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

Adult Advocacy Centers releases new advocacy publications

On July 20, 2021, the Adult Advocacy Centers (AACs) released two new publications to help people with developmental disabilities (DD) become better advocates: 

• An Advocacy Guidebook for People with Developmental Disabilities outlines strategies for developing advocacy skills and information to help victims of crime navigate the criminal justice system. 
• A Reference Guide to DD Self-Advocacy Groups in Ohio is a comprehensive list of contact information for statewide and county-level groups throughout the state. The publication is a joint effort between the AACs and the Ohio DD Council, with support from the state’s independent living centers. Additional contributions to this list from the community are welcome at contact@adultadvocacycenters.org.

AACs and Council hopes that these publications inspire self-advocates to find more ways to come together and make their voices heard.

Celebrate the 31st Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act!

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.

In our July blog post, we take time to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark civil rights law works to ensure all people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Read more about the ADA's 31st anniversary.

FCC seeks nominations for the Communications Equity and Diversity Council

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released a public notice seeking nominations for membership on the Communications Equity and Diversity Council (CEDC) for the new two-year charter through June 29, 2023. 

The purpose of the CEDC is to provide recommendations to the FCC on advancing equity in the provision of and access to digital communication services and products for all people, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability.

The FCC seeks applications from representatives of various sectors of the communications industry, representatives of state and local regulators, and representatives of consumer and community organizations. 

Deadline to apply is August 10, 2021. For more information, including how to apply: FCC Seeks Nominations for Communications Equity and Diversity Council

Transportation and why it's important for people with disabilities

Ohio DD Talks is a podcast series featuring conversations from Ohioans with developmental disabilities. New episodes are launched each month. 

Latest podcast: This episode features Cara Whalen-Smith from the Ohio Colleges of Medicine Government Resource Center. Cara speaks with host Nathan Turner on the latest effort to better understand transportation equity and transportation access for people with disabilities in Ohio. Watch the podcast on YouTube.

Grant reviewer training recoding availabile

On June 4th, training was conducted for those who will be reviewing grant applications for the projects offered in Council's 2022-2026 State Plan. A recording is now available of the training. Go here to view the training: Grant Reviewer Training - June 2021

Events held throughout Ohio

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