Nearly $15 Million Allocated to Support Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) Director Kim Hauck recently announced the allocation of $14.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds across 67 counties to enhance support for Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families.

 

“These investments are truly going to make a difference for people with developmental disabilities and their families by giving them more access to the communities where they live,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “People with developmental disabilities deserve opportunities, a reliable workforce, and an accessible state to live, learn, work, and succeed in.”

 

The funds, part of a $56 million total ARPA Home and Community Based Services allocation to DODD, were made available for county boards of developmental disabilities and Councils of Government to apply.

 

Projects include promoting independent living, improving community infrastructure, adding universal changing tables in public places, creating inclusive community experiences, ensuring inclusive conferences, and increasing outreach efforts. 

 

The initiative, celebrated by advocacy groups like Changes Spaces Ohio, represents the largest state investment in universal changing tables. You can find a full listing of awarded applications and the latest on project developments at the DODD’s ARPA projects webpage.  

 

With OOD’s Accessible Ohio initiative, more resources are now available to local communities and businesses looking to be more accessible. Learn more at the Accessible Ohio webpage.