Creating change to improve independence and inclusion for Ohioans with developmental disabilities. We provide this information as a public service.
The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) is a planning and advocacy body committed to community inclusion for people with disabilities. ODDC is funded under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, Public Law 106-402. ODDC is a partner within the Ohio DD Network which includes Ohio's Protection & Advocacy System (Disability Rights Ohio) and Ohio's two University
Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities: The Nisonger Center of The Ohio State University and the Cincinnati Children's Medical Center of the University of Cincinnati. The Ohio DD Council uses its page to provide information about the Council. The Ohio DD Council also to share news from other organizations. Please note that the Ohio DD Council does not endorse nor guarantee the information provided from other organizations.
08/19/2025
We are thrilled to have Raymil Norton as ODDC's newest Community Ambassador!
"I've been speaking at different schools sharing my story about growing up with a disability, and some of the struggles that I've been dealing with, and how I overcame them. Something that I always tell the kids at the end of my talk is, "I'm done speaking and everyone heard the story. Take time to learn more."
I try not to let my disability define me as a person. I have a disability that does not have me. Yes, we all have bad days, but as long as I'm smiling at the end of it it's a good day for me!"
08/14/2025
The DDC Clinic ~ Center for Special Needs Children in Northeast Ohio is helping Amish families get better care for rare genetic conditions. They’re working with families, doctors, hospitals, and schools to find answers and improve treatment.
Researchers are studying these conditions across Amish communities to spot patterns, create up to 30 new tests, and make testing more affordable. Families and healthcare providers will also get education and support through genetic counseling.
This work is giving families the care and answers they need!
ODDC featured one of DDC Clinic's success stories in our most recent newsletter. Read how genetic testing helped save a young boy’s eyesight here: https://bit.ly/DD_Council_Connection
08/09/2025
TechSummit 2025 : A Technology Event for People with Developmental Disabilities
TechSummit is a one-day event that happens every year. It is all about how technology can help people with developmental disabilities.
**Who is hosting it?**
This event is planned by The Ohio State University Nisonger Center, Assistive Technology of Ohio, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council.
**When and where is it?**
TechSummit 2025 will be in person and held in central Ohio. It takes place on Friday, September 12th at the Conference Center at OCLC.
**What will happen at the event?**
- You can listen to people with lived experience.
- You can meet and learn from experts.
- You can try out different types of helpful technology.
**What should I do now?**
- Save the date!
- Tell a friend who might be interested.
Be Part of a New Health Study for Adults with IDD!
The Ohio State University Nisonger Center wants to hear from adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). They’re doing a new study called Can You Hear Us Now?
The study is about your health, mental health, and wellness. They want to learn what helps you feel your best and how services can be better.
You’ll do a private online interview that takes about 3 hours. You can bring someone with you to help. You’ll both get $100!
DD Council Connection is a way for the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council to introduce to you our Council members, provide updates on the work we do and the grant projects we manage, and inform you on the activities and initiatives of Ohio's community of advocates and others who work on behalf of people with disabilities and their families.
Want to be the first to know when our next newsletter is posted? Sign up here: bit.ly/3XmxCMk
08/01/2025
Today (August 1) is the FINAL DAY to apply to become an ODDC Council Member!
ODDC wants members who have personal experience with DD and who understand the needs of their communities. As a Council member appointed by Ohio’s Governor, you will help plan advocacy efforts, support community programs, and work on changes that improve the lives of people with DD and their families.
ODDC Council Member Noriko Kantake joined disability advocates in Athens, Ohio to meet with a representative from Rep. Troy Balderson’s office about proposed cuts to the Administration for Community Living (ACL). The meeting included leaders from the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC), Disability Rights Ohio, the Area Agency on Aging Region 9, and SOCIL-Ohio.
Join Michael in Cincinnati tomorrow along with Disability Advocates Network (DAN) and the HCDDS advocacy & inclusion team to learn how to share your story and make your voice heard!
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, July 30
Location: Price Hill branch library (970 Purcell Avenue)
Join Disability Advocates Network (DAN) and the HCDDS advocacy & inclusion team to learn how to share your story and make your voice heard! We’ll meet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 30 at the Price Hill branch library, 970 Purcell Ave. U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman will stop by at 11 a.m. to [.....
07/28/2025
Grant project highlight:
For many college students with disabilities, the transition from academia to the workforce can feel like an uphill battle. Barriers such as lack of mentorship, limited networking opportunities, and uncertainty about workplace inclusion often stand in the way of success. WriteChoice Mentoring is breaking down those barriers—one connection at a time.
Want to Help Create Positive Change for Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities?
Apply to Become an ODDC Council Member!
ODDC wants members who have personal experience with DD and who understand the needs of their communities. As a Council member appointed by Ohio’s Governor, you will help plan advocacy efforts, support community programs, and work on changes that improve the lives of people with DD and their families.
Raymil, our newest Community Ambassador, was recently featured in the news!
“I like to call myself the voice of other voices,” Norton said in a telephone interview. As someone passionate about how to advocate for disability rights in Ohio, he brings attention to issues others may face but can’t always speak about — like rural disability access issues in Ohio communities and the need for better public transportation.
He and friend Khalia Miller (both featured in image below) organized the First Annual Disability Pride Picnic last week at Lake Shore Park, Ashtabula to gather people with disabilities for an afternoon of fun.
“The picnic was awesome,” he said. “There was more people there than I expected.”
Raymil’s leadership shows how Ohioans with developmental disabilities are building more inclusive communities in Ohio — one event, one voice, and one connection at a time.
Meet Raymil — a powerful voice in Ohio’s disability community!
Raymil is one of the Ohio DD Council new Community Ambassadors and a proud self-advocate who’s using his voice to make change. His story shows what it’s like living with developmental disabilities in Ohio and how people with disabilities can lead, speak up, and inspire others.
He’s also part of a bigger story: Ohio disability self-advocates making change and building inclusive communities in Ohio for people with disabilities.
Raymil's journey reminds us why Ohio disability policy matters — because when we listen to real people and support leadership, we create a more inclusive, accessible future.
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The mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. The Ohio DD Council is one of a national network of state councils, committed to self-determination and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.
The Ohio DD Council has over 30 members. Sixty percent represent people with developmental disabilities, and parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities who are appointed by the Governor. The remaining members include representatives from state agencies, non-profit organizations and agencies providing services to people with developmental disabilities. Professional staff support the Council's members and committees and handle day-to-day operations, administration, planning, advocacy, and project monitoring.
The Ohio DD Council identifies issues experienced by people with disabilities and creates specific grant proposals to address these needs. When grants are available, the Ohio DD Council will announce it so that anyone may apply for the grant.
The Ohio DD Council operates under the authority of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities assists the Ohio DD Council as the federally mandated designated state agency.
