Throughout our 50-year history, we’ve continued to ask “what is possible?” And time and time again our community proved that anything is possible through collaboration and a willingness to try something new.
While our role has evolved through the years, we continue to connect adults, kids and families to the supports that help them thrive. And the citizens of Summit County can be sure that we will continue to challenge the status quo and make our community a place where people of all abilities are welcome.
Akron Begins Classes for Kids with Disabilities
November 20, 1949
In July 1949, Summit County began providing community-based disability services. Two small classes were held in the basement of an Akron church, thanks to parent advocates.
Read moreChild Welfare Board Assumes Responsibility
January 18, 1963
Child Welfare Board assumes responsibility from Akron schools to finance, staff and operate classes for kids with developmental disabilities.
Read moreHouse Bill 169 Passes
July 18, 1967
House Bill 169 passes – creating the Mental Retardation Board in Summit County.
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Weaver School and Workshop Opened
September 10, 1971
Thanks to the efforts of parents and advocates, the Weaver School and Workshop opens in Tallmadge.
Read moreGroup Homes Open
July 1, 1979
The first group home for women with disabilities opened in 1979.
Read more1980s
January 1, 1980
The 80s brought growth for adult programs and expansion of community employment services. New legislation solidified rights, provided protections from abuse and neglect and increased funding for Supported Living.
Read more1st Winter Games of the Special Olympics
February 3, 1983
Akron hosted Ohio’s first-ever Winter Games of the Special Olympics in February of 1983, with approximately 100 athletes from around the state competing.
Read moreFocus Shifts to Creating Inclusive Communities
April 11, 1983
“Mainstreaming” (inclusive community) discussions begin as a way to give people with disabilities more access to their peers and community.
Read more1990s
January 1, 1990
In the 1990s the focus shifted to empowerment, inclusion and self-advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
Read moreAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Passes
July 26, 1990
On July 26, 1990 the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed.
Read moreFirst Inclusive Child Care Program
April 10, 1995
The Board then opens the Collaborative Agencies for Learning and Innovative Childhood Options Center (CALICO), an integrated daycare center.
Read more2000s
January 1, 2000
Integration and inclusion helped services evolve in the early 2000s.
Read moreEarly Intervention Shifts to Community-Based Model
June 1, 2006
In 2006 and 2007, the CALICO Early Intervention Center-Based program transitioned into a community-based model.
Read moreCommunity-Based Schooling for All Students
August 1, 2007
In 2007, changes in special education rules and regulations, made it possible for more students with disabilities to enroll in public schools.
Read moreWaiting Lists for Day Services Eliminated
November 1, 2007
The Agency focused on decreasing waiting lists for services. In 2007, the waiting list for core day services was eliminated.
Read moreThe CPI Program Begins
January 1, 2009Summit DD’s revolutionary Community Partnership for Inclusion (CPI) program opened up a new world of possibilities for families who have kids with disabilities.
Read more“MR” Removed from County Boards’ Names
July 12, 2009
In 2009, the Agency removed Mental Retardation from their name in accordance with a new state law.
Read more2010s
January 1, 2010
Focusing on the idea of empowering people of all abilities, the Agency made it its mission in the 2010s to make Summit County’s communities inclusive for all people.
Read moreSummit DD Focuses on Creating Community Partnerships
October 19, 2013
Summit DD focuses on creating various partnerships within the community to foster inclusive programs.
Read moreCalico Transitions Last Child Out into Community
May 24, 2014
With the evolution of inclusive community child care, Summit DD’s CALICO program transitioned its last child into a community child care center.
Read moreConflict Free Case Management Rule Goes Into Effect
April 10, 2015
A 2014 CMS rule called for “conflict free case management”.
Read moreNew Person-Centered ISP Rolled Out
October 13, 2015
A cross functional team of families, Agency staff and private providers came together to dramatically improve the Individualized Service Plan, or ISP.
Read moreCollaboration Provides Summer Work Experience for Teens
June 16, 2016
Summit DD partnered with Summit County Job & Family Services, private disability service providers, and employers to provide summer work to dozens of teens with disabilities.
Read moreTransition Program for Youth Piloted
June 24, 2017
Local teens get hands-on experience that will help them find jobs after graduation thanks to the Transition Pilot program.
Read moreRibbon Cutting for Barberton Renovations
November 10, 2021
On November 10, 2021, the Russ Pry Barberton Center held a ribbon cutting ceremony to reopen the building after renovating workshop into office space for Agency employees.
Read moreBoard Names 1st Female Superintendent
January 1, 2022
Summit DD’s Board announced its 1st female Superintendent of Summit DD, Lisa Kamlowsky in the fall of 2021. Kamlowsky served the Agency for more than 25 years as Chief Legal Counsel and Assistant Superintendent, before becoming Superintendent.
Read moreCuyahoga Falls Renovations Ribbon Cutting
May 13, 2022
On May 13, 2022, Summit DD held a ribbon cutting ceremony to reopen the Cuyahoga Falls building after renovating workshop into office space for Agency employees.
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