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

The Ohio DD Council Announces Notice of Funds Available for Multiple Projects

Wednesday, April 7, 2021: The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council issued a Notice of Funds Available (NOFA) today for multiple projects for the Council's 2022-2026 Five-Year State Plan.

Each project is identified below by Project Number and Title:

• 17AC01FA22 – Public Awareness Using Digital Media for People with Developmental Disabilities
• 17OU01FA22 – Empowering Reachout E-Diversity Newsletter
• 17PP01CR22 – DD Awareness & Advocacy Day Grant
• 17PP03SC22 – General Assembly Briefing Sessions
• 22CH01FA22 – Come Together
• 22CH02FA22 – Empowering Families
• 22CH03FA22 – Inclusive Recreation
• 22CL01SC22 – DSP White Paper in Action
• 22CL02SC22 – Replicate and Expand Transportation Project
• 22EM01FA22 – Dollars and Sense
• 22EM02FA22 – Employment Resources
• 22LD01FA22 – Emerging Advocates
• 22LD02FA22 – Empowering People with Disabilities
• 22OU01FA22 – Detecting Specific Disorders for the Amish and Non-Amish Community Project
• 22OU02SC22 – Human Trafficking and Vulnerable Populations
• 22OU03SC22 – Ohio LGBTQ Community and People with Disabilities

All applications for these projects are due at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Friday, July 2, 2021. Each awarded project is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2021 and run until September 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

Read the full text of the NOFA to learn about the intent and scope of each project and how to apply.

Applicants Encouraged to Register for Bidders Conference

For those applying, DD Council will hold a virtual Bidders Conference on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 and again on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 10:00AM to 5:10PM. At the Bidders Conference, you will have the opportunity to talk with Council staff about the intent, purpose and expectations of the grant you are applying for. Staff will also discuss the application process. Deadline to register for the Bidders Conference is Friday, April 23, 2021. Click here to register

Apply to Become a Member of the Ohio DD Council!

Want to make a difference for Ohio's disability community? Join the Ohio DD Council! The Ohio DD Council is recruiting new membership for the following categories:

• Individual with a developmental disability,
• Parent or guardian of a child with a developmental disability, and
• An immediate relative or guardian of an institutionalized or previously institutionalized individual with a developmental disability or an individual with a developmental disability who resides or previously resided in an institution.

Deadline to apply is April 18, 2021. For more information and to learn how to apply: New Member Application

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 recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In an effort to prevent sexual assault and other forms of abuse for people with disabilities, the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) has created several resources for people with disabilities and their supports to use. Read: Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention for People with Disabilities

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

Ohio DD Talks is a podcast series featuring stories and conversations from Ohioans with developmental disabilities. New episodes are launched each month and past episodes are available on the Ohio DD Talks web page.

Season 2 of Ohio DD Talks is here! Kicking it off during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, this new episode is all about advocacy: What Does Advocacy Really Mean? With self-advocates Shari Cooper and Nathan Turner, the episode explores what advocacy actually means and how someone can get started.