For five decades, LADD has been a driving force in empowering adults with developmental disabilities to live, work and connect. Since its founding in 1975, the organization has led with vision, launching groundbreaking independent living programs, building tech-enabled Smart Homes and creating an international film festival. This timeline highlights key moments in LADD’s journey, from community beginnings to national leadership, all guided by the belief that every person has ability, purpose and value.
LADD launches one of the nation’s first educational and residential programs focused on independent living. This innovative teaching model empowers adults with developmental disabilities to gain life skills, build confidence and become active members of the community.
LADD joins forces with Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services to open its first residential home on Victory Parkway.
Find-A-Way Apartments Built
As participants “graduate” from LADD’s educational programming, it becomes clear that long-term housing and support are essential to sustaining community-based living. LADD builds the Find-A-Way Apartments, a 40-unit affordable and accessible housing community in Oakley.
Second Housing Site Opens at Margaret B. Geier Apartments Support Services Begin
LADD opens a second 40-unit housing development for adults with developmental disabilities. The Margaret B. Geier Apartments (named for Peggy Geier) are located in Kennedy Heights. To support its residents at Find-A-Way, Geier, and other apartments across Cincinnati, LADD launches a Community Support Service providing drop-by assistance for more than 115 individuals.
Court upholds the rights of people with developmental disabilities to Live in Community-Based Settings
The U.S. Supreme Court decides Olmstead v. L.C., ruling that unnecessary institutionalization of people with disabilities is discrimination under the ADA. The ruling requires states to provide community-based services when appropriate instead of segregating people in institutions.
LADD Rolls Out Family-Based Support Model
LADD starts Home and Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled (HLADD), a family-based living option. Through HLADD, adults with developmental disabilities live with a family member or caregiver in a family setting, rather than a group home.
New Film Festival Broadens Storytelling Scope
LADD introduces Smart Living Systems
LADD launches Smart Living Systems, blending in-person support with innovative tools to promote greater independence. The Smart Living System uses resources like wearable devices, sensors that detect health emergencies and smart appliances to support residents in daily life.
Tech-enabled Smart Homes Open
LADD opens six Smart Homes in Blue Ash and Anderson Township. These homes, located in walkable neighborhoods near bus lines, have access to 24-hour support. Technology features include stoves with automatic cool-down functions, customizable sensory rooms and bed sensors for individuals at risk of seizures.
OTR International Film Festival Among Coolest
Smart Living Systems Receives Global Recognition and Senior Living Care Model Launches
The Zero Project, a United Nations–supported global initiative working to remove barriers for people with disabilities, recognizes LADD’s Smart Living technology as an Innovative Practice at its 2023 Summit in Vienna, Austria. Also in 2023, LADD opens its first Aging with Dignity home on Victory Parkway to support adults with developmental disabilities as they age.
New Smart Homes Planned, Disability Pride Flag Raised
LADD partners with Hamilton County and the Cincinnati Development Fund to invest $4 million to expand its Smart Homes project. Expected to be completed in 2027, the project features nine Smart Homes in Hyde Park and Colerain and Springfield townships. Each home will support four adults with developmental disabilities.
LADD also launches Disability Pride Cincy in collaboration with local government, community organizations and social service agencies to celebrate the anniversary of the ADA. The Cityof Cincinnati raises the Disability Pride Flag over City Hall for the first time, while Hamilton County issues a proclamation recognizing DisabilityPride Month.
LADD partners with Hamilton County and the Cincinnati Development Fund to invest $4 million to expand its Smart Homes project. Expected to be completed in 2027, the project features nine Smart Homes in Hyde Park and Colerain and Springfield townships. Each home will supportfour adults with developmental disabilities.
LADD also launches Disability Pride Cincy in collaboration with local government, community organizations and social service agencies to celebrate the anniversary of the ADA. The Cityof Cincinnati raises the Disability Pride Flag over City Hall for the first time, while Hamilton County issues a proclamation recognizing DisabilityPride Month.
