ElevateDD

Authentic inclusion in all of life's opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

12/20/2025

From classrooms to communities, ElevateDD’s work across Ohio in 2025 remained grounded in learning, connection, and authentic inclusion. Throughout the year, students, families, tutors, and partners came together to create opportunities that support growth and build confidence. As the year comes to a close, we’re proud to look back on what we’ve built together.

Today, we’re highlighting the impactful work of Learning Aid Ohio.

In 2025, Learning Aid Ohio awarded 3,695 grants to support 2,116 Learners, totaling $3,573,895 in funding for individualized, one-on-one, in-person tutoring. These personalized learning opportunities were designed to meet each learner’s unique academic and developmental needs, helping students build skills, confidence, and a strong foundation for continued success.

12/19/2025

This year, across Ohio, ElevateDD communities brought learning, connection, and authentic inclusion to life in powerful ways, ensuring that adults with disabilities had access to opportunities that support growth, confidence, and independence. As 2025 winds down, we’re taking time to reflect on these efforts.

Here’s a look at the impact Adult Literacy Ohio had this year!

Over the course of 2025, Adult Literacy Ohio served 45 adults with disabilities through individualized, one-on-one literacy-focused tutoring. These sessions supported skill-building, strengthened confidence, and opened doors to greater participation at work, at home, and in the community.

12/18/2025

ElevateDD was honored to join DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio families and community partners at Governor Mike DeWine’s annual holiday celebration at the Governor’s Mansion this past weekend. The event offered a meaningful opportunity to connect and celebrate the season together in a welcoming and festive setting.

Moments like these reflect the importance of relationships and shared community as we work toward a more inclusive Ohio. We’re grateful for the chance to come together and for the continued leadership and partnerships that support people with developmental disabilities and their families across the state.

12/17/2025

As 2025 comes to a close, ElevateDD communities have continued to create meaningful opportunities across Ohio for learning, connection, and authentic inclusion. It’s a time to pause and reflect on the moments, relationships, and milestones that shaped this year and strengthened our shared work.

Today, we’re celebrating the impact and growth taking place at DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio!

This year, DSACO welcomed 38 new babies and their families into our community, along with 15 expectant parents who were referred to us for support. Each connection represents the beginning of a unique journey, and we are honored to walk alongside these families as they find community, access resources, and build a strong foundation for the future.

12/16/2025

As the year begins to slow, we are reflecting on the advocacy wins, the conversations that mattered, and the doors we helped open together in 2025. If you are looking for a way to give with purpose this season, a year-end gift is a meaningful way to help carry that momentum into the new year.

https://www.elevatedd.org/donate

12/15/2025

We’re excited to introduce a new three-part series featuring our Outreach & Advocacy Associate, Stephanie Leppert, as she shares what inspires her, how she prepares, and her advice for anyone finding their voice.

“My favorite part of being an advocate is having my voice heard. I like speaking up for people with disabilities, especially when they have a hard time speaking up for themselves.

I feel happy and excited to tell my story, because it’s about me! Advocacy is fun, and when I share my story, it might encourage someone else to do the same. I want to make my dreams come true and help other people make theirs come true, too.”

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Stephanie’s Advocacy Series!

12/14/2025

Wishing you peace and light on this first night of Hanukkah.

12/11/2025

Grateful to end the year in community!

ElevateDD was honored to join partners, leaders, and advocates at the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County’s end-of-year gathering. Events like this remind us how strong our community is, and how much we can accomplish when we work together in support of so many dedicated local nonprofits.

We’re looking forward to continued collaboration and meaningful impact in the year ahead.

12/10/2025

We love this highlight from Adult Literacy Ohio! Confidence is built when someone receives the support that best meets their needs, and we're thrilled to see this participant's progress.

12/09/2025

This Inclusive Schools Week, we’re celebrating the progress and the continued work needed to ensure every student with a disability is welcomed and supported.

Last month, President & CEO Troy Hunter presented on a panel at The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Annual Conference, discussing how children with disabilities face higher risks of suspension and expulsion, often because programs lack the supports they need. Early exclusion delays services, strains families, and can lead to continued exclusionary discipline throughout school. With better training and system supports, we can change that and ensure every child is included from the start.

Troy lifted up what we are hearing from families across Ohio: when we fail to invest in inclusive education, children with disabilities are more likely to be excluded instead of supported. Thank you to NAEYC for leading on this issue and for grounding the conversation in research and the experiences of educators and families.

At ElevateDD, we remain committed to advancing inclusive early learning systems, because inclusive schools start with inclusive early childhood programs, and every child deserves a place where they belong.

12/05/2025

Spring enrollment is now open!

Learning Aid Ohio, a proud ElevateDD community, connects students with IEPs to qualified tutors for one-on-one, in-person support that helps learners build confidence, strengthen skills, and reach their goals.

Free tutoring is available for Ohio students with IEPs. Families can choose from our network of approved tutors or invite someone they trust to apply. Grant funding is available statewide.

The Spring Semester runs January 10 through May 8, 2026, and applications are reviewed as they’re received.

Learn more and apply: www.LearningAidOhio.org

12/04/2025

Families across Ohio are doing everything they can to find child care that meets their child’s needs, but 62% say they can’t find a provider equipped to care for their child with a developmental disability. These families aren’t asking for special treatment. They’re asking for access, understanding, and a system that’s built to include their children.

Families deserve options.
Children deserve inclusion.

Take a closer look at Ohio's child care reality: https://www.elevatedd.org/childcare

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510 E North Broadway, 4th Floor
Columbus, OH
43214

Telephone

+16142636020

Website

http://elevatedd.org/

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