Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

06/05/2026

📅 Save the date! Sensory Friendly Morning returns to the Ohio State Fair on July 30 from 9 AM to 2 PM.

Enjoy a calmer fair experience:

🎡 Rides without flashing lights or music
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Activities with smaller crowds
🛋️ A Quiet Room for breaks and relaxation

Learn more about Sensory Friendly Morning and accessibility initiatives: https://bit.ly/4lfQ82c

06/04/2026

Come out to Great Council State Park in Xenia, Ohio, for a free Heritage Celebration on Saturday, June 6, from 10 AM-4 PM!

Attendees will enjoy a full day of family-friendly activities, including guided tours of the park’s interpretive center, living history demonstrations, engaging historical presentations and programs, and more.

Please park at Xenia High School and take the wheelchair-accessible shuttle to Great Council State Park.

RSVP for the event at ohiodnr.gov/RSVP.

06/03/2026

In Case You Missed It: Athletes from across Ohio traveled to Columbus on May 29-31 for the 2026 Special Olympics Ohio Summer Games. The event showcased the power of inclusion, community, and athletics.

Congratulations to every athlete, coach, volunteer, and family member who made the Summer Games one to remember! 🏅

06/02/2026

What started as a job she took on a whim quickly became something much more meaningful for Beth. She discovered that working with people in the developmental disability community was where she truly belonged. Throughout her career, she has learned the importance of showing up for others and building meaningful relationships.

🎥 Learn more about Beth’s “why” in this video.

06/01/2026

This weekend, the 2026 Special Olympics Ohio Summer Games showcased the power of inclusion, community, and athletics.

As we celebrate the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families who made the Games one to remember, we're also looking ahead.

Cleveland has been named the host city for the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games. The Land will welcome more than 5,500 athletes from across the country. Learn more about the road to 2030:

Cleveland is hosting this important, inclusive event in 2030.

05/29/2026

✈️ Summer is approaching, and air travel is picking up. This airport communication board helps people share needs, feelings, and questions at every step of the journey.

Download this board and more from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities: https://bit.ly/4ka5LYc

05/28/2026

Spring is a great time to visit parks and playgrounds across the Buckeye State, and inclusive features can make those spaces welcoming for everyone.

Tawawa Park in Sidney, Ohio, now features a new communication board designed to improve accessibility and turn the playground into a truly inclusive space where everyone can participate and have fun.

Learn how this addition is making a difference in the community: https://bit.ly/4dudzDK

05/27/2026

NEW: Tech4Me is an easy-to-use online tool from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities that helps people served explore assistive technology solutions that support independence at home, in the community, or on the job.

Created with input from Works4Me providers, participants, and OOD staff, Tech4Me offers:
• A guided survey to explore technology options and supports
• Simple, user-friendly information about assistive technology
• Connections between people served, providers, and OOD to identify resources that support greater independence

Together, Tech4Me and Works4Me are helping more Ohioans lead the independent lives they want to lead.

💻 Learn more at OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 today!

05/26/2026

The 2026 Special Olympics Ohio Summer Games are just a few days away!

From May 29–31, more than 3,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters from across the state will come together to compete, celebrate, and showcase the power of inclusion, determination, and community.

Check out this video from last year’s Games featuring Miami County’s bowling team!

05/25/2026

Today, we honor and remember the men and women who died while serving our country. ❤️