Apply for Services

Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities

1275 Lakeside Avenue East
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1129

216-241-8230 - General Information

216-736-2673 - Eligibility

Mission & Values

Empowering people with developmental disabilities

Learn Our Mission & Values

Family Support

Resources to help you thrive at home and in the community

Family Supports Program

Our Impact

Learn about our work

Learn About Our Impact

Accessibility

Accessibility online, services, and spaces

Learn About Accessibility
A boy using sign language Woman reading a book to a young boy Girl on a swing A boy smiling and looking somewhere out of frame

Who We Help

Our organization supports individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities, which encompass a range of conditions resulting from limitations in physical, cognitive, language, or behavioral areas. These conditions typically emerge during a person’s developmental stage, can affect daily functioning, and often persist throughout their lifetime.

The Family Supports Program

The Family Supports Program provides funding for items and programs that enrich your life.

Family Supports Program
A woman and a child looking at somethiing together

Online Resources

Cuyahoga DD and community resources, tools, and information to help you live your best life.

View all online resources

Individual & Family Resources

Glossary

Individual & Family Resources

FAQs

Individual & Family Resources

Overview

Follow Us on Facebook

Starting off the year strong with today's Employee Spotlight. Meet Mari Riley, an Area Coordinator in Workforce Development. Mari shares, "I value being part of an organization that builds meaningful partnerships and creates opportunities to foster an inclusive community in the County I grew up in. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work we all do contributes to that ongoing goal of equity." Mari has faced their massive fear of heights by skydiving over the Grand Canyon and loves rock climbing. #EmployeeSpotlight #BestStaff #CuyahogaDD Image description: Employee Spotlight Mari Riley, Area Coordinator in Workforce Development with Mari to the left.

Starting off the year strong with today's Employee Spotlight. Meet Mari Riley, an Area Coordinator in Workforce Development.

Mari shares,...

Congratulations to Elizabeth Lambert, Support Administration Supervisor, who is entering retirement at the end of the month. Elizabeth began working at Cuyahoga DD as a Support Administrator in 2007 in an office in Mayfield Heights. One of her favorite memories of working is the camaraderie that developed among staff members from across the community after they were placed at the Forest Hill Center. Social events, such as potlucks, helped people get to know each other and become more comfortable reaching out for help when needed. Many ongoing friendships were made at the Center! Her coworkers are the thing Elizabeth likes best about working at Cuyahoga DD. “Everyone is supportive and willing to help out whenever they can, in any way they can. I especially appreciate the East Side Management team (who are truly there for each other) and my small team for the way they would jump in to help whenever someone on the team needed a hand or was going through a challenging period,” she said. “I am proud of the work we did around guardianship and starting with less restrictive options,” said Elizabeth. This included working with Michelle Henson to reduce the APSI wait list and to create a review process to ensure people received the decision-making support appropriate to each individual’s needs. Elizabeth wants others to know that the work at Cuyahoga DD can be challenging, and a plan for the day is always changing due to new situations. “The staff at Cuyahoga DD, especially the SA Department, are really good at what they do. It’s pretty impressive watching them adapt to changes while still keeping individuals at the center of planning.” She shares, “It won’t come as a surprise to anyone who knows me, but I’m kind of a big geek!” Elizabeth is such a big fan of the green DC superheroes, like Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and Martian Manhunter! She also enjoys many comic book-based movies and shows. And let’s not forget her absolute favorite holiday—Talk Like A Pirate Day! In retirement, Elizabeth will spend quality time with her husband in their new home, where they moved three months ago, and embark on her first cruise! Thank you, Elizabeth, for your 18 years of service! #retirement #congrats #CuyahogaDD Image description: Happy Retirement Elizabeth Lambert, Support Administration Supervisor with Elizabeth standing and smiling on the right.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Lambert, Support Administration Supervisor, who is entering retirement at the end of the month. Elizabeth began working...

Director Kevin Gowan and staff from Cuyahoga Job and Family Services present Understanding the Changes to Medicaid and SNAP Benefit Programs on January 29. Attend at the Parma-Powers Branch. Register below. ➡ leapinfo.org/events/2026/01/29/understanding-the-changes-to-medicaid-and-snap-benefit-programs

Director Kevin Gowan and staff from Cuyahoga Job and Family Services present Understanding the Changes to Medicaid and SNAP Benefit...

Cuyahoga DD believes people with developmental disabilities should be able to access and participate fully in the community, where they are welcomed, included, supported, and celebrated. We strive to enhance the accessibility, depth, and breadth of services offered, ultimately increasing the utilization of Cuyahoga County’s organizations by people with developmental disabilities. Cuyahoga DD is seeking proposals from Cuyahoga County-based municipal recreation centers, non-profit organizations, and public libraries for the following grant opportunities: - Access and Physical Space - Arts and Culture - Library - Recreation Services The deadline to apply for a grant is February 2 at 5 pm. Learn all the requirements at cuyahogadd.org/resources/community-resources. #grants #accessibility #CuyahgoaDD Image description: White text: 2026 Grant Opportunities with three circular photos of people doing activities.

Cuyahoga DD believes people with developmental disabilities should be able to access and participate fully in the community, where they...

Today, January 19, we honor the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a civil rights activist and leader. Cuyahoga DD is closed today in observance of the holiday. #MartinLutherKingJrDay #MLK Image description: Dr. King graphic. White text, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 19, 2026.

Today, January 19, we honor the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a civil rights activist...

Empowering Integrated Care Solutions brings you the EMPOWER Social Skills Group. The group is designed to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health symptoms learn and practice social skills with the support of the group. Participants will learn: - To meet new people - Practice good boundaries with others - Social media safety - Healthy relationships Get started with Empowering Integrated Care Solutions by contacting them at groupenroll@empoweringics.com or 216-532-3427.

Empowering Integrated Care Solutions brings you the EMPOWER Social Skills Group.

The group is designed to help adults with intellectual...