Mission
Supporting people with disabilities and their families.
Vision
Stark County is enriched by the people we serve.
Values
With the shared goal of supporting the well-being of the children and adults we serve, we confirm our commitment to cultivating meaningful relationships and building trust among the families, providers, community partners, and our staff.
Committed - We show our commitment to upholding the dignity of eachperson by the ways in which we treat them: fairly, truthfully, and with care and compassion. We recognize our employees are our most important asset.
Trustworthy - We are responsible to people we serve and to the Stark County community.
Supportive - We lead with empathy and compassion and strive to make a meaningful difference in the quality of life and overall well-being of the people we support.
Person-centered - We prioritize each person, recognizing their needs, preferences, and aspirations are at the forefront of everything we do.
Stark DD History
Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities is dedicated to enriching the lives of over 4,000 residents in Stark County facing developmental disabilities.
Through the support of tax levies endorsed by Stark County voters, and supplemented by state and federal funding, Stark DD delivers a comprehensive range of services at no cost to participants, their families, or caregivers. Join us in fostering a community where inclusion and support empower every individual to thrive.
1967
Ohio's County Boards Established
Governor James Rhodes signs Senate Bill 169 into law, creating Ohio’s 88 county boards.
1970
Developmental Disabilities Service and Facilities Construction Act
The Developmental Disabilities Service and Facilities Construction Act passes, paving the way to build or improve existing facilities in Ohio and mandating the creation of a developmental disabilities advisory council in each state.
1975
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
President Gerald Ford signs the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142) into law, which later becomes the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
1980s
Rise of Self-Advocacy and Individual Rights
Self-advocacy and individual rights gain momentum in the 1980s, encouraging those with developmental disabilities to speak for themselves and take control of their own lives.
1990
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
President George H.W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law, establishing the most comprehensive civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on disability in employment, public services, public accommodation, and telecommunications.
1993
Ohio General Assembly Passes Senate Bill 21
The Ohio General Assembly passes Senate Bill 21, granting state and county departments of developmental disabilities additional flexibility in finding solutions to meet the needs and circumstances of Ohioans with developmental disabilities.
2000
Establishment of Ohio Self Determination Association (OSDA)
The Ohio Self Determination Association (OSDA) is established, empowering people with disabilities to direct their lives.
2009
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
President Obama signs the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), including funding to assist county boards that had lost state funding.
2013
Ohio Approved for Technology in Home and Community-Based Services
Ohio becomes one of the first states to receive approval from the federal government to add technology to Home and Community-Based Services waivers.
2018
Technology First Executive Order
Gov. John Kasich signs the Technology First Executive Order, 2018-06K, making Ohio the first state in the U.S. to emphasize expanding access to technology for people with developmental disabilities.