ElevateDD

02/05/2026

Literacy is a life skill at every age.

What happens when we stop assuming people with developmental disabilities have “peaked” academically? This powerful presentation, led by Adult Literacy Ohio’s Rachel Heiber, will share data, stories, and lived experiences that show adult learners can and do continue building literacy skills, with meaningful impact on independence, confidence, health, and quality of life.

Join us on February 17 for “Unlocking Opportunities through Literacy” to hear from adult learners and tutors, explore self-directed literacy goals, and learn about why literacy support should remain a priority into adulthood.

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_T5-iNxDJQhSzsaZMCIR8Kg #/registration

02/03/2026

Today, we’re proud to celebrate a meaningful milestone: the fourth birthday of Adult Literacy Ohio! What began as a simple idea rooted in possibility has grown into a powerful, learner-driven program that has touched the lives of more than 100 adults across our community.

Since 2022, Adult Literacy Ohio has evolved into a self-directed, literacy-focused initiative designed to meet adults exactly where they are. Through personalized support and compassionate one-on-one tutoring, learners build confidence and essential literacy skills that help them better navigate their communities, improve their quality of life, and open doors to new workforce opportunities. To date, 102 learners have made strides forward, each with their own goals, pace, and story, and have been supported every step of the way by dedicated tutors.

It was a joy to see learners and community partners come together today in celebration. Join us in wishing Adult Literacy Ohio a happy birthday!

02/02/2026

We're hiring!

ElevateDD is seeking an Administrative & Operations Coordinator and a Senior Finance Manager to support our continued growth and impact across Ohio.

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

01/30/2026

Get ready to celebrate with us as Adult Literacy Ohio marks its fourth birthday next week! We’re inspired by the meaningful impact happening when learners and tutors work together, and we’re proud of the continued progress made through their dedication and hard work.

Celebrating 4 years of Adult Literacy Ohio!

Thanks to our tutors, learners, and supporters, we’ve delivered 3,693 hours of one-on-one tutoring, empowering adult learners across Ohio with the tools to build confidence and create new opportunities.

01/28/2026

We’re pleased to help share a statewide Family Math Parent Survey from OCALI’s Family and Community Outreach Center, in partnership with the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center.

This survey is an opportunity for families across Ohio to share their voices and help shape how schools support students in math.

OCALI is gathering feedback on math-related priorities, challenges, and preferred ways families engage with schools.

Who can participate?
All Ohio families with children currently in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Survey Details:

Deadline: January 31, 2026

Incentives: First 40 respondents receive a $10 Walmart gift card; All participants are entered to win a $100 Walmart gift card

Accessibility: Available in 10 languages

Take the survey: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0H5qiGg1GejmwhU

01/27/2026

Today we celebrate Jen Franklin Kearns on her first anniversary with ElevateDD!

Since joining the team, Jen has brought clarity, heart, and strategy to how we tell our story by centering people, amplifying voices, and ensuring our communications reflect the values that guide our work. Over time, her role has grown, and we’re proud to mark this anniversary in recognition of her new role as Director of Communications.

Jen’s leadership helps strengthen connections across our communities and advances ElevateDD’s mission.

01/27/2026

The ElevateDD office is closed on Tuesday, January 27, due to continued inclement weather. Stay safe and cozy out there!

01/26/2026

The ElevateDD office is closed on Monday, January 26, due to inclement weather. Stay warm and safe!

01/22/2026

Don’t miss your chance to join ElevateDD and the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) on January 26 for Topics in Educational Advocacy, a webinar series supporting students with disabilities, their families, and educators.

Join host Rachel Heiber (Adult Literacy Ohio), Janet Kolk (OCECD), and Sara Rainey (DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio) for Understanding an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a discussion where participants will gain an understanding of the IEP components and the documentation necessary to develop an IEP. The discussion will focus on who is required to be involved in the development of an IEP and the respective roles of the parent and school in the process. Each section of the IEP will be reviewed with an explanation of what information is required by IDEA 2004 and what needs to be recorded in the various IEP sections.

Date: Monday, January 26
Time: 6 PM

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_24f0iLN-Te-OMuT3h42Mcg

01/20/2026

This is what access looks like. When adults are given the tools to learn in ways that work for them, entire communities are stronger.

100 lives (and counting!) impacted through access to literacy is a remarkable feat. We can't wait to cheer on Adult Literacy Ohio to the next milestone!

01/19/2026

The ElevateDD office is closed today, Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

01/16/2026

ElevateDD is excited to announce our new webinar series: ConnecteDD! The series will launch with our first episode on February 17, featuring Adult Literacy Ohio’s Rachel Heiber.

Rachel will be joined by guests for "Unlocking Opportunities through Literacy," a discussion exploring why adults with disabilities choose to continue working on their literacy skills.

Registration is open for this first installment of ConnecteDD. Stay tuned for more details!

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_T5-iNxDJQhSzsaZMCIR8Kg