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.
10/10/2025
REMINDER:
Curious about working in the community and how it might impact your Social Security benefits? Join us for our Benefits Analysis Information Meetings to get the answers you need!
A few of our staff members are attending the P.A.R.T. (Prevention, Awareness, Recovery, and Treatment) Conference today at A-Tech in Jefferson!
This free community event, organized by the Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services, brings together professionals and community partners to learn more about mental health, prevention, recovery, and supports for youth and families.
Our outreach table is set up to share information about our programs and services with participants, helping them learn more about the supports available through the Ashtabula County Board of DD.
By participating in events like this, our team stays informed, connected, and better equipped to support the people and families we serve.
10/10/2025
In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October, we're celebrating the incredible people working in our community throughout the month.
For our second week of NDEAM, we’re excited to spotlight two outstanding individuals: Travis and Jacob!
Travis works at Goodwill Ashtabula as a janitor. He says the transition into his role has been very easy, thanks to the support of his coworkers. Travis continues to grow in working alongside others and enjoys what he does each and every day. One coworker shared, “He is an excellent worker and works hard each day.”
Jacob is a housekeeper at the Andover Nursing Home. He says he loves working there, appreciates the accommodations provided, and enjoys being around the residents. One resident noted, “Jacob is a hard worker and helps keep the place clean. We like to have him around every day.”
We’re grateful for Goodwill and Andover Nursing Home for fostering inclusive workplaces where people of all abilities can thrive.
10/09/2025
We are proud to announce that we’ve received a 3-year accreditation from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), which is the highest level a county board can earn!
This recognition reflects the daily dedication of our team, providers, and community partners who work together to ensure people with developmental disabilities receive the services and supports they need to live, learn, and work successfully in their communities.
While the accreditation review takes place over just two days, it represents the ongoing commitment, collaboration, and compassion that guide our work every single day.
10/09/2025
Meet Cathy, one of the newest additions to the ACBDD team. Cathy joins us as a Receptionist, where she will be greeting guests as they arrive, answering phone calls, and assisting with day-to-day operations. She is excited for the opportunity to meet new people and continue learning new things each day.
Her supervisor shares, “Cathy is truly an incredible part of our team. She holds down the fort at the front desk with such ease and professionalism, creating a warm and welcoming environment for everyone who comes through our doors. Her positive attitude, reliability, and genuine care for others make such a difference every day. We’re so fortunate to have her representing us at the front office.”
Outside of work, Cathy is actively involved with Ashtabula County Special Olympics, participating in both bowling and basketball. Welcome to the ACBDD Team, Cathy!
10/08/2025
Join us for our Annual Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat at the Ashtabula County Board of DD (2505 South Ridge Rd East) on Wednesday, October 29th from 12:00PM–2:00PM! Whether you’d like to decorate your trunk or simply drive through to collect candy, everyone is welcome! This event is free and open to the entire community. We can’t wait to see you there!
Register for candy here: www.t.ly/U7ZNh
Register to decorate your trunk by calling/texting 440-417-2127
10/08/2025
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
This month, we’re highlighting the importance of inclusive workplaces and challenging common misconceptions about disability and employment.
Our latest post shares key myths and facts about hiring people with disabilities, showing how inclusion strengthens businesses, fosters innovation, and benefits entire communities.
Take a moment to swipe through and learn how you can help create a workforce where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
10/07/2025
In October, we celebrate the work anniversaries of three of our exceptional team members!
We appreciate your service and commitment to Ashtabula County.
10/06/2025
Join us in celebrating Lisa Fuller Grippi, SSA Manager, for an incredible 30 years of dedication to the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities!
Lisa’s compassion, commitment, and care have made a lasting impact on the people we support, our staff, and our community. Thank you, Lisa, for three decades of service and heart!! We’re so grateful for all you do!
10/05/2025
What an incredible experience!
Several of the people we support spent three unforgettable days at the Synergy Conference at Kalahari Resort, an annual statewide event that brings together individuals, families, and professionals to share ideas, build leadership skills, and celebrate self-advocacy.
From inspiring speakers to fun activities and new friendships, the conference was full of energy, learning, and meaningful connections.
A heartfelt thank-you to the dedicated staff and families who supported each attendee throughout the three days. Your guidance and care made this event more successful! We can’t wait to see what next year’s Synergy Conference brings!
10/04/2025
You're Invited:
Join us for an Open House at the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities (2505 South Ridge Rd East) on Wednesday, October 15. Visit anytime between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM; stop in at a time that works best for you!
Take a guided tour of our building and learn more about the programs, services, and supports we provide for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
We’d love to welcome you and share how we are enriching, empowering, and connecting people with their community!
10/03/2025
The people we support proudly remind us of the 24 rights for people with disabilities. We focus on these rights because, while everyone has the same basic human rights, people with disabilities have often had theirs overlooked. Highlighting these 24 ensures every person knows their rights, can speak up, and live with independence and respect.
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities:
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.