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.
01/20/2026
Did you see the success story featuring Terri in our December newsletter?! If not, check out her story below.
Terri is one of our long-time advocates and an active, familiar face throughout our community. From serving as a Board Member with People First, a local advocacy organization, to volunteering at the Ashtabula County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Terri is always involved and always making a difference.
To read more about Terri and to see the recent newsletter please visit t.ly/oFH8j
01/19/2026
The ACBDD will be closed today, January 19th in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
If you are someone we support who needs immediate assistance please call 440-812-0553 to speak with the SSA on-call. We will reopen at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, January 20th.
01/18/2026
Take a look at what’s happening this week with We Thrive Together Ohio!
Join an event on Zoom and be part of the fun!
January's Cookie Connection was full of smiles, stories, and M&M cookies!
This month, advocates had a blast baking at Active Day Ashtabula alongside John Hutchison, Director of the Kingsville Public Library Ohio. We mixed, baked, laughed, and learned all while making delicious M&M cookies to share with His Helping Hands Ministry as they prepare to distribute food this Saturday.
Beyond the baking, we enjoyed hearing about the many programs and resources offered through the Kingsville Public Library. We also learned that both John and Angela, Community Outreach Specialist at ACBDD, both grew up on a dairy farm.
If you'd like to join our monthly Cookie Connections, we'd love to welcome you, too! It is always a fun and meaningful way to build relationships, give back, and create memories one cookie at a time! If Interested in participating, click the link for more information: https://tinyurl.com/45fh2erv
01/16/2026
Are you looking for a career where you can make a real difference in someone’s life every day?
Join us as a Service and Support Administrator (SSA)! This role is sometimes referred to as a case manager or caseworker and plays an important part in helping people with developmental disabilities live, work, and thrive in our community.
As an SSA, you’ll work with people served and families to plan supports, connect resources, and ensure each person has what they need to succeed. This is more than a job, it’s meaningful work with lifelong impact.
The ACBDD will be closed on Monday, January 19th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. If you are someone we support and need immediate assistance, please call 440-812-0553 to reach the SSA on call. We will reopen at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, January 20th.
01/15/2026
Reminder: The Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities will hold its organizational (5:45 PM) & regular monthly meeting (6:00 PM) today, January 15th. The meetings will take place at the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities office, located at 2505 South Ridge Road East, Kingsville, in Conference Room 110A.
01/14/2026
We are happy to once again serve as a host site for the AARP Tax-Aide program! AARP Tax-Aide will be available at the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities Office, located at 2505 South Ridge Road East, Ashtabula, on Mondays beginning February 2 through April 13.
This free program helps low- and middle-income taxpayers file their personal income tax returns, with special attention to people age 50 and older.
To schedule an appointment, please stop by the Ashtabula County Board of DD Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM. Appointments must be made in person.
01/14/2026
NTS 2026 is just one month away! 🎉
✨ This unforgettable, star-studded prom night for individuals with special needs is happening soon, and we want YOU to be part of it.
💖 Guests: Register now to secure your spot for a night filled with music, dancing, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime!
🙌 Volunteers: We can’t do this without our amazing team! From welcoming guests to helping on the dance floor, there’s a place for everyone who wants to make a difference.
Let’s make this year’s Night to Shine the brightest one yet! 🌟 Spread the word and tag friends who would love to join in the fun.
01/13/2026
This is "What Is My Why" by Ohio DODD on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
01/12/2026
The Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities (ACBDD) will hold its organizational and regular monthly board meeting on Thursday, January 15, 2026, starting at 5:45 PM. The meetings will be take place at the Board Office located at 2505 South Ridge Road East, Kingsville, Ohio and are open to the public.
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Contact The Practice
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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.
