ElevateDD

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

There’s still time to register for our upcoming webinar, “Supporting Dignity, Safety, and Inclusion: Diapering and Toile...
09/01/2026

There’s still time to register for our upcoming webinar, “Supporting Dignity, Safety, and Inclusion: Diapering and Toileting Guidance for Ohio Schools.”

Join us on Tuesday, September 8 at 4:30 PM for this timely and important discussion. This session is eligible for Ohio Approved Credit.

Students with diapering and toileting support needs have the right to access school with dignity, safety, and appropriate support. This webinar will walk families, educators, school leaders, and support professionals through Ohio’s multi-agency guidance on diapering and toileting hygiene in schools.

The session will focus on what the guidance means in practice, how schools and families can work together, and how Routine Personal Care Plans can support student independence, privacy, health, and inclusion. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of best practices, common planning questions, and practical ways to support children across early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school settings.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ERPgRdK-RfWoV4Wo_1LuiQ

If making a will has been on your to-do list, let August be your reminder. Taking the first step today can provide peace...
08/31/2026

If making a will has been on your to-do list, let August be your reminder. Taking the first step today can provide peace of mind for tomorrow.

Talk with your attorney or trusted financial advisor about creating or updating an estate plan that reflects your wishes and the legacy you want to leave.

If you'd like to learn more about including ElevateDD in your plans, we'd be honored to answer your questions. There's never any obligation, just a conversation about the impact you'd like to have for future generations.

People with developmental disabilities should help shape the programs, policies, and opportunities that affect their liv...
08/31/2026

People with developmental disabilities should help shape the programs, policies, and opportunities that affect their lives.

That means listening directly.

As ElevateDD plans for the future, we especially want self-advocates to participate in our community survey and tell us what matters to them.

Your goals.
Your experiences.
Your priorities.

Take the survey:
https://survey.sogolytics.com/r/4VEvLM

Mark your calendars for another terrific webinar! On September 15 at 11 AM, Jessica Horowitz-Moore from the Ohio Departm...
08/28/2026

Mark your calendars for another terrific webinar!

On September 15 at 11 AM, Jessica Horowitz-Moore from the Ohio Department of Medicaid will present “Understanding OhioRISE: What Families Need to Know About Accessing and Navigating Support.”

Navigating behavioral health, developmental disability, healthcare, Medicaid, and school systems can be complicated, especially when a child or young person needs support across more than one system. Join us for a practical, family-centered conversation about OhioRISE, Ohio Medicaid’s specialized managed care program for children and youth with complex behavioral health needs.

Participants will learn what OhioRISE is, who may be eligible, and what families can expect when accessing care coordination and other OhioRISE services. We will also explore how OhioRISE fits alongside developmental disability services, county boards, Medicaid waivers, schools, healthcare providers, and other supports a child may already receive.

Learn more about our upcoming webinars and register to join us: https://www.elevatedd.org/webinars

We’re pleased to welcome Larry Onokpite to the ElevateDD team!Larry joins ElevateDD as our first Manager of Data & Evalu...
08/28/2026

We’re pleased to welcome Larry Onokpite to the ElevateDD team!

Larry joins ElevateDD as our first Manager of Data & Evaluation. He brings experience in research and education, with a focus on special education and disability. In his new role, Larry will help us better understand our impact and use data to inform our work.

Larry recently earned his PhD in Special Education from The Ohio State University, where his research focused on reading disabilities, literacy, and cognition. He also brings experience working alongside students and educators.

We’re so glad to have Larry on the team and look forward to the perspective he brings to ElevateDD.

Get to know Larry and learn more about his new role in our latest blog post: https://www.elevatedd.org/news/meetlarryonokpite

A major federal proposal could change how Head Start programs operate across the country. ElevateDD is paying close atte...
08/27/2026

A major federal proposal could change how Head Start programs operate across the country. ElevateDD is paying close attention to what those changes could mean for children with disabilities and their families.

Head Start has a long history of including young children with disabilities and helping families access early learning, developmental, health, and family supports. The proposed changes would remove or simplify many of the detailed federal standards that currently help guide how Head Start programs support children with disabilities, coordinate with families and IDEA partners, provide accommodations, and create inclusive learning environments. A right to participate is important. So are the systems that help educators know how to make that participation possible.

Families, educators, disability advocates, and community partners have an opportunity to weigh in before the rule is finalized. Public comments are open through October 6, 2026.

You can read more about the proposed rule and submit comment here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/07/2026-16134/reducing-federal-burden-for-head-start-programs

Today we’re celebrating Stephanie Leppert’s anniversary with DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio!For seven ...
08/27/2026

Today we’re celebrating Stephanie Leppert’s anniversary with DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio!

For seven years, Stephanie has contributed to our team as the Outreach & Advocacy Associate, in a role she refers to as her “dream job.” From sending birthday cards to our members with Down syndrome to testifying on bills at the Ohio Statehouse and advocating in Washington, DC, Stephanie has spent her time building connections and advocating for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

We’re grateful for the knowledge and dedication Stephanie brings to ElevateDD and the people we serve. Thank you, Stephanie, for all you do to help move our work forward. We’re so glad you’re part of the team!

Here’s to another year!

We are listening. As ElevateDD continues its strategic planning work, we want to hear from people with developmental dis...
08/26/2026

We are listening.

As ElevateDD continues its strategic planning work, we want to hear from people with developmental disabilities, families, learners, tutors, educators, partners, volunteers, and community members.

What's working?

Where are the barriers?

What should we prioritize next?

Our community survey takes approximately 15 minutes.

Share your voice:
https://survey.sogolytics.com/r/4VEvLM

ElevateDD believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, connect, advocate, and thrive. Some supporters choos...
08/25/2026

ElevateDD believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, connect, advocate, and thrive.

Some supporters choose to include ElevateDD in their wills or estate plans as a way to create a lasting impact, helping ensure future generations of people with developmental disabilities and their families have access to programs, resources, and opportunities. A future gift through your estate can support the mission you care about while costing nothing today.

Whether or not charitable giving is part of your plans, Make-A-Will Month is a great time to begin the conversation with your loved ones and your trusted advisors.

Our 2025 Elevating Voices Impact Report is here. Across DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio, Learning Aid O...
08/24/2026

Our 2025 Elevating Voices Impact Report is here.

Across DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio, Learning Aid Ohio, Adult Literacy Ohio, and our advocacy work, 2025 was a year of growing community, expanding opportunity, and making sure people with developmental disabilities and their families are part of the conversations that shape their lives.

Take a look at what our community accomplished, and stay tuned, because reflecting on our impact is only the beginning.

Read the report at the link in the comments.

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Columbus, OH
43214

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