation for the future.

Head Start provides important early learning opportunities for children and families, including children with disabilities. Access to inclusive, high-quality early childhood programs can help children build skills and ensure families have support during these important early years.

ElevateDD recently submitted public comment on reducing federal burden for Head Start programs, emphasizing the importance of policies that support effective services for children and families.

Read our comment and learn more about our advocacy priorities: https://www.elevatedd.org/advocacy

10/27/2026

Did you know that 12 Ohio counties have developmental disabilities levies on the ballot this November?

County boards of developmental disabilities play an important role in connecting individuals and families with services, resources, and opportunities in their communities. Local funding helps make many of these supports possible.

On November 3, voters in the following counties will consider developmental disabilities levies:

• Ashland – 2.1 mills renewal + 1 mill new (3 years)
• Champaign – 1.5 mills new (5 years)
• Cuyahoga – 2.25 mills new (10 years)
• Delaware – 1.8 mills new (5 years)
• Henry – 2.5 mills new (5 years)
• Jefferson – 1.7 mills renewal (10 years)
• Logan – 2 mills new (5 years)
• Mahoning – 2.4 mills new (5 years)
• Marion – 3 mills renewal (5 years)
• Meigs – 2 mills new (5 years)
• Pike – 2 mills new (5 years)
• Tuscarawas – 1.2 mills new (10 years)

We invited Adam Herman, CEO of the Ohio Association of County Boards of DD, to help explain how the funding system works and share his perspective on what’s at stake for Ohio communities.

Whether your county has a levy on the ballot or not, understanding how Ohio’s developmental disabilities system is funded matters for individuals, families, and communities.

Read Adam’s guest perspective and learn more: https://www.elevatedd.org/news/whats-at-stake-for-ohios-developmental-disabilities-services-this-november

10/26/2026

ElevateDD is thrilled to share that Boo Krucky, Manager of Transition and Adult Supports for DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio, received the Change Agent Award at the Ohio SIBS gala!

Boo’s commitment to inclusion is rooted in a lifelong bond with her sister, Lyn, and decades of experience supporting people with disabilities. From her years at Goodwill to her work with DSACO, she has helped families navigate life’s transitions and connect with the resources and support they need along the way.

Please join us in congratulating Boo on this well-deserved honor!

10/23/2026

Join the Columbus Crew for Developmental Disability Awareness Day on October 31 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field as the Crew take on D.C. United at 2 PM!

Families in the developmental disabilities community can enjoy discounted tickets and experience a matchday designed with accessibility and sensory needs in mind.

Thanks to partnerships with KultureCity and Chase, amenities will include universal changing tables and three sensory rooms to help make the experience more comfortable for families.

We’re grateful to the Columbus Crew and their partners for creating this accessible opportunity.

Learn more and get your tickets: https://pa.exchange/marketplace/9c18d99e-6593-11f1-89d0-337e75aa6a71/storefront/9c18daca-6593-11f1-83f1-b1a337d8e4f5?fbclid=IwY2xjawVHMu5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMWF0bzc4ZTVvVXZBZUJHb21zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeJtyH71A_xwL5sCJ0IXcfprNallA3-vfvR_1BW39oYbNzaYDKC0ZHAEXi-44_aem_OAKtuH1VEQ2qvBOpoy4yCQ