Learn how YOU make a difference for them and more than 4,000 others...

Summit County taxpayers make the support of more than 4,000 people with developmental disabilities possible.  Each individual served by Summit DD is supported by a team. That team is directed by the individual served and coordinated by Summit DD Service and Support Administrators.  When you support Summit DD, not only do you support the individual served but you support families, employers, friends, neighbors, and more than 200 providers of DD services in Summit County.  We invite you to read the stories of the individuals that you help support and hope they inspire you as much as they inspire us.   

Summit DD, with the help of Summit County residents, is building inclusive communities.  Communities that are stronger when family, friends, neighbors, teachers, and co-workers support individuals with developmental disabilities because they see the value it brings to their own world.  Summit DD’s work positively impacts more than a half million citizens of Summit County by providing services to individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities that enable them to work, live, and learn as equal citizens of their communities. Summit DD is able to make a difference in the lives of Gavin and Blake, Derrin, the Wilkinsons, and more than 4,000 other individuals because of Summit County residents. Here are additional ways to support inclusion in your community:

 
Get aquainted with someone who has a developmental disability. 
Talk to a friend or neighbor about the importance of inclusion. 
Visit the Summit DD Facebook page. 
Attend a Summit DD Open House.
Sign up for our eNewsletter.

Stories from National Disability Employment Awareness Month
– What Can YOU Do? 

With support from the Summit DD more than 300 adults with developmental disabilities are working for businesses in Summit County.  Summit DD, and other providers such as Goodwill Industries, Weaver Industries and Hattie Larlham, provide services such as job coaching, follow along, and job development to help ensure individuals are successful employees.   Whether they are self-employed, work in a group or are independently employed by area business, it is what people CAN do at work that makes a difference.  The individuals featured above ask “what can YOU do” to raise awareness for employment initiatives.  Here are some suggestions:
Hire a person with a developmental disability.
Support businesses that employ workers with disabilities.
Share Your Story.
Read Their Stories.
Tell a friend.
Volunteer with Summit DD