Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services to people from birth throughout their life.
Our mission is enriching, empowering, and connecting people with their community.
02/27/2026
Every month, the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities honors Direct Support Professionals who define what it means to go above and beyond.
Let’s celebrate Kayla Wright as our final DSP of the Month for February!
From her first day at A Lasting Impression, Kayla has proven she is a natural advocate with a strong heart. Even in difficult times, she remains a calm, steadying presence for those she serves. Rebecca Avalos, her nominator, tells us Kayla stands out for being a quick learner and a flexible team player.
Congratulations, Kayla, on being selected for this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for all that you do!
Spirit Week starts Monday, March 2nd!
Help us kick off Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by turning Ashtabula County ORANGE!
Join the fun all week long, share your photos, tag us, and celebrate the strengths, talents, and contributions of people with developmental disabilities.
Let’s show what inclusion looks like in Ashtabula County!
02/26/2026
Each month, the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities selects up to three exceptional Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who go above and beyond to serve people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in our community.
Join us as we celebrate our second DSP of the Month for February, Diane Mills! She joined Viaquest in December, just in time for their Winter Formal dance. She waltzed right into the rhythm of the evening and made sure everyone had a great time, dancing the night away! Diane truly never missed a beat!
Thank you,Diane! You’ve already made a positive impact at Viaquest, and Ashtabula County is lucky to have you!
Recently, we had a fantastic time
taking about 20 people on a trip to the Cleveland
Museum of Natural History! From the moment we
arrived, there was so much excitement as everyone
explored the exhibits. We saw incredible fossils and
dinosaur displays that sparked lots of curiosity and
conversation. The local wildlife exhibits were also a
highlight, giving us a closer look at animals native to
our region. Many enjoyed learning about how people
have evolved over time through the museum’s
interactive and engaging displays. We’re so grateful for
the opportunity and can’t wait for our next adventure
together!
02/25/2026
Reminder: The monthly board meeting has been rescheduled for today, February 25th at 6:00 PM at the County Board office, located at 2505 South Ridge Road East, Kingsville, in Conference Room 110A.
02/24/2026
Each month, the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities selects up to three exceptional Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who go above and beyond to serve people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in our community.
This month we are excited to honor Jamie Rupert, with CLW, as a DSP of the Month for February! Monica Greer nominated Jamie, saying that she’s an exceptional asset to the CLW team. She consistently turns empathy into meaningful support, and her compassion really shines through. The connection between Jamie and those she serves is remarkable.
Stay tuned as we continue to highlight more outstanding DSPs making a difference in Ashtabula County!
Get ready, March is packed with exciting opportunities!
We have a full lineup of activities designed to engage, connect, and celebrate our community. From meaningful events to fun experiences, there’s something for everyone. Visit our website to learn more and register today!
Join us as we kick off Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month on Monday, March 2, celebrating the strengths, talents, and contributions of people with developmental disabilities, and you’re invited!
Light the Lift Bridge Riverbend Hotel and Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Watch the Lift Bridge shine orange as a symbol of awareness and inclusion. Enjoy music, sweet treats, our photo booth, and a special proclamation from the County Commissioners at 7:00 PM!
Let’s come together to celebrate abilities and inclusion. Invite a friend and help us start DD Awareness Month strong!
02/23/2026
Due to a lack of quorum, the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities was unable to hold its scheduled meeting on Thursday, February 19th, 2026.
The meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 25th at 6:00 PM at the County Board office, located at 2505 South Ridge Road East, Kingsville, in Conference Room 110A.
02/21/2026
Effective communication is key to advocacy, and visuals and media are powerful tools. Visuals help break down complex information into clear, accessible messages for everyone. Use these tips when creating advocacy messaging to strengthen your mission.
This week's Advocacy Lunch & Learn Hour had a different location but the same great conversations!
In partnership with the Henderson Library-Jefferson, OH, we gathered at the Jefferson McDonald’s to share lunch, read a story together, and enjoy meaningful discussion.
After reading, we spent time talking about the story and sharing our thoughts. These conversations are such an important part of building confidence and strengthening self-advocacy skills in a supportive setting.
A special thank you to McDonald’s for the wonderful hospitality and to HMPL for partnering with us to make this opportunity possible.
We’re so grateful to everyone, including Izzy the library puppy, who joined us for another meaningful hour together!
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Contact The Practice
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The mission of the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to ensure the availability of services and supports that will assist eligible individuals with developmental disabilities to imagine the life they want to live, believe they can create it and achieve their dreams as participating members in their community.
Providing Quality Outcome – Driven Programs & Services to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities for over 60 Years.
History
The story of Happy Hearts School and Ash/Craft Industries is written into the history of Ashtabula County. The story began at a time when few believed individuals with disabilities deserved the right to public education and a brighter future. The story of Happy Hearts School and Ash/Craft Industries is an example to all the love, commitment, and determination of parents who persisted and prevailed in accomplishing their goal that opened the door.
In March of 1954, a small group of parents of children with disabilities met and formed the Ashtabula Council for Re****ed Children (ARC). One year later, March 1955, because of the efforts of this group Happy Hearts School opened its doors to the first school for children with disabilities in the basement of the Methodist Church on Elm Street and was attended by five students.
From 1956 through 1968, Happy Hearts School was hosted in various locations throughout Ashtabula County. Senate Bill 169 was passed which established the creation of the Board of Mental Retardation in 1967 and levies were approved by Ashtabula County voters. In 1968, Happy Hearts School’s current building was built. By 1970, the program had grown to provide services to 233 children and adults. In 1977, the construction of Ash/Craft Industries began and today the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services to over 500 children and adults with developmental disabilities thanks to the ongoing support of citizens of Ashtabula County.
