Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities

11/01/2026

Are you looking for some fun and inclusive events in your area? Check out our Online Resource Guide! It’s packed with exciting activities just for you!

All of the community events listed are welcoming and accessible for people with developmental disabilities.

Explore upcoming events at https://ow.ly/28Ht50Y6uNq



Image description: Online Resource Guide, Inclusive Events, November. Community Adventure Time in a calendar view.

10/31/2026

As National Disability Employment Awareness Month ends, we congratulate Felicia on being a strong member of the workforce.

10/31/2026

More October event highlights 🎃

Take a look at what we've been up to, pictures in order:

1 - 3. First Step Preschool of Parma Trunk-or-Treat: We shared resources with families and informed caregivers about how we can support their child.

4 & 5. The Cleveland Orchestra Sensory-Friendly Spooktacular: Staff provided resources and concert support, and made crafts with guests through a program partnership.

6 - 8. Cleveland Public Library: Good Life Ambassadors (GLA) presented to staff and patrons "Inclusion 101 – Tips for Including People with Developmental Disabilities" as part of the Curb Cut Collective Employee Resource Group to facilitate and promote universal access to programs and services.

9 - 11. Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio - Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk: Our team educated the public about who we are and what Cuyahoga DD does. We also sponsored Momentum Refresh, a fully accessible, universally designed mobile restroom.

10/31/2026

Happy Halloween from your friends at Cuyahoga DD!



Image description: Happy Halloween with a family of four dressed as Despicable Me characters.

10/30/2026

Free ride to vote! Follow the steps below to get a free Uber ride to vote through Election Day.

Getting to the polls shouldn’t be a barrier to voting! 🚗🗳️ Cleveland VOTES is offering free Uber rides for Cuyahoga County voters to get to the polls during early voting through Sunday, November 1!

🎟️ Secure your free ride using the code VoteToLive1. You can find other voter resources to get here: https://bit.ly/3Utu9gg

10/30/2026

Last week, the adults we serve, providers, Arts Impact staff, and guests gathered at the Michael A. Donzella Administration Building at Lakeside to celebrate the Unity Quilt art installation.

For the first time, the artists who created the Unity Quilt had the opportunity to see the permanent installation in all its grandeur!

The Unity Quilt was created in partnership with Arts Impact and SAW, featuring contributions from adults with developmental disabilities. Arts Impact visual artist Kelly Mattimoe reconnected with the artists, sharing memories of their collaboration.

Dr. Amber Gibbs, Superintendent & CEO; Maryanne Hiti, Arts Impact Director of Programs; Kelly Mattimoe, Arts Impact visual artist; and Anne Gillin, SAW Fund Development Professional, all shared their sentiments, recognizing the artists and the power of collaboration.

The following provider partner agencies support the 55 artists:

• HELP Foundation
• NCC Solutions, Inc.
• SAW, Inc.
• UCP of Greater Cleveland
• Vocational Guidance Services
• Welcome House

Thank you to the staff who supported the program and the unveiling, and to Meg Matko, Community Development Specialist, for making the collaboration possible.

10/30/2026

Art Possible Ohio is calling for artists! Apply to be part of the 2027 Accessible Expressions Ohio.

Accessible Expressions Ohio is a statewide exhibition featuring art from artists with disabilities from across the state.

Link in comments.

REMINDER: The 2027 Accessible Expressions Ohio Call for Art is still open!

What is Accessible Expressions Ohio?
Accessible Expressions Ohio is a statewide adjudicated exhibition featuring art from artists with disabilities from across the state. Artists can enter in the youth, emerging, or professional categories, and enter under a special theme category. Cash prizes are awarded in each category, including a Best in Show.

We are thrilled to announce this year's opening reception will be held at the Firelands Associations for the Visual Arts (FAVA) in Oberlin, Ohio!

We are also excited to announce that this year's special category is "Community Connections." Community is built through encouragement, mentorship, shared experiences, creativity, mutual support, and more. Artists are invited to explore the people, places, and moments that foster belonging, growth, and connection.

Who can apply?
Any Ohio artist living with a disability may apply. Disclosure of the disability is not required.

How do I apply?
To apply for the Accessible Expressions Ohio Call for Art, artists should fill out the online AEO application at this link: https://airtable.com/appW1LuhfSHhTjt3e/shrYAPSa3HUI3ZJgZ

Upon request, Word and PDF versions of the applications are available both by email and by mail.

Have any questions? Wish to request a different version of the application?
Contact Lina Stavrova at [email protected]

10/30/2026

This month, the Cleveland Public Library celebrated the unveiling of a new Universal Changing Table in an accessible restroom and the Quiet Area with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Now, when you visit the Main Library, you and your family can comfortably enjoy your time while addressing your restroom and sensory needs.

Thank you to Felton Thomas Jr., Cleveland Public Library Executive Director & CEO, and Michael J. Houser Sr., Cuyahoga County Councilman, for honoring community inclusion.

The universal changing table was made possible through a grant from Cuyahoga DD.

10/29/2026

Congratulations to Ally, Cuyahoga DD Behavioral Health Specialist, for being part of the Benjamin Rose Young Professional Council. Through YPC, she is connecting with the community in a meaningful manner.

10/29/2026

A Halloween Communication Board can assist your loved one in meeting their needs while trick-or-treating or at a party.

Get ready for spooky fun with DODD's Halloween Communication Board! Whether you're trick‑or‑treating, handing out candy, or enjoying other festivities, this board can help you communicate your needs and join in the fun.

Find this board and more on DODD's website: dodd.ohio.gov/communication/communication-boards