Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from Cuyahoga DD. We are closed today in observance of the holiday.

Image description: Folded USA flag, Happy Labor Day.

09/06/2026

The Good Life Ambassadors (GLA) are all about spreading inclusion and disability advocacy. GLA members visit local and state organizations, events, conferences, schools, and other places to advocate for people with developmental disabilities.

The GLA team has welcomed two new members - Kellyn Donahoe and Brandon Larador - get to know them!

Kellyn Donahoe, 22, graduated this year from the Career and Community Studies Program at Kent State University. She focused on education and marketing.

While in school, she worked in the marketing department and served as a tour guide.

For the last five summers, Kellyn has been a camp counselor at Lakewood's Safety Town. She also worked as a retail associate at GV Art & Design.

In her career, Kellyn wants to work in elementary education, design, or social media marketing.

Kellyn enjoys outdoor activities like bike riding, playing pickleball, and running. She likes exercising, hanging out with friends, creating photo and video collages, and writing cards.

She loves marketing herself by networking everywhere she goes in the community. "I have a lot to offer as a GLA," she said.
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Brandon Larador, 32, graduated from Valley Forge High School and the Ohio Media School.

He is deeply passionate about sports, especially the Cleveland teams, which he truly loves.

Brandon was born with spastic cerebral palsy. He enjoys discussing his disability, advocating for both himself and others, and challenging assumptions and barriers.

"I love being a light in the world in any way I can be," shares Brandon!

Image description: Kellyn (first) and Brandon (second) both smiling brightly.

09/06/2026

September is National Deaf Awareness Month! At Cuyahoga DD, we are excited to celebrate individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing.

We are here to support your rights and recognize all that the Deaf community has achieved.



Image description: National Deaf Awareness Month, graphic of an ear with a hearing aid.

09/05/2026

Are you looking for a caring and supportive environment? An Intermediate Care Facility might just be the perfect fit for you!

Check out the video below to learn more. Explore all the available for individuals with developmental disabilities in the county at cuyahogadd.org/services/housing-opportunities.

Would you prefer a structured environment with increased oversight ...

09/05/2026

See you at the farmers market! Cuyahoga DD will be at the North Union Farmers Market in Downtown Cleveland.

Mall B, Downtown
Tuesdays, through October 6
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Enjoy shopping for fresh produce, prepared food and beverages, plants, and connect with community resources, including Cuyahoga DD.

WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and Family Fruit & Vegetable Coupon are accepted at the market.

City of Cleveland - City Hall

Image description: Outdoor event booth with resource table at Mall B.

09/04/2026

Stay up to date with Cuyahoga DD. In our monthly newsletter, we share opportunities, events, and local disability news.

Read the September e-News at conta.cc/4wcPcAB.

Sign up for future newsletters on our website.

Image description: e-News, Cuyahoga DD September 2026 Newsletter. Updates, opportunities, events & more! with a mural wall view.

09/04/2026

Join us on Sep. 24 to learn how to vote with confidence.

Adults with DD, advocates, providers, and family members are invited.

Sign up at ow.ly/QiIo50ZABZf

Cuyahoga DD Advocacy Series presents Vote of Confidence: Informed Decision Making in Democracy.

This event is about making informed choices in a democracy, not about who or what to vote for. We will practice distinguishing facts and making choices that align with what matters to you.

Then you'll role-play these methods in a mock election to practice making informed decisions. The Board of Elections will share information on how to vote and assist with voter registration.

Event Info:
Thursday, September 24
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Independence Civic Center
6363 Selig Drive, Independence 44131

This event is designed for adults with developmental disabilities, family members, caregivers, advocates, and providers.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections and the Ohio Network for Innovation are the event presenters.

Sign up for free at https://ow.ly/QiIo50ZABZf.

Image description: Cuyahoga DD Advocacy Series, Vote of Confidence: Informed Decision Making in Democracy. September 24, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, Independence Civic Center.

09/04/2026

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) work at provider agencies, getting you the support you need. Do you know a DSP that goes above and beyond in their work? Nominate them for our award at ow.ly/3SEP50ZyIPC

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Appreciation Week is September 13 – 19. Cuyahoga DD is excited to celebrate DSP Appreciation Week by recognizing the incredible DSPs who make a difference every day.

As part of the celebration, Cuyahoga DD is inviting you to nominate a DSP who goes above and beyond.

Please nominate a DSP at https://ow.ly/3SEP50ZyIPC.

Image description: Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week, Nominate your DSP.

09/04/2026

Independent providers (IP) are self-employed. They directly provide services to people with developmental disabilities.

To meet an IP that can support you in Cuyahoga County, join our IP Meet and Greet on September 22 at 10 AM at the Maple Heights Branch Library.

Sign up for the in-person meeting at cuyahogadd.org/resources/individual-family-resources/find-a-provider.

Image description: Independent Provider Meet & Greet. Sign Up. September 22, 10 AM, Maple Heights Branch Library. Two different pairs of people together.

09/03/2026

The Northeast Ohio Aging and Disability Summit is an annual professional development and networking experience for professionals who serve older adults and adults with disabilities.

The Summit is on September 18 at Warrensville Heights.

Register at conta.cc/4fy6WQQ

Join professionals from across NEO on Sept. 18 for the 2026 Northeast Ohio Aging & Disability Summit! Connect, learn and be inspired alongside professionals and community leaders working across aging, disability, healthcare and related fields. Register: https://conta.cc/4fy6WQQ