Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities

06/12/2026

Board Member Derek Topola recently shared with ScripType about his career, his time on the Leadership Council, and how he collaborates with Cuyahoga DD staff, community organizations, and the community he serves.

Groundbreaking resident makes impactful changes through disabled advocacy groups May 19, 2026Tweet by Laura BednarWhat started as an initiative to advise the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities on best practices has been the foundation of Derek Topola’s success as an advocate for t...

06/11/2026

Save the date for the Cuyahoga DD Annual Family & Provider Resource Expo!

On October 24, meet agency and independent providers, and community partners. Get a close-up look at the many resources available to you in Cuyahoga County.

The Expo is free for individuals and families supported by Cuyahoga DD.

Registration to come.

Image description: Left side, text, Save the Date Cuyahoga DD Annual Family & Provider Resource Expo. Event details Date - Saturday, October 24, 2026; Time - 10 AM-2 PM; Location - Embassy Suites Independence. On the right, a person speaking to a resource table.

06/10/2026

Cuyahoga DD was honored with The Bag of Hope Award from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank's Harvest for Hunger Campaign.

Our 2026 Harvest for Hunger efforts went above and beyond, including the Hoops for Hunger basketball game, employee lunches, a community event, and much more.

Thank you to our campaign building coordinators, volunteers, and donors for feeding Northeast Ohio!

06/10/2026

Tomorrow! The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ohio is coming to Downtown Cleveland, ending with a celebration at Public Square.

Details below.

We are only 2 DAYS until the Flame of Hope arrives in Cleveland on June 11! 🔥

In just over a week, the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Final Leg arrives in Ohio on its journey to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Before the flame heads to Minnesota, we are giving it a true Cleveland welcome!

📍 Where: After the flame passes by iconic Downtown Cleveland, Inc. landmarks and sport venues, the leg of the run will culminate in a massive community celebration at Public Square.

🕚 When: Flame of Hope starts at Voinovich Park at 10 AM and will arrive at Public Square approx. at 11 AM.

🍔 What: A massive, free community celebration featuring local speakers, area food trucks, and live music to honor the arriving torch bearers and athletes!

Get all the details and plan your lunch hour route: https://bit.ly/4xjLQ0C

06/10/2026

Want to make a change in your community? Adult Cuyahoga County residents with developmental disabilities are invited to apply to become a Good Life Ambassador (GLA).

A GLA motivates and teaches others by sharing their successes, dreams, and challenges, helping people with developmental disabilities feel included in the community.

A GLA should be comfortable speaking to different people in the community, both one-on-one and in groups.

Learn all the requirements, qualifications, details, and apply by Sunday, June 14, at cuyahogadd.org/resources/advocacy-resources.



Image description: Right: five GLA members presenting, left: Become a Good Life Ambassador.

06/09/2026

Thanks to the advocacy of people with disabilities, their families, County Boards of DD, and the provider community, one of the most harmful pieces of the Medicaid overhaul bill, HB 795, has been removed.

Thanks to all who made their voices heard by contacting their legislators and/or providing testimony.

Republicans removed one of the most controversial parts of Ohio's Medicaid overhaul, but disagreements remain over how to fight fraud without creating new barriers to care.

06/09/2026

See you tomorrow at the West Side Market's Disability Access Day!

Visit the Market from 10 am to 2 pm to explore together.

The day will be hot tomorrow, so make sure to dress lightly. The produce hall is air-conditioned.



Image description: West Side Market Disability Access Day, June 10, with a top view of the Market.

06/08/2026

Peer mentoring programs connect people at similar life stages so they can learn and grow together. You can join a group or meet one-on-one. Mentors share what they’ve learned from their own experiences to help you work through challenges and celebrate your wins.

Cuyahoga DD would love your input! Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and tell us if you’re interested in this type of program.

We can help you find an existing program or create new peer mentoring opportunities that fit your needs. The survey is intended for adults.

👉 surveymonkey.com/r/T7TVVJG

Image description: Peer Mentor Program Survey, with two men sitting together and smiling.

06/08/2026

Meet Nakia, Investigative Agent, for the Employee Spotlight.

Nakia shares that she likes working at Cuyahoga DD because she has experienced the evolution
of change. Since 2015, in her various roles, which started as a summer job in workshops, she has witnessed these seeds of progress being planted and thriving today.

"I have learned that we don’t always see the immediate results of our work, but when we see the results of the seeds we plant in others' lives, it is the best reward.

Those kind words, gestures, team meetings, and tough investigations plant seeds of growth, empowerment, hope, and change in our individuals’ lives.

I enjoy being able to see individuals reach their goals, no matter how big or small they may be."

In her free time, Nakia is a party decorator specializing in balloon décor. She enjoys throwing parties for her family, so it comes in handy.



Image description: Employee Spotlight Nakia Williams, Investigative Agent, with a selfie of Nakia outdoors.

06/07/2026

Pride in the Cle in Downtown Cleveland was full of joy and celebration.

Thank you to everyone who marched with us and who stopped by the Mobile Sensory Space for a well needed break.

LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland