ElevateDD

05/05/2026

Inspiration to teach often starts close to home. For Emily Mifsud, it began with the educators in her own family, whose passion and dedication showed her just how meaningful a career in teaching can be. Along the way, influential teachers and personal experiences helped shape her path.

Through her relationship with her sister Grace, Emily has also seen how powerful inclusion can be in the classroom, and how it helps every student feel valued, supported, and capable.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Day, we’re proud to share this reflection from our guest blogger and 2026 DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio Post-Secondary Scholarship recipient. Emily’s story is a reminder of the impact great teachers have and the importance of inclusive classrooms.

Read here: https://www.elevatedd.org/news/inspiredtoteach

05/05/2026

Your voice matters. Get out and vote today!

05/04/2026

There is still time to register!

Join us on May 5 to hear Derek Graham of Philipps & Graham, LLC present on Guardianship & Supported Decision Making. The first webinar in a two-part series, Derek will help parents and caregivers understand options for planning for their loved ones with developmental disabilities.

To register, and to learn more about upcoming and past webinars, please visit https://www.elevatedd.org/webinars.

05/01/2026

Now you can wear your support!

ElevateDD items are available through Learning Aid Ohio's pop-up shop. Take a look and find your favorite! Thanks to The Awesome Company for helping us make all of these great designs available.

Shop here: https://http-theawesome-com.printavo.com/merch/lao-pop-up-store/

04/29/2026

Understanding autism starts by listening.

As we wrap up Autism Acceptance Month, we’re proud to share a blog post from guest blogger Abriana Parrish. In her piece, Abriana reminds us that the most meaningful insights come from lived experience, which helps shape a more authentic and inclusive understanding of what it means to be autistic.

Read Abriana’s thoughtful perspective here:
https://www.elevatedd.org/news/understanding-autism-a-voice-from-within-the-community

04/28/2026

We're hiring!

Learning Aid Ohio is seeking a Data & Evaluation Manager. Check out https://www.elevatedd.org/opportunities for details!

We're hiring!

Learning Aid Ohio is seeking a Data & Evaluation Manager to lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of our impact across Ohio.

Find out how you can join our team by visiting https://www.elevatedd.org/opportunities.

04/27/2026

Last week, ElevateDD joined early childhood educators from across the state at the Ohio Early Childhood Conference, a space grounded in connection, learning, and discovering what’s possible when we center every child.

We were proud to sponsor the inclusive child care track and present alongside passionate leaders in the field. Thanks to Dr. Lawton with Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Dr. Grove with Ohio Department of Children and Youth for joining ElevateDD on two presentations on how to support children with disabilities and their families in child care settings. It was wonderful to share resources with educators who are shaping more inclusive classrooms every day!

We appreciate Ohio AEYC for hosting us, and we look forward to next time!

04/24/2026

We’re excited to announce the May installment of our ConnecteDD webinar series, in partnership with Derek Graham of Philipps & Graham, LLC! Join us on May 5 to hear about Guardianship & Supported Decision Making. The first webinar in a two-part series, Derek will help parents and caregivers understand options for planning for their loved ones with developmental disabilities.

To register, and to learn more about upcoming and past webinars, please visit https://www.elevatedd.org/webinars.

04/22/2026

There’s still time to register for our next webinar!

Join us as Kelsey Frobeen highlights Learning Aid Ohio’s growing impact across the state. You’ll hear how one-on-one, IEP-aligned tutoring is helping students with disabilities build confidence, stay engaged, and succeed, supported by new findings from an independent evaluation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and explore a model that’s expanding access to education.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RFcSZXw4R1yc5RNcnS_6BA

04/22/2026

Today, on Administrative Professionals Day, we’re celebrating someone who keeps so much of our work moving forward: Kelly Houg.

While Kelly has only recently joined the ElevateDD team as our Administrative & Operations Coordinator, she is already making a meaningful impact. Her attention to detail and willingness to jump in wherever needed help keep things running smoothly each day.

We know that meaningful work doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because of people like Kelly.

Please join us in thanking her for all she brings to our team and our mission.

04/21/2026

“Volunteerism isn’t just service. It builds connection. It creates purpose. And it drives transformation, for more people than you would think.”

This National Volunteer Month, we’re reflecting on the many ways showing up for one another strengthens our community. In our latest blog post, Lucy Maddrill, DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio’s Volunteer & Events Coordinator, shares a compelling perspective on the impact of volunteering and why it matters more than you might think.

Read here: https://www.elevatedd.org/news/volunteermonth

04/20/2026

ElevateDD was happy to be part of the recent LEND Poster Day and to spend time with trainees, faculty, families, and partners helping shape the future of leadership in the developmental disabilities field.

LEND, which stands for Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities, is a federally funded leadership training program that prepares interdisciplinary leaders to improve systems and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

LEND programs are housed within UCEDDs, or University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, which serve as hubs for training, research, and community partnership. Ohio is fortunate to have two of these programs through The Ohio State University Nisonger Center and the UC UCEDD.

From caregiver supports and inclusive community spaces to accessibility, education, and transition to adulthood, the posters reflected the kind of practical, values-driven leadership our field needs.

Our President & CEO, Troy Hunter, also had the opportunity to join a LEND alumni panel alongside other disability partners from across the state, reflecting on leadership, lived experience, and the importance of sustaining values like advocacy and inclusion in real-world systems.

Thank you to Andrea Witwer, Jennifer Smith, and Stephanie Weber for your leadership and for bringing together such a strong day of learning and connection.

A special thank you as well to Director Nash and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities for sharing in the day and for your leadership.

We were grateful to be included and proud to be part of a statewide community working to build a more inclusive future.