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

---

Subscribe to our newsletters

---

---

Applications due by 11:59PM EST on July 2, 2021

---

---

Events held throughout Ohio

---

Bidders Conference: May 12 and May 19, 2021

Are you applying for a grant offered by the Ohio DD Council? If so, please join one of our Bidders Conferences on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 or Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 10:00AM to 5:10PM. 

At the Bidders Conference, held via Zoom, 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. You can attend the entire conference or just the sessions that are of interest to you.

Registration is no longer required. For more information:

• Zoom Login Information
• Agenda
• PowerPoint Slides
• State Plan Proposal Kit

Questions? Contact Fatica Ayers at fatica.ayers@dodd.ohio.gov or 614-644-5543.

---

DD Council Seeks New Members

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
• A representative from a private non-profit organization serving persons with developmental disabilities.

If you are interested in becoming a member, go to our website to the New Member Application page for more information. You may apply online or download documents to complete and mail to our office.

Deadline to apply is May 28, 2021.

---

Registration for Tech Summit 2021 is now open!

Registration is now open for the TechSummit 2021 being held virtually on July 22-23, 2021 from 9 AM - 12 PM, both days. 

TechSummit is an annual conference with a focus on technology as it relates to developmental disabilities. From smart homes and in-home remote support systems to independent transportation options, this two-day event offers attendees a chance to learn about different kinds of current and emerging technology options to support people with developmental disabilities who want more independence in their lives. For information on speakers, agenda and other resources, visit TechSummit’s website.

The Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University hosts this conference through funding from the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council and support from Assistive Technology of Ohio and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.

Register for the 2021 TechSummit

---

Lucas County Resident Named Co-Host of Ohio DD Council’s Podcast

Lucas County resident Nathan Turner has been named as the new co-host of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) web series and podcast, Ohio DD Talks. The series features stories of and conversations with Ohioans with disabilities. Turner will share hosting duties with DD Council member Dara Walburn, of Athens, Ohio.

Turner’s first episode as host is on Assistive Technology with William Darling of Assistive Technology of Ohio. Watch it here or listen to it wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Turner is employed as a Senior Web Quality Rater for Lionbridge Global Support Services and also works as a freelance data annotator supporting many of the major technology companies in the state. He also serves as the technology ambassador from Northwestern Ohio for the Ohio Technology Ambassador Network.

Born with cerebral palsy, Turner was recently appointed to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Self Determination Association. He is also an ambassador with the National Institute on Disability focusing on financial education and outreach on ABLE accounts to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) disability communities.

Turner shares, “While this is my first time hosting a podcast, I know people with disabilities, their families and the professionals supporting us are resilient, determined and creative. I will facilitate discussion to allow our guests to communicate their ideas and listen attentively to emphasize unique strengths. My goal for the podcast is to highlight the successes of people with disabilities in the post ADA generation and truly demonstrate the value of an inclusive society.”

Learn more about Ohio DD Talks

---

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.

Lastest blog article: Assistive Technology of Ohio (AT Ohio) recently announced that Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted proclaimed April 14, 2021 as Ohio AT Awareness Day. This coincided with Congress designating that same day as National Assistive Technology Awareness Day. Read more about the importance and continued growth of assistive technology, including video messages from the directors of DODD and OOD, as well as an interview with AT Ohio's Executive Director Bill Darling: Assistive Technology & Everyday Life

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.

Latest podcast: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine declared April 14 as Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day. In the spirit of supporting AT awareness, the latest podcast, Assistive Technology & Everyday Life, features Bill Darling who is the executive director of Assistive Technology of Ohio (AT Ohio). Bill talked about the benefits of AT and how it supports people with disabilities in their everyday life.