FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 30, 2004

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
8 East Long Street, Suite 1200
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Contact: Leslie Paull
(800) 766-7426, (614) 466-5205

Darling Appointed to Chair ODDC

William T. Darling of Worthington, Ohio, was appointed chairman of The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) recently by Governor Robert Taft. Darling’s term ends September 30, 2006.

Darling is associate director of Assistive Technology of Ohio, which creates programs that make it easier for Ohioans with disabilities to get the technology they need to learn, work and live independently. Prior to his position with Assistive Technology of Ohio, Darling had a consulting company, worked in the private sector as a rehabilitation counselor for MEDVOC Management, Inc., and was a social worker at Southeast Community Mental Health Center.

He has a Ph.D. in rehabilitation services from The Ohio State University, an M.S. in rehabilitation counseling from Southern Illinois University, and a bachelor’s degree from Miami University.

He said, “I think the greatest accomplishments of ODDC have come from being willing to be the entity that takes the first step, formally raising an issue for the first time. The council has always been willing to try to make change, even if the odds against it appear great at first glance. My goal is to continue on this path and in this manner, not being afraid to work for positive change for Ohioans with disabilities.”

ODDC consists of people who have developmental disabilities, parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities, representatives from concerned state agencies, and nonprofit organizations and agencies that provide services to people with developmental disabilities.

The ODDC is one of a national network of state councils committed to self-determination and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. ODDC receives federal funding to help carry out its mission of developing new and better ways of advocating, increasing capacities to assist people, and making needed changes to systems.

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