Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

09/07/2026

Wishing you a restful and happy Labor Day from all of us at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities! 🌟🩵

09/04/2026

In Ohio, the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is a free and confidential service available 24/7. Anyone can call, text, or chat to be connected with trained staff who are ready to listen and provide support.

Support is available to people of all abilities. Staff take the time to understand each situation and help guide people toward appropriate care and resources.

Learn more about 988 resources on DODD's website: dodd.ohio.gov/about-us/our-programs/988+Resources

09/03/2026

DODD Director Lyndsay Nash was proud to join Lt. Governor Jim Tressel at Starling to encourage students participating in the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge.

Learn more and sign up for the fitness challenge: education.ohio.gov/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Physical-and-Health-Education/Team-Tressel-Fitness-Challenge

Check out guided Team Tressel Fitness Challenge videos on YouTube: www.youtube.com/

09/02/2026

Heather Giles has become a familiar face at the Ross County Fair, entering animals, crafts, and food projects that showcase her hard work and creativity. Through self‑determination, she’s turned fair participation into a way to celebrate her accomplishments and encourage others to try new things.

Her experiences reflect a broader effort happening across Ohio. The Ohio State Fair and county fairs are adding sensory-friendly days, universal changing tables, quiet rooms, and other features to ensure everyone can enjoy a day at the fair. These inclusive additions are opening doors for more people to join community events.

Visit the Ohio Department of Agriculture's website to learn more about participating in your local fair: agri.ohio.gov/home

Pioneer Center / Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities

09/01/2026

On September 12, Carter Cherry, 10, from Powell, and Alaina Buckingham, 14, from New Albany, will be featured in the National Down Syndrome Society’s annual Times Square video presentation.

The video will feature 500 children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 states.

Learn more about the display in this NBC4 article:

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Two local children are appearing in the big lights of Times Square. Carter Cherry, 10, from Powell, and Alaina Buckingham, 14, from New Albany, were selected to be featured …

08/31/2026

Sporting events across Ohio are hosting disability awareness games, a fun, interactive way to highlight inclusion and accessibility.

DODD recently visited the sensory spaces at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field as the Columbus Crew prepare for their October 31 match. The 2 PM game will feature enhanced accessibility supports, including universal changing tables, communication boards, and more.

View the stadium's accessibility features on the ScottsMiracle-Gro Field website (scottsmiraclegrofield.com/accessibility/) and score tickets to the match at columbuscrew.com/tickets/.

08/28/2026

Congratulations to Miami University's Best Buddies chapter on being named Overall Outstanding College Chapter of the Year! 🎉

In partnership with the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities, students are building meaningful friendships, boosting inclusion, and reducing social isolation by connecting people with and without disabilities, creating a true sense of belonging on campus.

Learn more about Miami's Best Buddies chapter in this Journal-News article:

Best Buddies is strengthening disability advocacy and social connection across southwest Ohio. Miami U. chapter named the Overall Outstanding College Chapter of the Year award for the second time.

08/27/2026

Back-to-school season often means more appointments and preparations before your child enters the classroom.

Vernon Jackson, owner of Noble Barber and Beauty in Cincinnati, understands the stress and anxiety that can come with those appointments. That's why his shop hosts The Gifted Event, a safe and inclusive space where children with developmental disabilities can get a free haircut.

Learn more about The Gifted Event and its mission to support families: https://thegiftedevent.com/

08/26/2026

With 36 years in the developmental disability field, DODD staffer Leslie Powell loves what she does!

She takes pride in connecting people served and their families to the resources and supports they need.

Learn more about Leslie's compassion to serve others in this video.

08/25/2026

With support from the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Caron Richey, owner of Print Works of Salem, connected with and hired Brian Snode.

Brian works two days a week in the shop, handling essential tasks like “weeding” vinyl signs, gluing worksheet pads, and helping with organization and cleanup. With on-site job coaching and ongoing support, Brian is building job skills and succeeding in his role.

Learn more about Brian’s path to employment in this Morning Journal article: morningjournalnews.com/news/local-news/2026/07/columbiana-county-board-of-developmental-disabilities-recognizes-salem-print-works/

SALEM – Caron Richey, owner of Print Works of Salem, needed an employee to help with a variety of jobs. Through connections within her Salem community, she was able to find a valued employee with the help of Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The connections came through Richey...