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Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

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Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

Creating change to improve independence and inclusion for Ohioans with developmental disabilities. We provide this information as a public service.

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) is a planning and advocacy body committed to community inclusion for people with disabilities. ODDC is funded under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, Public Law 106-402. ODDC is a partner within the Ohio DD Network which includes Ohio's Protection & Advocacy System (Disability Rights Ohio) and Ohio's two University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities: The Nisonger Center of The Ohio State University and the Cincinnati Children's Medical Center of the University of Cincinnati. The Ohio DD Council uses its page to provide information about the Council. The Ohio DD Council also to share news from other organizations. Please note that the Ohio DD Council does not endorse nor guarantee the information provided from other organizations.

01/30/2026

ODDC Initiative Highlight: Legislative Staff Receive Hands-On Briefing from Deaf/Blind Community Organization

LMK Advocacy held a hands-on session to help legislative staff better understand challenges faced by people who are blind or deaf.

Staff participated in different activities to simulate life without sight or hearing. This helped them learn how to offer support without taking over tasks.

Participants also heard from deaf and deaf-blind individuals about:

- Important resources
- Tactile interpreting
- Community programs
- How COVID-19 affected accessibility

Legislative staff said the interactive session helped to increase their awareness and understanding.

Read more about LMK Advocacy's work and other ODDC-funded initiatives in our most recent newsletter here: https://ddc.ohio.gov/media-and-news/dd-council-connection/1-dd-council-connection-resource

01/29/2026

ODDC Initiative Highlight: Community Ambassador Program

The Ohio DD Council Ambassador Program is a storytelling initiative that centers on the voices of people with developmental disabilities (DD). Known as Community Ambassadors, self-advocates lead conversations and raise awareness around barriers and successes within their local communities.

Shari Cooper - Dayton
Shari was the first Community Ambassador to kick off this initiative. She chose two topics to cover: Montgomery County's success in adding universal changing tables to public restrooms, and encouraging adults with DD to enjoy fun, inclusive activities in their communities.

Alicia Hopkins - Cincinnati
Alicia shared her community's stories in three ways: recording interviews with legislators, experts, and peers; writing blog posts; and creating visual art pieces.

Raymil Norton - Ashtabula
Raymil shared information about his community and his experiences with transportation and inclusive outreach.

Find links to each ambassador's work and other ODDC-funded initiatives in our most recent newsletter here: https://ddc.ohio.gov/media-and-news/dd-council-connection/1-dd-council-connection-resource

01/28/2026

From ODDC Community Ambassador Alicia Hopkins:
Conversations with Professionals and Fellow Advocates

During her time as an ODDC Community Ambassador, Alicia spoke with two blind advocates, Mike and Dawn.

Together, they explored how Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices (AAC) and other communication tools affect participation across different disability communities.

They also talked about how these barriers often push people out of important conversations:
- Cost
- Inaccessible formats
- Lack of awareness

Read more about Alicia's Community Ambassadorship and listen to her conversation with Mike and Dawn here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/ou5bpq4/AliciaHopkins

01/27/2026

ODDC Initiative Highlight: Addressing Transportation and Housing Gaps in Rural Ohio

IncludeAbility studied the challenges faced by people with DD in rural Ohio, asking 190 people with disabilities, families, and professionals for input.

The biggest concerns were transportation and affordable, accessible housing.

Limited transit makes it hard to get to medical appointments, jobs, and community activities, and participants emphasized the need for homes that work for everyone.

Other important issues included:
- Jobs
- Recreation
- Healthcare
- Support for young people moving into adulthood

Learn about this project and other ODDC-funded initiatives in our most recent newsletter here: https://ddc.ohio.gov/media-and-news/dd-council-connection/1-dd-council-connection-resource

01/24/2026

ODDC Initiative Highlight: Giving a Voice to LGBTQ+ People with I/DD in Ohio

The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities did a research study about LGBTQ+ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) living in Ohio.

Feedback from surveys, interviews, and focus groups showed that participants often face challenges such as:

- high costs
- limited transportation
- providers who don’t understand LGBTQ+ identities
- negative experiences related to their identity
- fear of losing support from coming out

The study highlights the need for better-trained professionals and more inclusive practices so people feel:

- safe
- respected
- connected

Learn about this project and other ODDC-funded initiatives in our most recent newsletter here: https://ddc.ohio.gov/media-and-news/dd-council-connection/1-dd-council-connection-resource

01/22/2026

ODDC Initiative Highlight: “My Life. My Story.” Storytelling Workshop

The "My Life. My Story." storytelling workshop provided a platform for participants to write and perform compelling stories focused on:

- Life events
- Advocacy
- Personal growth

This series was led by Dr. Becca Monteleone, Assistant Professor of Disability Studies at the University of Toledo.

Participants performed their stories live at the end of each workshop event, and were also empowered to:

- Share their experiences
- Build meaningful connections
- Feel more confident
- Challenge misconceptions
- Express themselves (through words, art, or assistive technology)

Learn about My Life. My Story. and other ODDC-funded initiatives in our most recent newsletter here: https://ddc.ohio.gov/media-and-news/dd-council-connection/1-dd-council-connection-resource

01/20/2026

It's almost time for another season of the DD Talks podcast, and ODDC wants to hear from you!

What topics and stories should we cover this season? Who should we have as guests?

Share your ideas or your story with us using the form linked below. You could be invited to appear as a guest this season!

Complete the short online form here: https://bit.ly/3GVqz7S

01/19/2026

ODDC Initiative Highlight: WrightChoice Mentoring

WrightChoice Mentoring helps college students with disabilities get ready for life after graduation.

They do this by connecting students with:
- mentors
- networking opportunities
- skill-building workshops

Students have one-on-one support from a mentor, and the program partners with groups like Black and LGBTQ+ student organizations to reach more students.

Participants say the program helps them:
- gain confidence
- try new things
- understand how their identities may affect their work experiences
- build strong connections

Many students even come back as mentors after they graduate, creating a supportive community.

With guidance and real-world practice, WrightChoice Mentoring helps students enter the workforce feeling prepared and supported.

Learn about WrightChoice Mentoring and other ODDC-funded initiatives in our most recent newsletter here: https://ddc.ohio.gov/media-and-news/dd-council-connection/1-dd-council-connection-resource

01/16/2026

ODDC Initiative Highlight: Empowering Families Project

The Empowering Families project works to strengthen the ability of parents, caregivers, and professionals to navigate the special education system and advocate effectively.

Participants learn how to support families through the IEP process. Short, on-demand trainings are available in English and Spanish, with Somali coming soon.

More than 100 virtual and in-person sessions have been held across Ohio, and the project continues to expand.

This project is led by:
Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD)
Disability Rights Ohio
University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities UC UCEDD

Learn more about the Empowering Families Project and more ODDC-funded initiatives in our most recent newsletter here: https://ddc.ohio.gov/media-and-news/dd-council-connection/1-dd-council-connection-resource

01/13/2026

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council has named Paul Jarvis as its next Executive Director. Jarvis brings 20 years of experience with the Council, leading public policy grants and state and federal advocacy. He steps into the role as the Council wraps up its current 5-Year Plan and prepares the next plan, expected to be finalized in 2026.

“I look forward to working with the members of the Council to implement their vision for what Ohio’s system of services and supports for people with developmental disabilities should be,” Jarvis said. “I am honored to be given this opportunity.”

Prior to joining the Council’s staff in 2005, Jarvis worked as an aide in the Ohio House of Representatives and worked for the House majority caucus under two speakers. Jarvis holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and is a graduate of St. Clairsville High School.

01/12/2026

ODDC is accepting applications for new Community Ambassadors!

Are you interested in sharing your voice and making a difference in your community? The ODDC Community Ambassador Program highlights self-advocates with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) from across Ohio.

As an Ambassador, you’ll share stories from your local I/DD community — including challenges, successes, and the positive changes helping make your town more inclusive for everyone.

Visit this link to tell us more about you and your interest in becoming a Community Ambassador: https://forms.gle/bkePsH7aiPBrsbTy8

Learn more about the program and our previous Community Ambassadors here: https://bit.ly/ODDC_Ambassador

01/09/2026

Join us for Developmental Disabilities Awareness & Advocacy Day 2026 on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium.

This annual event brings together self-advocates, families, providers, and allies from across Ohio to raise awareness and advocate for strong policies that support people with developmental disabilities.

Registration opens January 23, 2026
Stay tuned for the registration link!

We can’t wait to see you at the Statehouse!

Address

1810 Sullivant Avenue
Columbus, OH
43222

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Website

https://ddc.ohio.gov/

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Our Mission

The mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. The Ohio DD Council is one of a national network of state councils, committed to self-determination and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.

The Ohio DD Council has over 30 members. Sixty percent represent people with developmental disabilities, and parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities who are appointed by the Governor. The remaining members include representatives from state agencies, non-profit organizations and agencies providing services to people with developmental disabilities. Professional staff support the Council's members and committees and handle day-to-day operations, administration, planning, advocacy, and project monitoring.

The Ohio DD Council identifies issues experienced by people with disabilities and creates specific grant proposals to address these needs. When grants are available, the Ohio DD Council will announce it so that anyone may apply for the grant.

The Ohio DD Council operates under the authority of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities assists the Ohio DD Council as the federally mandated designated state agency.