Ohio Association of County Boards
Serving People with Developmental Disabilities
Serving People with Developmental Disabilities
About UsThe Ohio Association of County Boards of DD (OACB) is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization that provides advocacy, communications, professional development, and technical assistance to all 88 of Ohio's county boards of developmental disabilities. Founded in 1984, OACB has evolved along with the needs of its diverse membership. Today, we provide a host of services and supports to the 616 volunteer board members and thousands of career professionals in Ohio's DD service delivery system. Our Mission: We help boards succeed through professional development, technical assistance, advocacy, and communication.
Our Vision: We envision a strong, connected, inclusive Ohio where people have the opportunity to choose the life they want.
OACB Governance
The Ohio Association of County Boards of DD is governed by a 19-member board of trustees representing county board members (13) and superintendents (6). Board member trustees are elected each year at the association's Annual Convention Delegate Assembly on a staggered basis, and superintendent trustees are appointed in accordance with the bylaws of the Ohio Superintendents of County Boards of DD (superintendents' association). To learn more about OACB's Board of Trustees, click here.
OACB derives its policies and organizational structure from both a Constitution and a set of By-Laws. About County Boards of DD In 1967, County Boards of DD were established by the Ohio state legislature to provide supports and services to individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. This change in philosophy and public policy provided alternatives to state run institutions and afforded individuals the opportunity to live, work and participate in their local community. Today, more than 107,000 children and adults receive comprehensive services arranged by local county boards of DD. Based on available resources, a county board of DD may provide or arrange for service and support administration, early childhood services, educational services supported living and other residential services, family support services, job training and employment services, among others. County Board Governance
County boards of DD are governed by seven volunteer (unpaid) board members. Five of these board members are appointed by county commissioners, while two board members are appointed by county probate judges. At least two board members appointed by county commissioners must be either a person who is eligible for services from a county board or a family member of a person who is eligible for services from a county board, and at least one person appointed by a county probate judge must be a family member of a person who is eligible for services from a county board. Beginning July 1, 2025 ORC 5126.021 requires the appointment of person eligible to receive services to the board. This applies to the next open seat after that date. Board members govern the work of the county board of DD and in conjunction with the county superintendent and his/her staff ensures the development and operation of local programs that are responsive to the needs of people with developmental disabilities.
More Information
For more basic information about county boards of DD, use the links below to explore different topics:
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