ElevateDD

Authentic inclusion in all of life's opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

11/06/2025

ElevateDD continues to advocate for inclusive, accessible child care options so every child with a developmental disability in Ohio has the opportunity to thrive. This week, we submitted public comment on a proposed rule change that could affect access to inclusive child care.

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) has proposed updates to OAC 5180:2-16-09 / 5180:6-1-09 that would require programs receiving the Special Needs Enhanced Rate for publicly funded child care to obtain and maintain the Ohio PROMISE Program Designation (OPPD) and complete the Professional Early Childhood Inclusion Credential (PECIC).

In addition, OAC 5180:2-16-01 expands the definition of “special needs” to include areas such as developmental, emotional, cognitive, communication, sensory, and motor needs.

Public comments are open until November 10, 2025.

Submit feedback at https://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-partners/rules-and-resources/09-proposed-rules-and-business-impact-analyses.

11/05/2025

November is National Family Caregivers Month.

Every day, families across Ohio show extraordinary strength, compassion, and dedication as they care for loved ones with developmental disabilities. Their commitment fuels inclusion, advocacy, and growth, not just within their homes, but across entire communities.

ElevateDD recognizes and celebrates the caregivers who make this work possible. You remind us what it means to show up for one another.

Every person with a developmental disability deserves a place where they belong, and every caregiver deserves support and partnership.

This month, and every month, we honor your impact and we’re here to help lift the load, share resources, and stand beside you.

11/04/2025

Your voice matters. Get out and vote!

11/03/2025

Today we’re celebrating Amina, DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio's Family Navigator! Amina has been with the organization for three years, and we’re so grateful for everything she brings to ElevateDD and the families we serve.

10/31/2025

Throughout Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’ve celebrated the strength, talent, and voices of people with developmental disabilities. These observances remind us that awareness is just the beginning. True inclusion requires listening, partnership, and action every day of the year.

ElevateDD remains committed to building a future where people with developmental disabilities are valued, supported, and fully included in all aspects of community life.

Thank you to everyone who shared stories, attended events, and helped spread the message this month. We are advocating alongside you for lasting change, one opportunity at a time.

10/30/2025

No family should hear, “We can’t handle your child.”

More than 60% of families raising a child with a developmental disability have faced discrimination or negative attitudes in child care settings. Families shared stories of being told that a provider “couldn’t handle” their child’s needs, or that their child would be “better off elsewhere.”

We believe inclusion must be the default. Every child deserves to learn, play, and belong, and every parent deserves peace of mind knowing their child is accepted and supported.

Learn what families told us and how Ohio can do better:https://static1.squarespace.com/static/65bbfef65adf882f0951faf2/t/6606d8bf4c34db28160b7abe/1711724767763/Child+Care+%26+Developmental+Disabilities+Elevating+the+Voices+of+Ohio+Families+%282%29.pdf

10/29/2025

When child care breaks down, so does family stability.

More than half of families raising a child with a developmental disability in Ohio said their jobs were disrupted or they missed advancement opportunities because of child care challenges. Many had to leave the workforce altogether, work opposite shifts, or rely on family and friends just to get by.

One parent told us, “Between hospitalizations and appointments, jobs have fired me or let me go.” Families shouldn’t have to choose between caring for their child and keeping their job.

Read more from Ohio families:https://static1.squarespace.com/static/65bbfef65adf882f0951faf2/t/6606d8bf4c34db28160b7abe/1711724767763/Child+Care+%26+Developmental+Disabilities+Elevating+the+Voices+of+Ohio+Families+%282%29.pdf

10/28/2025

A proposed rule change could affect access to child care for children with disabilities in Ohio.

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) has proposed updates to OAC 5180:2-16-09 / 5180:6-1-09 that would require programs receiving the Special Needs Enhanced Rate for publicly funded child care to obtain and maintain the Ohio PROMISE Program Designation (OPPD) and complete the Professional Early Childhood Inclusion Credential (PECIC).

In addition, OAC 5180:2-16-01 expands the definition of “special needs” to include areas such as developmental, emotional, cognitive, communication, sensory, and motor needs.

Public comments are open until November 10, 2025.

Submit feedback at: childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-partners/rules-and-resources/09-proposed-rules-and-business-impact-analyses

10/27/2025

26% of families said their child isn’t in child care but they want them to be, and can’t find an option that meets disability-related needs. Affordability also remains a major barrier. Families told us they want their children included, supported, and cared for in safe, high-quality environments. But too often, programs aren’t equipped, or funded, to meet their needs.

When child care isn’t accessible, families lose jobs, opportunities, and stability. And that impacts all of us.

Learn where gaps in access are leaving families behind:https://static1.squarespace.com/static/65bbfef65adf882f0951faf2/t/6606d8bf4c34db28160b7abe/1711724767763/Child+Care+%26+Developmental+Disabilities+Elevating+the+Voices+of+Ohio+Families+%282%29.pdf

10/24/2025

Congressional leaders still need to hear from you!

ElevateDD stands alongside many organizations rooted in the developmental disabilities community in efforts to share stories with Congress from the families we serve about the importance of special education.

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) plays a vital role in protecting the rights of students with disabilities and supporting the people who serve them. Without it, the promise of IDEA is at serious risk. We’re calling on our community to join us in urging Congress to restore these cuts for the sake of every child, family, and educator who depends on them.

You can use National Down Syndrome Congress’s advocacy alert to share with your congressional leaders how special education and IEPs have supported your child, and why it is critical that these resources remain available: https://ndsccenter.org/policy/action-center

10/23/2025

Finding child care shouldn’t be this hard.

Ohio families told us the truth about child care and disability, what’s working, what’s not, and what has to change. Our Child Care & Developmental Disabilities report amplifies that finding child care that’s affordable, available, and inclusive is often out of reach.

At ElevateDD, we’re working to change that.

Learn more:https://static1.squarespace.com/static/65bbfef65adf882f0951faf2/t/6606d8bf4c34db28160b7abe/1711724767763/Child+Care+%26+Developmental+Disabilities+Elevating+the+Voices+of+Ohio+Families+%282%29.pdf

10/23/2025

We’re looking forward to the next installment of Topics in Educational Advocacy, our free webinar series in partnership with the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities designed to support students with disabilities, their families, and educators.

Plan to join us on October 27 at 6 PM for Reducing Barriers for Students on IEPs through Advocacy, led by Janet Kolk of OCECD, with special guest Kelsey Frobeen of Learning Aid Ohio. They’ll share practical tools and personal insights to transform your advocacy skills and reduce barriers for your learner!

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_24f0iLN-Te-OMuT3h42Mcg?fbclid=IwY2xjawNma4RleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkMnRQZFVEZnJoRkwzQU1FAR77G6KLhVT1tB_k5fswnKd6GsI88chgDgXwu2heMGrQhiRcpEOlClr6yHitew_aem_hvaXBfwWYUHG8IX1yV_hYA #/registration

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