Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

09/01/2026

On September 12, Carter Cherry, 10, from Powell, and Alaina Buckingham, 14, from New Albany, will be featured in the National Down Syndrome Society’s annual Times Square video presentation.

The video will feature 500 children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 states.

Learn more about the display in this NBC4 article:

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Two local children are appearing in the big lights of Times Square. Carter Cherry, 10, from Powell, and Alaina Buckingham, 14, from New Albany, were selected to be featured …

08/31/2026

Sporting events across Ohio are hosting disability awareness games, a fun, interactive way to highlight inclusion and accessibility.

DODD recently visited the sensory spaces at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field as the Columbus Crew prepare for their October 31 match. The 2 PM game will feature enhanced accessibility supports, including universal changing tables, communication boards, and more.

View the stadium's accessibility features on the ScottsMiracle-Gro Field website (scottsmiraclegrofield.com/accessibility/) and score tickets to the match at columbuscrew.com/tickets/.

08/28/2026

Congratulations to Miami University's Best Buddies chapter on being named Overall Outstanding College Chapter of the Year! 🎉

In partnership with the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities, students are building meaningful friendships, boosting inclusion, and reducing social isolation by connecting people with and without disabilities, creating a true sense of belonging on campus.

Learn more about Miami's Best Buddies chapter in this Journal-News article:

Best Buddies is strengthening disability advocacy and social connection across southwest Ohio. Miami U. chapter named the Overall Outstanding College Chapter of the Year award for the second time.

08/27/2026

Back-to-school season often means more appointments and preparations before your child enters the classroom.

Vernon Jackson, owner of Noble Barber and Beauty in Cincinnati, understands the stress and anxiety that can come with those appointments. That's why his shop hosts The Gifted Event, a safe and inclusive space where children with developmental disabilities can get a free haircut.

Learn more about The Gifted Event and its mission to support families: https://thegiftedevent.com/

08/26/2026

With 36 years in the developmental disability field, DODD staffer Leslie Powell loves what she does!

She takes pride in connecting people served and their families to the resources and supports they need.

Learn more about Leslie's compassion to serve others in this video.

08/25/2026

With support from the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Caron Richey, owner of Print Works of Salem, connected with and hired Brian Snode.

Brian works two days a week in the shop, handling essential tasks like “weeding” vinyl signs, gluing worksheet pads, and helping with organization and cleanup. With on-site job coaching and ongoing support, Brian is building job skills and succeeding in his role.

Learn more about Brian’s path to employment in this Morning Journal article: morningjournalnews.com/news/local-news/2026/07/columbiana-county-board-of-developmental-disabilities-recognizes-salem-print-works/

SALEM – Caron Richey, owner of Print Works of Salem, needed an employee to help with a variety of jobs. Through connections within her Salem community, she was able to find a valued employee with the help of Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The connections came through Richey...

08/24/2026

The Leadership Access Scholarship helps people with developmental disabilities and their families reduce financial barriers to Ohio-based trainings, workshops, and conferences.

If you or someone you know could benefit, you can review the details and apply at least 30 days before the event. Applications are available on Elevate DD’s website: www.elevatedd.org/leadershipaccessscholarship

08/21/2026

Register today for TechSummit 2026, happening September 18. This statewide event brings together technology, innovation, and inclusion.

Attendees will hear from leading experts and explore cutting‑edge tech solutions that support independence, accessibility, and community participation.

This year’s keynote, “Autonomous Vehicles Today and Tomorrow: What They Mean for Accessible Transportation,” will take a deep dive into how advancements in autonomous vehicles could shape the future of accessible transit.

Learn more and register: https://go.osu.edu/TechSummit

08/20/2026

The best way to avoid tickborne diseases is to prevent tick bites. In Ohio, ticks are most active from early spring to late fall.

You can lower your risk by:
-Protecting yourself from tick bites.
-Checking for ticks after being outdoors.
-Removing ticks as soon as you find them.
-Watching for symptoms after a bite.

08/19/2026

A new round of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge starts on August 31!

This statewide movement helps schools build a culture of health through fitness, nutrition, and quality sleep. Led by Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, the challenge empowers students in grades 3-8 to set goals, track progress, and take ownership of their well-being, all through a framework that integrates easily into existing physical education and wellness programming — or even at home.

Schools can sign up and learn more using this fillable form: https://bit.ly/46ak4XS