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.
11/30/2025
It may have been a chilly night, but the Village of Andover brought all the warmth during their Simply Christmas Parade!
Despite the cold, the festive spirit was everywhere. We loved being part of the parade and seeing so many families, friends, and neighbors lining the route. What an incredible turnout!
Thank you, Andover Christmas Committee, for filling a frosty night with holiday cheer.
Watch for us at the Geneva holiday parade next Friday evening!
11/29/2025
Oh what fun it was to join the Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce in the Conneaut Christmas Parade.
Thank you to everyone who came out, waved, smiled, and helped make the night shine a little brighter.
Wishing everyone a joyful, safe, and happy holiday season!
Watch for us at the Andover Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 29th!
11/28/2025
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.
Congratulations to Cherish Burn of Accessible Home Services, Inc., who was nominated twice for the honor of November DSP of the Month!
She’s admired for her exceptional dedication and compassion toward the individual in her care, who lives with dementia. She arrives at every shift with a positive attitude and a genuine smile, and she steps up to help with whatever is needed, often without being asked. Her patience, empathy, and positivity set the tone for her coworkers as well as the person she serves.
Jessica Lower and Reagan Fulner, who both nominated Cherish, says she is an incredible asset to the Accessible Homes team. She perfectly exemplifies what it means to be a direct service provider.
Today, we’re closing out our Thankful Thursday series by celebrating gratitude, friendship, and community.
All month long, our advocates have shared their hearts and reminded us of the many reasons to be thankful. We are truly grateful for each of them and for the joy they bring to Ashtabula County.
From all of us at the Ashtabula County Board of DD, we’re thankful for you. Wishing you a warm and happy Thanksgiving evening. 🧡
11/27/2025
Happy Thanksgiving!
Today and always, we are grateful for the wonderful community we support. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving surrounded by love and happiness.
11/26/2025
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.
Amy Guy was nominated for November DSP of the Month by Rebecca Stough. Amy has worked with Rebecca’s son for several years, and recently helped him transition into his own apartment, and a more independent lifestyle. He trusts Amy to respect his rights and speak up for him, and he has grown more confident in advocating for himself. Rebecca knows that her son enjoys being with Amy, and appreciates the peace of mind this provides.
Thank you, Amy, for the meaningful difference you’re making for this family. We appreciate all that you do!
Celebrating Community Connections!
In November, we had the honor of partnering with four incredible businesses and nonprofits to bring awareness, outreach, and fun activities to life. Special thanks to Conneaut Public Library, Andover Christmas Committee, Ashtabula Downtown Development Association , and Conneaut Chamber of Commerce for welcoming us into your spaces, providing materials for events, and offering volunteer opportunities for the people we serve and our community members.
We are so grateful for your collaboration and support in making sure everyone can access and enjoy their community!
11/25/2025
Time to celebrate the first of this month’s three DSPs!
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.
Congratulations to Apprel Grow from Achieving Dreams LLC! She is November’s first DSP of the Month. She knows that the little things, like watching the sunset or just getting outside for some fresh air, are important, and she prioritizes the health, safety, and especially happiness of those she serves.
Sara Krupa, who nominated Apprel, truly appreciates all that Apprel does, and we do too! Stay tuned as we continue to highlight more outstanding DSPs making a difference in Ashtabula County!
Pictured here with Apprel is Mikhala Passmore, SSA with ACBDD.
The holiday season is in full swing! Explore all of the amazing activities we have planned for the month of December. From engaging events to fun-filled experiences, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Visit our website for more details and find out how you can register today!
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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.
