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Founded by Families. Focused on the Future.

Ohio's 88 county boards of DD were founded by families in 1967 to meaningful support and opportunity to their loved ones. Today, we carry that legacy forward by strengthening services and support for people with developmental disabilities and their families throughout Ohio.

Whether you are a board member, county board staff professional, family member, policymaker, or community partner, we’re glad you’re here. Explore our resources, stay connected, and join us in building stronger communities.

OACB Joins Coalition to Protect DD Services

Property taxes are a real and growing concern for Ohio families, but eliminating them without a clear replacement would put critical local services at risk. OACB is proud to have co-founded a statewide coalition working to raise awareness and educate voters about the risks of eliminating property taxes in Ohio.

Property taxes account for nearly two-thirds of local tax revenue—more than $21.4 billion annually—and fund essential services such as public safety, schools, and supports for older adults and people with developmental disabilities. On average, 72% of funding for county board services comes from property taxes.

Without a viable replacement for this revenue, the impact on local services would be significant, creating real risk to the stability of Ohio’s DD system and the supports that more than 117,000 people rely on every day.

Butler DD family shares how they use self-directed transportation in national video for Uber

In partnership with OACB, GT Independence, and the Butler County Board of DD, Uber Health has released a new video highlighting how self-directed transportation is helping Ohioans with developmental disabilities achieve greater independence and pursue their goals.

The video tells the story of Elianna Uribe, who receives services from Butler DD, and highlights how reliable transportation has helped her attend school while working toward her dream of becoming a pastry chef.

The Executive Development Program has begun

OACB's Executive Development Program (EDP) is in full swing! Offered biennially in even-numbered years, the program provides a structured, cohort-based learning experience that combines in-person instruction, applied learning, and peer collaboration. Participants engage in a series of multi-day sessions held in Columbus, along with additional learning opportunities throughout the year. This year's class consists of 71 participants, coming from 42 county boards, three COGs, and a provider agency.

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County boards present at National Self-Direction Conference

OACB's Lisa Comes traveled to Minneapolis with OACB Trustee Marci Straughter (Franklin DD) to present on Ohio’s experience with self-directed transportation at the National Self-Direction Conference, hosted by The Self-Direction Center. As the first national conference dedicated exclusively to self-direction, the event highlighted innovative approaches and emerging trends in the field. Ohio was well represented, contributing at least three breakout sessions on topics including self-directed transportation, the history and implementation of the Synergy Conference—co-presented by Steve Oster (Knox/Coshocton DD) and Jeanne Stuntz (Dynamic Pathways)—and a collaborative panel discussion on “Advancing Self-Direction” featuring representatives from the Ohio Department of Medicaid, Ohio Department of Aging, The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, the Ohio Olmstead Task Force, and provider organizations. The conference provided valuable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and showcasing Ohio’s leadership in self-direction initiatives. Pictured left to right: Jules Patalita, Patrick McNamara, Brandi Nicholson, Lisa Comes, Jennifer Kucera, Steve Oster, Jamie Watkins, Marci Straughter, Marilyn Curtis, and Jeanne Stuntz

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County boards launch legislative outreach on system sustainability

County boards in recent weeks have launched a legislative advocacy effort focused on the long-term fiscal sustainability of Ohio’s DD system. OACB and several county board superintendents have met with state lawmakers to provide context about the system’s current financial pressures and the need for sustainable policy solutions. Sharing background information now is intended to support more detailed policy discussions as proposals are finalized.

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