The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is made up of over 30 members, with the majority being individuals with developmental disabilities, and parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities who are appointed by the Governor of Ohio. By the direction of our members, the Ohio DD Council funds grant projects that aim to enrich the lives of people with developmental disabilities with an emphasis on self-determination, diversity and inclusion. Our mission is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life.

Learn more about the Ohio DD Council

Governor Appoints New Members to Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

February 4, 2021 (Ohio) — Governor Mike DeWine has appointed three new members to the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council), the state’s disability advocacy agency whose mission is to create change that improves independence, productivity, and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. 

The new appointees from across Ohio fill several open positions on the Council. They include:

• Annette L. Wood of Akron (Summit County)
• John Banchy of Cincinnati (Butler County)
• Jodi L. Young of Columbus Grove (Putnam County) 

In addition, the Governor re-appointed Pamela Green of Cincinnati (Hamilton County) for another Council term. 

“The experiences of these new members will help us in our commitment of self-determination and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities throughout Ohio,” said Carolyn Knight, executive director of the Ohio DD Council. “We are excited to welcome them to the Council.”

The Ohio DD Council is one of a national network of state councils, committed to self-determination and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. The Council has over 30 members of which 60 percent represent people with developmental disabilities, and parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities. The remaining members include representatives from state agencies, non-profit organizations and agencies providing services to people with developmental disabilities.

Learn more about our Council members

Tune in to the Latest "Ohio DD Talks" Podcast

Ohio DD Talks is a podcast series featuring stories and conversations from Ohioans with developmental disabilities. Michael Denlinger, who is a member of the Ohio DD Council, is the host of this series. Check out the latest episode, The Mailbag!

New episodes are launched each month and past episodes are available on the Ohio DD Talks web page.

Disability Rights Ohio Featured in this Month's Blog

"Ohio DD Council Digest" is the DD Council's official blog. Each month, we aim to provide you with information and news that is important to Ohioans with developmental disabilities.

Our latest blog post is from Disability Rights Ohio (DRO). DRO is Ohio's federally designated Protection & Advocacy System for people with disabilities. Read what they have to say about Community-Based Options for People with Disabilities in Intermediate Care Facilities.

Read more blog posts on the Ohio DD Council Digest web page.