Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities banner logo
December 6, 2021
Cuyahoga DD Community Friends Program to Become Best Buddies Citizens Chapter for Cuyahoga County
Best Buddies will partner with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD) to transition its Community Friends program into a Best Buddies Citizens Chapter for Cuyahoga County. Best Buddies Citizens supports the development of friendships between adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in corporate and civic communities. Many people with IDD have limited opportunities for social interactions after they leave the school environment. This program helps people with IDD become part of mainstream society and creates an inclusive and diverse community for all.

Cuyahoga County residents with and without IDD may apply to the program beginning in January 2022 by visiting bestbuddies.org/join. Best Buddies staff will interview interested participants and find a friend with similar interests. The commitment of both people who enter a friendship match is to meet at least once a month and have two calls a month for one year. Best Buddies will host social events throughout the year. If you have questions or want to learn more, please reach out to Lily Abrams.

Best Buddies in Ohio State Director Catlin Skufca shares, “We are thrilled to work closely with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities on this program. This is a unique and fun opportunity for volunteers to get involved and create a more inclusive community.”

This expansion is possible through community support and the partnership of the Cuyahoga DD. “We are excited to partner with Best Buddies to create a Citizens Chapter in Cuyahoga County. We believe this partnership will amplify our efforts for community inclusion and will create opportunities for friendships that will last a lifetime,” said Cuyahoga DD Superintendent and CEO Kelly Petty.
Become A Library Program Facilitator
Enhance your career by becoming a Library Program Facilitator. If you are someone who likes to read, wants to meet new people and wants to promote inclusion, this role is for you. This is a paid, contracted role open to people with developmental disabilities, ages 18 and older, who live in Cuyahoga County, and who are comfortable presenting to and speaking with a variety of people in the community, individually and in group settings.

Consider becoming a Library Program Facilitator in Cuyahoga County libraries and create positive change in your community! Click on the button below to learn full details and to apply by December 22, 2021.
2021 Winter Card Winner
Andi smiling
The artwork on the Cuyahoga DD 2021 winter card was created by Andi S., a student from Rocky River High School. Originally from Albania, Andi moved to Rocky River in 2019 and is in the ninth grade. He enjoys watching cartoons, coloring, cooking, and helping in the classroom and at home. He looks forward to getting his driver's license and is interested in studying business in college. Andi is described as kind, loyal, hardworking, responsible, and friendly. He is well liked by his peers and is a joy to have in the classroom. Congratulations to Andi!
Navigating Cuyahoga DD's Shared Virtual Community
Shared Virtual Community is your solution to find activities and events that are inclusive and adaptive in your community. 

Watch this video to learn how to navigate the Shared Virtual Community and then explore it by clicking below.
Crain's Cleveland Business 40 Under 40
Congratulations to Regional Coordinator for Workforce Development, Jared Daly, on being named one of Crain's Cleveland Business’ 2021 40 Under 40!

40 Under 40 highlights young leaders who are making an impact on the community. The accomplishments of this year’s class were recognized at an event last month.
December Closed Dates

Season's greetings and a Happy New Year from your friends at Cuyahoga DD.

Cuyahoga DD buildings will be closed on December 23, 24, 30, and 31.
Cuyahoga DD Employee Spotlight
Chuck - Software Support Specialist

"I like working at Cuyahoga DD because of the awesome people who work here. I am proud to be a part of such a talented, professional team."
Danette - Health Services Coordinator

"My favorite part of my job at Cuyahoga DD is coming together as a team to advocate, support and serve people in need, enabling them to live a healthy and safe life. A job well done is when I can make a difference in someone’s life."
Welcome Organizations to All Means All
Congratulations! To the organizations joining All means All. Thank you for your efforts to increase inclusivity in our communities.
Provider Spotlights
Bridges Rehabilitation services logo
Bridges Rehabilitation Services provides vocational habilitation, adult day, and non-medical transportation.

Bridges offers career planning and individual employment supports throughout Northeast Ohio.
Hattie Larlham commits to caring for children and young adults with profound developmental and intellectual disabilities. Their compassionate and dedicated staff focuses on creating a nurturing environment in which people have opportunities to learn, have fun, feel safe, loved, and make choices about what happens in their lives.

Hattie Larlham operates all year round. They have part-time and full time DSP positions available. They are in need of caring candidates to help achieve their mission while receiving great benefits. 
Quick Links!