Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services to people from birth throughout their life.
Our mission is enriching, empowering, and connecting people with their community.
04/30/2026
In April, we had the honor of participating and/or partnering with 6 amazing businesses, and nonprofits to bring community awareness, outreach, and activities to life.
Special thanks to Rose with Leeda Northeast Inc , Rock Creek Public Library, Jefferson Nazarene Church , Henderson Library-Jefferson, OH, AM Ford, and Harbor-Topky Memorial Library for welcoming us into their spaces, providing material for events or providing volunteer opportunities for people we serve and people in the community. Thank you for your collaboration and support in ensuring everyone has access to their community!
04/29/2026
At our final Improv to Advocacy session with Liz from The Improvaneer Method, advocates focused on communication and networking and one activity really showed their growth.
During “Hello Senator,” participants practiced introducing themselves, sharing ideas, and answering questions with confidence, just like in a real conversation with a legislator.
Throughout the session, they also worked on eye contact, active listening, and asking thoughtful questions through interactive activities.
Over the past four weeks, it’s been incredible to see their confidence grow as they connected and strengthened their voices skills that carry into everyday self-advocacy.
04/29/2026
Your experience can help shape a better future for families.
The Ohio Department of Health–sponsored Newborn Screening Workgroup, led by Cincinnati Children’s, is seeking Ohio parents and caregivers whose child had a positive newborn screening since 2016.
Families are invited to share their experiences, help improve newborn screening systems, and support others going through similar journeys. Your voice can help shape future care, resources, and communication for families across Ohio.
Each month, the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities selects up to three exceptional Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who go above and beyond to serve people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in our community.
We are excited to celebrate Carol Barnes with New Avenues to Independence, Inc. as our second DSP of the Month for April! She was nominated by Mikahla Passmore, SSA with the Ashtabula County Board of DD, who tells us that as a house manager, Carol is exactly the type of person you’d want caring for your loved ones. She’ll pick up an extra shift, attend a doctor’s appointment, or even head to the YMCA for swimming - anything to make sure the individuals in her care are happy and safe.
Mikaha says that Carol is “the epitome of a wonderful human, staff, and friend” whose communication skills, kindness, and care do not go unnoticed.
We’re thankful for your dedication, Carol, and we’re lucky to have you here in Ashtabula County!
Recently, our advocacy session at Active Day Ashtabula focused on how technology can support greater independence in everyday life.
Andrea Klimko, ACBDD Provider Support & Technology, introduced Ohio as a “Tech First” state and shared assistive technology tools that help build skills, increase independence, and stay connected.
Advocates explored devices for daily routines, communication, and safety, and were encouraged to talk with their SSA and team if interested in learning more.
Thank you to Active Day for hosting and supporting these important conversations about independence, choice, and possibility. We’re also excited that Andrea will be joining Angela Thomas, ACBDD Community Outreach Specialist, at future advocacy sessions to continue sharing resources across our community.
We’re excited to continue bringing these tools and conversations to more people in our community.
04/27/2026
Each month, the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities selects up to three exceptional Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who go above and beyond to serve people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in our community.
What makes a great DSP? If you ask the individuals at Active Day Ashtabula, they’d point straight to Heather Perkins, our first DSP of the Month for April. Heather is being honored this month for her "all-in" attitude and her heart for service. She makes sure the people she serves are always treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
The HPC manager at Active Day wishes he had several Heathers to go around. We are so glad we have the one and only Heather Perkins here in Ashtabula County!
May is full of opportunities to get involved! We have a variety of activities planned throughout the month! There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from engaging events to fun experiences.
So grateful to partner with the Henderson Library-Jefferson, OH and community members for opportunities like this!
We loved being part of this hands-on project turning simple materials into something meaningful for others. This is what community connection and true inclusion looks like.
04/26/2026
Our Early Intervention (EI) & Service & Support Administrators (SSA) teams recently joined the Ashtabula County Community Services Tour. From "Lunch and Learns" to site visits, this tour is an essential resource for local professionals. It’s a great way to put faces to names and get a hands-on understanding of the diverse services available in our community.
Special thanks to the Ashtabula County Family and Children First Council for organizing such a helpful day!
Check out the 2026 schedule in the images below to join the next one.
04/25/2026
As National Library Week comes to a close, we wrapped up our final library visits with two more meaningful stops in our community.
📚 Andover Public Library where Xavier, alongside his mom, Lotus, presented "A Morning Circle Story Time" to Amy Thomas, Library Director, and Miss Betty, Children’s Librarian. This story celebrates the importance of coming together in a circle, building daily routines, and creating a sense of belonging where everyone is included and every voice matters.
📚 Grand Valley Public Library where Kyle presented "Charlie’s Friendship Garden" to the Library Director. This story follows a boy named Charlie who lives with the effects of polio. Through his love of gardening, Charlie nurtures not only plants but also friendships, showing how kindness, shared interests, and determination can help connections grow.
We are grateful for the opportunity to visit all nine libraries across Ashtabula County, sharing books that promote inclusion, celebrate differences, and build stronger, more connected communities.
Thank you to our advocates, families, and library partners for making this week so meaningful!
04/24/2026
🎉 Thank you for helping us reach 4,000 followers! 🎉
This milestone is more than a number. It represents a growing community of families gaining access to important updates, valuable resources, and local services and opportunities.
Every new follower expands our reach, helping us connect with people who may need support, information, or a place to feel connected.
We’re grateful to celebrate this moment with you. Together, we’re building a more informed, connected, and supported community.
04/24/2026
Each month, we spotlight people we support working in our community and the employers who foster inclusive workplaces. This month, we’re excited to highlight Verne!
Meet Verne, who works as a retail associate at Save A Lot in Orwell. Verne has been working at Save-A-Lot for about a month and he states it has been a fun and easy transition from his past job. He enjoys being a part of the team and stocking the boxes and any items needed throughout the day. Outside of work, Verne enjoys helping his neighbors with yard work and going out on the boat with his dad.
Thank you Save-A-Lot for fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace for everyone!
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The mission of the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to ensure the availability of services and supports that will assist eligible individuals with developmental disabilities to imagine the life they want to live, believe they can create it and achieve their dreams as participating members in their community.
Providing Quality Outcome – Driven Programs & Services to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities for over 60 Years.
History
The story of Happy Hearts School and Ash/Craft Industries is written into the history of Ashtabula County. The story began at a time when few believed individuals with disabilities deserved the right to public education and a brighter future. The story of Happy Hearts School and Ash/Craft Industries is an example to all the love, commitment, and determination of parents who persisted and prevailed in accomplishing their goal that opened the door.
In March of 1954, a small group of parents of children with disabilities met and formed the Ashtabula Council for Re****ed Children (ARC). One year later, March 1955, because of the efforts of this group Happy Hearts School opened its doors to the first school for children with disabilities in the basement of the Methodist Church on Elm Street and was attended by five students.
From 1956 through 1968, Happy Hearts School was hosted in various locations throughout Ashtabula County. Senate Bill 169 was passed which established the creation of the Board of Mental Retardation in 1967 and levies were approved by Ashtabula County voters. In 1968, Happy Hearts School’s current building was built. By 1970, the program had grown to provide services to 233 children and adults. In 1977, the construction of Ash/Craft Industries began and today the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services to over 500 children and adults with developmental disabilities thanks to the ongoing support of citizens of Ashtabula County.
