Ohio Association of County Boards of DD

08/31/2026

Congratulations to Harmony House on celebrating 15 years of serving children and families in Belmont County! Belmont-Harrison-Noble DD (BHN Alliance) played an important role in bringing Harmony House to the area in 2011. Pam McCort helped connect the organization with local leaders to address the need for services, while Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities provided a facility for the organization to begin its work in the county. As part of the anniversary celebration, Harmony House recognized Pam and BHN Alliance Superintendent and CEO Gloria Llewellyn for their support and partnership.

Over the past 15 years, Harmony House has continued to grow, providing children and families with free trauma-focused services, advocacy, and a safe place to be heard and supported.

Read more here: https://www.timesleaderonline.com/news/local-news/2026/08/harmony-house-celebrates-15-years-in-belmont-county/

08/28/2026

Congratulations to Miami University’s Best Buddies chapter on being named the Overall Outstanding College Chapter of the Year by Best Buddies International, becoming the first chapter to earn the organization’s highest honor twice!

The recognition also highlights the strong partnership between Miami students, Best Buddies Ohio, and the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities, which has helped create opportunities for friendship, inclusion, and belonging. Butler DD Community Outreach Advocate Courtney Hineman (pictured) shared how Best Buddies has helped her build friendships, strengthen social skills, and try new experiences. Today, she and her Best Buddies match, Miami Chapter President Melanie Schael (also pictured), have formed a lasting friendship they expect will continue well beyond college.

Read the full story: https://www.journal-news.com/lifestyles/best-buddies-chapter-at-miami-university-focuses-on-inclusion-and-outreach/article_6e195dce-56ff-5822-90d6-41c781eebaa3.html

08/26/2026

Finding a dental provider who understands the needs of people with developmental disabilities can be challenging — something Marci Straughter, Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities Board Member and OACB Trustee, knows firsthand.

Marci recently shared how the team at Boundless Health has made dental care a positive experience by listening, using plain language, offering choices, and taking the time to make sure she feels comfortable and respected. Now, she’s using her experience to advocate for more inclusive dental care for people with disabilities.

Read Marci’s story below!

Finding a dental provider who understands the needs of intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) can be challenging.

08/21/2026

OACB was proud to be part of the 2026 DD Candidate Forum, hosted by the Ohio Olmstead Task Force at the OSU Fawcett Center!

OACB staff joined advocates, families, and community partners from across Ohio to hear directly from political candidates about issues that matter to people with developmental disabilities and their families. OACB also hosted an informational table, connecting with attendees and highlighting the important role people with developmental disabilities and their families play in the legislative process. The team also shared ways to get involved in advocacy and help make sure the voices of Ohio’s DD community are heard by policymakers.

Thank you to the Ohio Olmstead Task Force for bringing the DD community together and creating an opportunity for Ohioans to make their voices heard!

08/19/2026

Talent took center stage at Deepwood Idol! Hosted by the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/ Deepwood during Mentor CityFest, this annual event gives talented performers the chance to shine through singing, dancing, comedy, and more. Congratulations to all 13 performers who took the stage and shared their talents with the community!

Watch the news footage here:

Deepwood Idol is an annual event put on by the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities / Deepwood.

08/18/2026

Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities' CommUNITY Film Fest put Ohio filmmakers in the spotlight! The 12th Annual CommUNITY Film Fest, held recently in Toledo, showcased 13 short films created by people with developmental disabilities, sharing their stories, talents, creativity, and perspectives on the big screen.

Check out the recent news coverage to learn more about the event, then head over to Lucas DD’s YouTube channel to watch all the films! OACB's Lisa Comes appears in the film "Lindsay's Driving Adventure."

Watch the news story: https://www.13abc.com/video/2026/08/18/community-film-fest/

Watch the films: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH21ga6mHNgo&si=Fcl6YUsh0vJBXbKy

08/13/2026

Meet Audrey. Audrey is one of nearly 1,000 children in Summit County receiving Early Intervention services through Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board. In this video, her family shares the difference those supports have made and the progress Audrey continues to make with help from her Early Intervention team.

Stories like Audrey’s also highlight something important: local property tax dollars make these services possible. County boards of developmental disabilities rely on local levy funding to provide and coordinate essential services, including Early Intervention. Those local dollars help connect children and families with support during some of the most important years of a child’s development. Early Intervention works. Starting services early gives children the opportunity to learn, grow, and build skills—and can reduce the need for additional services later in life.

Watch Audrey’s story and see the impact of that investment.

Meet Audrey! Because of you, Audrey and nearly 1,000 other children in Summit County receive essential Early Intervention services.

08/11/2026

Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities' annual Time to Shine show once again brought together participants, families, volunteers, and community members for a memorable day at the Shelby County Fair. From record participation to the countless memories made along the way, this event is a great example of what happens when a community comes together to create fulfilling opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

Read more and see the photos below!

08/05/2026

After a three-month break, our Executive Development Program (EDP) participants were back together this week. They hit the ground running with two days of learning about ethics, advocacy, and public policy, and included a visit to the Ohio Statehouse.

Day 9 focused on Personal Ethics and Legal Obligations, with sessions on the legislative process, Ohio ethics law, the history of litigation in the DD system, and how federal policy is developed and implemented.

Day 10 brought the learning to life with a visit to the Ohio Statehouse, where participants heard from State Representatives Crystal Lett and Mike Odioso, received a finance update on the state budget process, and met with leadership from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.

Thank you to all of our presenters for sharing your expertise and to this year's EDP class for your thoughtful questions, engagement, and commitment to strengthening leadership across Ohio's county boards of developmental disabilities!

Feel free to add a tag!

08/03/2026

Heroes came in many forms at the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/ Deepwood second annual Hero Day! More than 300 people gathered at Broadmoor School in Mentor on July 31 to meet local first responders, explore emergency vehicles, enjoy ice cream and face painting, and connect with community heroes in a fun, welcoming environment.

Events like Hero Day help build trust and familiarity between people with developmental disabilities and the first responders who serve their communities. By creating opportunities to connect before an emergency happens, Lake DD is helping strengthen relationships that can make a real difference when it matters most.

Learn more and see photos from the event below:

Heroes of all shapes and sizes turned out to have some fun with over 300 visitors during The Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities second annual “Hero Day” on July 31 in the parking lot of their Broadmoor School in Mentor. The …