Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Davis Bakery and Deli is an Inclusive Place in our Online Resource Guide.

Located in Warrensville Heights and Woodmere, it can be the place for you to cover your sweet and savory cravings.

Learn more at https://ow.ly/L1PL50YWeyu.



Image description: Online Resource Guide, Inclusive Places, Davis Bakery and Deli, with hamantaschen desserts.

Today is Juneteenth! Cuyahoga DD pays tribute to and celebrates the anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States in 1865.

Let us acknowledge this significant day with unity as we reflect on our nation’s past and strive for equality for all.

Cuyahoga DD will be closed today in observance of the holiday.



Image description: Happy Juneteenth

Congratulations to Cherie Brickman, Developmental Specialist, who is entering retirement at the end of the month. Cherie began working at Cuyahoga DD in the summer of 1991 at our Big Creek Center, supporting adults.

She has so many favorite memories from her time working at our previous William Patrick Day Early Childhood Center. She remembers her integrated classroom team fondly, which included assistants and Head Start teachers.

They worked together as one classroom to plan inclusive activities. Even when class times changed for the two groups, they still united the students. Cherie had a great time working with her team. There were even days when her team all accidentally arrived wearing the same color!

The people she worked with are Cherie's favorite thing about her career. Her colleagues, past and present, have taught her so much. "My past students and my present families have been the reason I come into work many days. There have been days that it was tough to come in like any other job, but as soon as the first student walked into my classroom or I saw the first family of the day, I felt like 'Yeah, I can do this job again today,'" said Cherie. She is most proud of all the people she has helped.

Those she has interacted with all these years are the ones Cherie will miss the most. She feels very lucky to have worked with, in her words, the best staff past and present.

Cherie shares, "My colleagues are folks that I look up to and have learned from. They are all talented and caring, and I would like to say that it has been my honor to serve with them."

In retirement, her husband and Cherie are going to go camping. They will also take care of their dog grandchild, Moose, a 3-year-old chocolate lab. She is planning to get two puppies of her own soon.

Cherie also wants to do more volunteer work and play the guitar more. She is looking forward to whatever comes next.

Thank you, Cherie, for your 35 years of service!



Image description: Happy Retirement, Cherie Brickman, Developmental Specialist, smiling brightly.

Today is Autistic Pride Day! It’s a special occasion to celebrate the incredible strengths and talents of autistic individuals.

Let’s use this opportunity to promote acceptance, understanding, and empathy for everyone on the autism spectrum. Together, we can create a more inclusive world!



Image description: Autistic Pride Day with an infinity symbol.

Cleveland Play House presents its first Relaxed Performance of “Freak The Mighty” on June 20.

A Relaxed Performance is a theater show that welcomes everyone, especially those who need a more comfortable and supportive space. This includes people with sensory sensitivities, neurodivergent individuals, and anyone who prefers a calmer setting.

Cuyahoga DD has partnered with CPH to provide resources and support to guests through the Good Life Ambassadors.

Use the promo code RELAXED for a ticket discount.

Cleveland Play House is excited to introduce its first Relaxed Performance during Freak The Mighty on Saturday, June 20 at 2pm

A Relaxed Performance is an inclusive theater experience designed for anyone who benefits from a more flexible and supportive environment, including individuals with sensory sensitivities, neurodivergent audience members, and those who simply prefer a more relaxed setting.

Enjoy the full artistic vision of the production with a few thoughtful adjustments to create a more comfortable experience:

• House lights remain slightly raised throughout the performance
• Sound levels and intense sound effects may be softened
• Audience members are welcome to move, vocalize, or take breaks as needed
• A flexible and judgment-free atmosphere is encouraged
• The story, performances, and artistic integrity of the production remain unchanged

Thank you to the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities who will be supporting Cleveland Play House with resources and Good Life Ambassadors for this performance. Learn more about Cuyahoga DD and Good Life Ambassadors here: https://www.cuyahogadd.org/

A Social Narrative with pictures and written descriptions on what to expect is available on our website. Learn more here: https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/visit/accessibility

Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience live theater in a way that feels welcoming and accessible. We look forward to sharing this performance with you!

Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2025 - Alexandra Martinez was featured in the Best Places to Live edition of Cleveland Magazine.

Alexandra shared her insight in "These Eight Northeast Ohioans Highlight Ways to be a Good Neighbor."

How are you a good neighbor?

Representation in books is super important! These amazing are filled with inclusive messages, captivating stories, and a wide range of diverse characters.

Why not stop by your local and check them out? You might find your new favorite read!

The 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ohio Final Leg arrived in Downtown Cleveland last week.

The torch is on its journey to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota,

The USA Games are from June 20 - 26.

Cuyhoaga DD is proud of our employees. Kudos to the staff who received a shout-out in May.

Thank you to our staff members for all they do.

Want to recognize a Cuyahoga DD employee? Visit cuyahogadd.org/staff-shout-out.

Cuyahoga DD wants to recognize the dedication, compassion, and hard work of our staff.

We encourage individuals and families served by Cuyahoga DD, provider partners, community members, and fellow employees to highlight our staff who go above and beyond in supporting people with developmental disabilities.

Share your story at cuyahogadd.org/staff-shout-out.

We will share these stories with our staff and on social media



Image description: Cuyahoga DD Staff Shout Outs! Graphic of an open envelope with a note saying Thank you.