Meet Sam! Sam and his family tapped into essential Summit DD services and tech supports so he could attend Kent State University’s Sport Administration Program. Last summer, he graduated…a goal his parents were unsure he could attain without the right supports. Watch his video spotlight to see how he reached his goals in partnership with Summit DD!

Sam’s Summit DD Service and Support Administrator, Alison Taylor, has been the backbone of his support team. When Sam set his sights on attending college, Alison made it her mission to help him reach his goals. Over many months, she recruited the help of several Summit DD coworkers to get the job done. Carmen Penedo helped equip Sam with various assistive technologies both in his dorm and his parent’s home. Andy Flor helped adapt Sam’s living environments with accessible equipment like ramps and lifts. And finally, Laureen Hardenbrook showed Sam how to use a speech-enabled iPad that gave him his voice, plus accessible ways to access his schoolwork. Amazing things happen when a team comes together!

Are you interested in more information about assistive technology and receive Summit DD services? Contact your SSA for more information or you can reach out to Angela Burke, SSA Supervisor-Technology at 330-634-8143 or

ab****@su******.org











. You can also learn more about Summit DD’s SMART Home here!

Summit DD is a levy funded government organization that provides and coordinates essential services for more than 5,000 people with developmental disabilities throughout Summit County. Whether it’s early intervention services for a newborn child or retirement services for a senior citizen, Summit DD provides a lifetime of support for those eligible for our services.