ElevateDD

09/08/2025

It’s Direct Support Professional Recognition Week!

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) walk alongside people with developmental disabilities every day. By supporting independence and building connections, DSPs are making sure people with disabilities can thrive at home, at work, and in the community.

At ElevateDD, we are deeply grateful for the dedication, compassion, and care that DSPs bring to their work. Their impact is felt in big milestones and everyday moments alike.

Join us this week in celebrating and thanking DSPs for the incredible difference they make!

Each September, DODD recognizes and celebrates the incredible work of direct support professionals (DSPs).

With unwavering compassion and dedication, DSPs work every day to build meaningful relationships and support the people they serve.

Follow along this week as we spotlight some of the outstanding DSPs nominated for recognition!

09/05/2025

"Here’s to valuing a life that doesn’t need to prove itself extraordinary in order to matter."

Here's to the man who gives you a smile once in a while. He doesn’t make headlines. He hasn’t been called inspirational.

Here’s to the man at the grocery store who bags your apples and bread. He just does his job, keeps the line moving.

Here’s to the ordinariness of that smile. Not a miracle, not a lesson, not a symbol. Just a smile, freely given.

Here’s to valuing a life that doesn’t need to prove itself extraordinary in order to matter.
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ID: Image shows a man who has Down syndrome working as a bagger in a supermarket. He is looking at the camera with a slight smile and wearing the apron and uniform provided by the supermarket. Text above the image reads: Not a model, didn't open a coffee shop, doesn't know what day you were born on, missed the three point shot, didn't get invited to prom for likes.

09/04/2025

Thanks to your advocacy, the U. S. Senate has voted to protect programs for people with developmental disabilities in Ohio through the federal budget. While this is an important win, the work isn’t finished.

The U.S. House is still considering severe cuts that could jeopardize services for more than 40,000 Ohioans.

We need your voice! Use the link below to email your Representative in Congress today. Urge them to follow the Senate’s lead and protect these critical programs.

Your personal story makes a powerful difference. Please take a moment to customize the message and share why these programs matter to you and your family.

https://secure.everyaction.com/3m4Mh5xAbkWFUlgvKoQK_A2

09/03/2025

ElevateDD proudly participated in the Franklin County Provider Fair on Tuesday! We are grateful for opportunities to share about the programs and services offered by our communities: Adult Literacy Ohio, DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio, and Learning Aid Ohio. Thank you to Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities for hosting this impactful event!

09/01/2025

Wishing you a restful Labor Day! Relax well, knowing that your contributions to the workforce are seen and appreciated.

The ElevateDD office is closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of the holiday.

08/29/2025

Are you ready for some football?

Whether you're cheering on your favorite youth, college, or professional team, everyone can get in on the fun with this resource from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.

08/28/2025

Meet Brook Myers, ElevateDD’s HR Coordinator!

Brook is a graduate of Franklin University, where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration, and she joined our team in March 2025.

Prior to joining ElevateDD, Brook worked in the payroll software and services industry, where she developed experience in project coordination, process improvement, and people-first problem solving. She enjoys creating systems that support both teams and individuals, and she’s excited to bring that mindset to a mission-driven organization.

Brook was drawn to ElevateDD by its commitment to meaningful, community-centered work and the opportunity to support people with developmental disabilities and their families. She’s proud to contribute behind the scenes to a cause that resonates deeply with her values.

Outside of work, Brook enjoys crocheting, sewing, making jewelry, and playing volleyball in the summer months. She lives in Central Ohio and is always looking for her next creative project.

Help us give Brook a warm welcome to ElevateDD!

08/25/2025

Fall enrollment for tutoring through Learning Aid Ohio, an ElevateDD community, is still open! Visit https://elevatedd.learningaidohio.org/ for details and to apply.

Our learners have already received more than 16,800 hours of support this year. Now it's your learner’s turn!

Fall enrollment is officially open!

Learning Aid Ohio connects families with grant-funded, one-on-one tutoring for students with IEPs. Choose from our pool of approved tutors—or invite someone you trust to apply!

Fall Semester: September 6 – January 2

Applications are reviewed in the order they’re received.

Visit the link in the comments to apply or learn more.

Questions? Reach out to us at info@learningaidohio.org

08/21/2025

We are happy to announce that Troy Hunter has been named our new President & CEO, effective September 2.

Troy is no stranger to ElevateDD, having served on DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio's Dancing with Our Stars Gala planning committee for the past six years. He has also regularly attended the Columbus Buddy Walk the past several years.

Troy believes deeply in elevating the voices and needs of people with developmental disabilities. His first priority will be to listen, learn, and connect with families, staff, and community partners.

Troy comes to us with significant experience and familiarity with the developmental disabilities community. He most recently served as the Managing Director of Policy at Groundwork Ohio. He also worked at OSU’s Nisonger Center, leading its early learning and early intervention program and serving on the faculty for the neurodevelopmental disabilities training program.

He currently teaches courses on race and equity, neurodiversity, and cultural competence at OSU’s College of Social Work.

We’re so excited to have Troy as our new President & CEO. Please join us in welcoming him to the ElevateDD family.

08/20/2025

“The elimination of UCEDDs would harm people with developmental disabilities in every part of the country, rural, urban, red state, and blue state alike. UCEDDs help families navigate complex systems, evaluate young children for developmental delays, support inclusive education practices, train doctors and direct support professionals, and develop new models of service delivery that improve lives and save public dollars.”

A key U.S. Senate panel rejected a Trump administration push to make major changes to IDEA and defund some disability programs, but significant uncertainty remains, advocates say.

08/18/2025

Join Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities next week for informational webinars detailing the upcoming switch to the interRAI assessment tool. Registration info is available below!

📣 Attention People Served and Families!

DODD is hosting two webinars about the upcoming switch to the interRAI assessment tool, and you're invited to attend!

In the session, you'll learn how this transition will:
✅ Improve assessments
✅ Better match services to your needs
✅ Strengthen Ohio's waiver program

Webinar Dates:
August 25 at noon
August 25 at 6 PM

ASL (American Sign Language) and CART (Communication Access Real-time Translation) will be provided, and sessions will be recorded.

Don't miss these important updates! Register now: https://bit.ly/425ZkOS

08/15/2025

Calling all educators! Whether you’re savoring the last days of summer or already back in the classroom, OCALI has put together practical tips to help you create spaces where all learners can thrive.

Let’s look at how we can support all learners in the classroom.

➤ Consider using a sans serif font, which is easier to read with digital content.

➤ Be mindful of visual contrast when choosing color fonts and color backgrounds. Use tools like WebAim to check color contrast.

➤ Design lessons for all types of learners and provide alternative formats such as printed materials and accessible documents for screen readers.

➤ Ensure font size is large enough for students to view from the back of the classroom.