01/06/2026

Board of DD looks toward 2026

Christopher Gillett

The Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities is continuing much of the work it had done in 2025, while looking to add new programs this year.

Board of DD Director of Quality and Community Outreach Manda Jackson said the board supported 550 people in 2025.

“2025 was a wonderful year,” she said.

Jackson said the board of DD is grateful to the community for approving a two-mill renewal levy to fund operating expenses.

The county board of DD received its accreditation from the Ohio Department of Development Disabilities in October, Jackson said.

“I was proud to say our agency received the highest level of accreditation,” she said.

The board of DD will not need to be accredited again until October 2028, Jackson said.

An October 2025 release from the county board of DD said the accreditation shows the commitment to its work.

“The county board remains dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities by ensuring that every person receives the support and opportunities they need to thrive in their community,” the release said.

Jackson said grant-funded projects from the 2025 budget should be moving forward this year.

“We approved out 20th project last year,” she said.

Camp Koinonia, in Harpersfield, received a $20,000 accessibility and improvement grant for its equine center, Jackson said.

Jackson said the grant will fund the addition of a accessible ramp and lift so disabled people can ride horses.

She said a $20,000 accessibility and improvement grant is going toward the renovations of the former Shea’s Theater, to fund a universal changing table, accessible doors and other accessible infrastructure.

The board of DD has been offering accessibility and improvement grants for the last few years and applications for 2026 grants are open, according to Jackson.

She said the board of DD approved $100,000 for its accessibility and improvement grants for 2026.

The board will offer 50% matching grants for a maximum of $20,000 per grant, Jackson said.

“Those funds are available until all are allocated,” she said.

More information can be found on the board of DD’s website, Jackson said.

The Board of DD is collaborating with the Ashtabula Arts Center to host a talent show Feb. 27 for people supported by the board, she said.

“That’s very exciting,” Jackson said.

The talent show has been an ask for a while from many people who are supported by the board of DD, she said.

The board of DD is working on new leadership programs to help reach people who need its services, Jackson added.

One program will be open to board of DD staff, she said.

“They’re experts in their own right and own roles,” Jackson said.

She said the selected board members will be taught about the whole agency, outside their current roles.

The other leadership program will be open to local advocates for people supported by the board of DD, she said.

“We’re hoping to gave about six different advocates out in the community,” Jackson said.