Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services
Community integration for all people with developmental disabilities
Promote and support opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live, work, learn, and fully participate in their communities
I’m proud to share our 2025 Annual Report to the Community. As we reflect on our work last year, I’m grateful for the remarkable staff, partners, families, and individuals who helped make 2025 a success. Throughout this report, you’ll find milestones, highlights, and stories that defined our progress together. 2025 was the first year of most recent Strategic Plan, and this report is organized into the four strategic focus areas identified in that plan:
Advocacy in Action
In 2025 we launched new initiatives to empower the people we serve to join local community groups and advisory committees. This work exceeded our expectations, and advocates sharpened their skills, confidence, and leadership abilities. Advocates joined organizations across the community, including the Cincinnati Zoo Accessibility Board, the Hamilton County Commission on Women and Girls, a Victims of Crime with I/DD Focus Group, and the Cincinnati Art Museum Accessibility Improvement Project. Advocacy groups also participated in candidate forums and Pen to Policy events with elected officials. Real change happens when those with lived experience have a seat at the table.
Bringing the Community Together
Throughout the year we hosted events that strengthened connections, celebrated achievements, and supported the people and families we serve. Highlights included Accessible Hamilton County with the 513 Relief Bus, our Employment Spotlight Awards breakfast celebrating employment success stories, the Advocacy Summit recognizing advocates, DSP Recognition Week honoring the amazing direct support professionals across Hamilton County, our Transition Night for students and families exploring post-graduation options, Disability Pride Month celebrations that brought together advocates and allies, Early Intervention playgroups for families to connect, and PigAbilities Meetups that helped participants train for the race.
The Foundation of our Success
Our successes build on the day-to-day work of employees who support people with disabilities to live full lives and empowers families to support their loved ones. This high-quality support wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of many people working with individuals and families directly, as well as those behind the scenes who keep our operations strong. I’m proud of the incredible team at HCDDS and their unwavering commitment to our mission. Equally important are our provider and community partners, whose collaboration and expertise make our shared impact possible. We’re grateful to work alongside you in service of our community.
Looking Ahead
As we move through 2026, we continue strengthening our financial position to ensure long-term sustainability — work that county boards across the state are undertaking to align resources with community needs and mission. We are also focused on the priorities you identified through recent surveys and conversations: supporting inclusive childcare, providing tools to find housing, and leveraging community partnerships to improve access to healthcare and transportation. Our 2026 Annual Plan, finalized in January, reflects your input and will guide our work in the year ahead.
I hope you enjoy our 2025 Annual Report. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and commitment to our mission – your support makes all of this possible.
With appreciation,
Leia
