ElevateDD

04/27/2026

Last week, ElevateDD joined early childhood educators from across the state at the Ohio Early Childhood Conference, a space grounded in connection, learning, and discovering what’s possible when we center every child.

We were proud to sponsor the inclusive child care track and present alongside passionate leaders in the field. Thanks to Dr. Lawton with Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Dr. Grove with Ohio Department of Children and Youth for joining ElevateDD on two presentations on how to support children with disabilities and their families in child care settings. It was wonderful to share resources with educators who are shaping more inclusive classrooms every day!

We appreciate Ohio AEYC for hosting us, and we look forward to next time!

04/24/2026

We’re excited to announce the May installment of our ConnecteDD webinar series, in partnership with Derek Graham of Philipps & Graham, LLC! Join us on May 5 to hear about Guardianship & Supported Decision Making. The first webinar in a two-part series, Derek will help parents and caregivers understand options for planning for their loved ones with developmental disabilities.

To register, and to learn more about upcoming and past webinars, please visit https://www.elevatedd.org/webinars.

04/22/2026

There’s still time to register for our next webinar!

Join us as Kelsey Frobeen highlights Learning Aid Ohio’s growing impact across the state. You’ll hear how one-on-one, IEP-aligned tutoring is helping students with disabilities build confidence, stay engaged, and succeed, supported by new findings from an independent evaluation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and explore a model that’s expanding access to education.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RFcSZXw4R1yc5RNcnS_6BA

04/22/2026

Today, on Administrative Professionals Day, we’re celebrating someone who keeps so much of our work moving forward: Kelly Houg.

While Kelly has only recently joined the ElevateDD team as our Administrative & Operations Coordinator, she is already making a meaningful impact. Her attention to detail and willingness to jump in wherever needed help keep things running smoothly each day.

We know that meaningful work doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because of people like Kelly.

Please join us in thanking her for all she brings to our team and our mission.

04/21/2026

“Volunteerism isn’t just service. It builds connection. It creates purpose. And it drives transformation, for more people than you would think.”

This National Volunteer Month, we’re reflecting on the many ways showing up for one another strengthens our community. In our latest blog post, Lucy Maddrill, DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio’s Volunteer & Events Coordinator, shares a compelling perspective on the impact of volunteering and why it matters more than you might think.

Read here: https://www.elevatedd.org/news/volunteermonth

04/20/2026

ElevateDD was happy to be part of the recent LEND Poster Day and to spend time with trainees, faculty, families, and partners helping shape the future of leadership in the developmental disabilities field.

LEND, which stands for Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities, is a federally funded leadership training program that prepares interdisciplinary leaders to improve systems and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

LEND programs are housed within UCEDDs, or University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, which serve as hubs for training, research, and community partnership. Ohio is fortunate to have two of these programs through The Ohio State University Nisonger Center and the UC UCEDD.

From caregiver supports and inclusive community spaces to accessibility, education, and transition to adulthood, the posters reflected the kind of practical, values-driven leadership our field needs.

Our President & CEO, Troy Hunter, also had the opportunity to join a LEND alumni panel alongside other disability partners from across the state, reflecting on leadership, lived experience, and the importance of sustaining values like advocacy and inclusion in real-world systems.

Thank you to Andrea Witwer, Jennifer Smith, and Stephanie Weber for your leadership and for bringing together such a strong day of learning and connection.

A special thank you as well to Director Nash and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities for sharing in the day and for your leadership.

We were grateful to be included and proud to be part of a statewide community working to build a more inclusive future.

04/17/2026

Don't miss out! Applications for the ElevateDD Voices Fellowship are due by April 24!

This leadership program is for Ohio adults with developmental disabilities who want to strengthen their leadership skills and help improve systems and supports.

Fellows will learn about:
• Storytelling and public speaking
• Community leadership
• Communicating in decision-making spaces

Participants will also complete a leadership project that helps improve their community.

The program runs June 2026 – June 2027 and will include up to 10 participants.

If you care about making Ohio better for people with developmental disabilities, we encourage you to apply.

Apply today: https://www.elevatedd.org/elevateddvoicesfellowship

Applicants will be notified no later than May 1.

04/15/2026

Families across the ElevateDD community have been clear: inclusion is not just about access. It is about whether children with developmental disabilities and their families truly belong.

Right now, The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) are inviting public input on their updated Joint Position Statement on Early Childhood Inclusion.

Position statements like this help shape the field. They influence how early childhood programs define quality, how educators are trained, how systems are designed, and how policies are implemented to support young children with disabilities and their families. The updated draft centers a critical shift: inclusion is defined as the rightful presence of each and every child with a disability and their family. It calls for systems that ensure access, participation, supports, and belonging, and challenges us to move beyond treating children with disabilities as visitors to environments that were not built for them.

The experiences of families navigating early care and education systems should shape how inclusion is defined and implemented. Their perspectives are essential to building early learning environments where children with disabilities are not only welcomed, but fully included and valued.

We see every day how important it is to center lived experience in policy and practice.

Now is the opportunity to do just that.

Public comment is open through April 27, 2026. Review the draft and share your input: https://sbee.link/nmhx3ugwjd

04/14/2026

What does autism acceptance look like to you?

For us, it means creating a world where people are understood, valued, and included just as they are.

Read our guest blogger Jonathan’s perspective here: https://www.elevatedd.org/news/autismacceptance

04/13/2026

Save the date for the Act Early Ohio Summit on June 3, 2026! This free, in-person event will bring together families, professionals, and advocates who are passionate about supporting young children and their development.

🌟 We’re thrilled to announce the Act Early Ohio Summit on June 3, 2026, at the Conference Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio! 🌟

As part of the Act Early Initiative, this summit aims to promote collaboration among early childhood programs to identify children with autism and other developmental disabilities early, providing them with the necessary support.

Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of children and families!

📅 Save the date and visit the Eventbrite page for more information! https://ow.ly/lCIP50Yyli9

04/11/2026

Today, we’re proud to celebrate Serra Marshall on her second anniversary as HR Manager at ElevateDD.

Serra brings thoughtfulness, leadership, and a deep commitment to people in everything she does. Her work supports not only our team, but the culture that makes ElevateDD a place where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.

From strengthening our internal processes to showing up in meaningful ways, Serra plays an essential role in advancing our mission every day.

We’re grateful for her dedication and the impact she continues to make across our organization. Congratulations, Serra, and thank you for all you do!

04/10/2026

Join us for an Information Session about the ElevateDD Voices Fellowship on April 13 at 6:30 PM!

This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for adults with developmental disabilities in Ohio to share their voice, grow their leadership skills, and connect with others in the disability community.

Not sure if it’s the right fit? This session is a great way to learn more. You’ll have the chance to meet our team, hear what the Voices Fellowship is all about, and ask questions to see if it’s a good match for you.

The Voices Fellowship runs from July 2026 through June 2027 and meets twice a month. Applications are due by April 24.

Register for the info session: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MVkvgw4QQgaDJQIWbiGgVw #/registration

Find more details and apply: https://www.elevatedd.org/elevateddvoicesfellowship