Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities

The Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (OACB) is a non-profit organization specializing in providing information, continuing education, and legislative liaison to Ohio's 88 County Boards of Developmental Disabilities. In 1967, County Boards of DD were established by the Ohio state legislature to provide supports and services to individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. This change in philosophy and public policy provided alternatives to state run institutions and afforded individuals the opportunity to live, work and participate in their local community. Today, nearly 100,000 children and adults receive comprehensive services arranged by local County Boards of DD. Based on available resources, a County Board of DD may provide or arrange for service and support administration, early childhood services, educational services supported living and other residential services, family support services, job training and employment services, among others. County Board of DD members are appointed by county commissioners and probate judges and include seven community members, of which at least three of those members being a family member of an individual with a developmental disability. The Board Members govern the work of the County Board of DD and in conjunction with the county Superintendent and his/her staff ensures the development and operation of local programs that are responsive to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. OACB is registered as a 501(c)(6) tax-exempt organization. Formal operations began in January 1984 with 53 of Ohio’s County Boards of DD as charter members, and by the end of the year, 67 county boards were Association members. One year later, an additional 14 boards had joined, and by 1989, all 88 Ohio County Boards of DD were members of OACB.