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.
08/15/2025
With this year marking the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark law that continues to shape a more inclusive and accessible world we’re celebrating by spotlighting community projects that reflect our shared commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
Our latest ADA feature is the accessible ramp at the Andover Public Library’s Outdoor Storybook Trail. This ramp was designed to ensure people of all abilities can easily enjoy the trail, explore its stories, and experience this wonderful outdoor resource offered by the library.
Stay connected with us on social media, in our newsletter, and more as we continue to share how these projects are making a meaningful difference right here in Ashtabula County.
08/14/2025
We were so happy to support and be part of Ashtabula Area City Schools Back to School Bash! A little rain couldn’t stop the Dragon pride. Wishing all students, families, and staff a wonderful and successful school year ahead!
08/13/2025
Watch the video below and explore DODD’s updated Waiver Modernization page to see how these changes are being planned with the people we support at the center.
Visit the updated Waiver Modernization webpage for information, common questions, and resources: https://tinyurl.com/bdf8v27s
Register for an upcoming webinar
* For people served and their families
August 25 at noon
August 25 at 6 PM
* For providers
August 27 at 11 AM
*For County Boards and Service and Support Administrators
September 2 at 12:00 PM
More information will be forthcoming. DODD is committed to keeping everyone informed and involved every step of the way.
08/12/2025
Your voice matters!
Join the Supported Decision-Making Network of Ohio for their next monthly Zoom meeting on Wednesday, August 12th and connect with advocates working to promote independence, choice, and inclusion.
Whether you’re already using supported decision-making or just curious to learn more, this is a great space to listen, share, and grow.
Join the Monthly Zoom: https://www.sdmno.org/
Once on the website, scroll down to "Join the Monthly Meeting" for the link.
All are welcome! Let’s build a stronger voice—together.
08/12/2025
In July, our self-advocacy visits to the Adult Day Programs centered on dreaming big and setting goals!
Together, we created vision boards, a fun and creative way for people to express their hopes, dreams, and what matters most to them. These boards highlight personal goals, future plans, and the things that bring joy and meaning to their lives.
It was inspiring to see everyone’s unique visions for their future, and we’re excited to continue supporting them in reaching those goals!
What would be on your vision board? Share an idea in the comments, we’d love to hear your dreams and goals!
08/11/2025
In August, we celebrate the work anniversaries of four of our amazing team members! We appreciate your service and commitment to Ashtabula County.
08/09/2025
Emmett stole the show tonight at the Ashtabula County Fair taking 1st place in the Power Wheels event at the Grandstands! Cheered on by the crowd, he cruised the track in style in his ride proudly sponsored by the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities (ACBDD).
It’s been a fun-filled week at the fair with hundreds of spins on our prize wheel, countless friendly conversations about the services and supports ACBDD provides for people with disabilities in our community, and our cozy Early Intervention booth where kids and families could relax and recharge.
The 2025 Ashtabula County Fair wraps up tomorrow, so there’s still one more day to join the fun. We can’t wait to see even more smiling faces on Sunday!
08/09/2025
We’re so proud of everyone who participated in the 2025 Hearts of Gold Livestock Show!
A heartfelt thank-you to Cheyenne Butler, Ashtabula County 4-H Advisor, for making this special experience possible. This event gave the people we support the unforgettable opportunity to show an animal at the Ashtabula County Fair.
We’re also so grateful to the 4-H members who shared their time, kindness, and animals to bring this event to life. The laughter, joy, and memories made in the show ring will be cherished long after the fair is over!
08/08/2025
Ashtabula County Fair is in full swing and we're loving every moment! We are having such a great week at our resource table, meeting new friends, sharing information about the many services and supports we provide to people with disabilities in Ashtabula County, and cheering on everyone who’s taken a spin on our prize wheel!
We’re proud to celebrate Nicole, who is supported by the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities. She entered her beautiful artwork and crocheted items at the fair, a wonderful showcase of her creativity and unique talents. Experiences like these are true acts of inclusion, allowing Nicole to shine and fully engage in the activities she loves.
Join us today at 3:00 PM as we support the 3rd annual Hearts of Gold Livestock Show, as people we support have the wonderful opportunity to team up with a 4H member and show their animal.
Coming up Saturday at 6:30 PM we will be cheering on another person we support as he participates in the Power Wheels event in the Grandstands just before the Demolition Derby kicks off!
The fair isn’t over yet—we’ll be here for three more days and hope to see you there!
08/07/2025
Join us at the Ashtabula County Fair for the 3rd annual Hearts of Gold Livestock Show Friday, August 8th, at 3:00 PM in the Show Arena (west end of the fair). You won't want to miss this amazing event where people we support have the opportunity to team up with a 4-H member and show their animal! 
08/07/2025
It’s Thursday at the Ashtabula County Fair! Stop by our booth at the Expo Center to win a fun prize and learn how we support people with developmental disabilities in Ashtabula County.
We even had royalty and local leaders stop by this morning, including the 2025 Ohio Fairs Queen Amberly Szczerbiak, the 2025 Ashtabula County Fair Queen Miley Edelman, and April Mariotti Daniels Ashtabula County Clerk of Courts.
Whether you're a longtime friend of the Board or just learning about our services, we’d love to see you today!
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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.
