Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

ODDC is highlighting Council member Annette Wood in our latest spotlight.

Appointed in 2021, Wood represents private agencies serving people with developmental disabilities (DD). She is the CEO and co-owner of X-Excel, a provider of adult day services. She is also a parent to a daughter with a DD and has 18 years of experience in the DD field.

On the Council, Wood advocates for direct support professionals (DSPs), ensuring that the day-to-day realities of disability services remain central to policy discussions and systemic improvements.

ODDC represents the entire state of Ohio. We encourage individuals with lived experience from all communities, including those outside major cities, to apply for Council membership.

Read more in the newsletter:
https://ddc.ohio.gov/media-and-news/dd-council-connection

Urgent! Your Advocacy Works, Keep Pushing!

Thank you to the Congressional members who listened to the call of advocates, allies, and people with disabilities across the country with the previous federal budget. Congress protected vital programs for people with developmental disabilities in Ohio.

However, we are not done, and our advocacy continues.

This year the President’s budget makes cuts to these programs yet again. The House still must vote on the federal budget and cuts to programs including the The Ohio State University Nisonger Center, UC UCEDD, and Disability Rights Ohio are still a real possibility.

Read more and make your voice heard: https://secure.everyaction.com/XYW-0OhZI06ekcro-u-cGA2

Through its Five-Year State Plan, the Ohio DD Council supports initiatives that help people with developmental disabilities live better lives.

These projects focus on advancing systems change, independent living, and building inclusive communities across the state.

The goal is to create change that improves independence, productivity, and inclusion for people with DD and their families in community life.

Read the ODDC 2023-2025 Impact Report to learn more about our mission and initiatives here: https://ddc.ohio.gov/about/annual-report