News &

Updates

Mar 10, 2023

Introducing Ahmir J. Kenyatta

LADD is proud to announce the arrival of its incredible new Chief People Officers, Ahmir J. Kenyatta. Ahmir has always cared deeply about promoting a happy and successful working environment; he recognizes that a workplace experience can be a joyous one with the right HR team. Ahmir is originally from South Florida, but he has […]
Mar 10, 2023

Honoring Women’s History Month

In honor of International Women’s Day, we would like to highlight the amazing life and legacy of Judy Heaumann who recently passed away on March 4th. Judy Heumann was an activist who dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. She was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1947 with polio, […]
Feb 15, 2023

Johnnie Lacy

In honor of Black History Month we would like to highlight Black leaders in the disability rights movement. Today we celebrate Johnnie Lacy, one of the earliest civil rights activists to advocate for the right of people with disabilities to live independently. Johnnie Lacy was born in 1937 in Huttig, Arkansas. She experienced adversity from […]
Feb 15, 2023

Matt Chaffin & Mary Sarah Kirley’s Love Story

It all started when I was working at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, in their Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).  My current girlfriend Mary Sarah Kirley was a student in the work study program, through Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center called Project SEARCH.  I was eating lunch one day around 11:30 a.m.  I saw the […]
Oct 10, 2022

Remembering Linda Walters

Linda was one of the first people I met when I started at LADD in the fall of 2011. David Robinson, the Executive Director at the time, met me at Geier on a whirlwind tour of LADD. We walked into the apartment building together. I was trying to take it all in. There was the […]
Oct 03, 2022

Together We Can Do Great Things

Having been best friends for 10 years, Braxton and James do most things together. They both live in Find-a-Way apartments. They travel together. They work out together at Fit For Life, LADD’s group exercise class. And, they go to the grocery, and cook healthy meals together. You might say they’re a model fitness team, but […]
Oct 02, 2022

Denise and Charles - 13 Years and Counting

Being in a relationship is complex. Successful couples must figure out how they communicate effectively, how they build trust and respect, how they navigate differences in priorities, how they interact with friends and family members, and how they handle sex and intimacy. For people with disabilities, societal and systemic barriers make being in a relationship […]
Sep 15, 2022

DSP Appreciation Week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udn-G6Wbg-sTo celebrate DSP Appreciation Week, we want to highlight some of the amazing people we are fortunate to work with and know. First we recognize Chanta’ Lee for her tireless work for the persons supported in the Victory Parkway community. She ensures that each person attends all scheduled doctor visits, maintains accurate health records, and […]
Jul 27, 2022

CCP

Community Connections (CCP) is a program at LADD that provides opportunities for participants to learn and strengthen life and communication skills, build confidence through decision making, and prepare to hold community integrated jobs. In LADD’s field of work, CCP is often referred to as a “day program,” but it is SO much more than that! […]
Jul 27, 2022

Passion Meet Practicality a Chat with Kush Kotecha, LADD’s Board President

LADD is a force. A force guided by the belief that every person has ability and value. A force that empowers adults with developmental disabilities to live, to work, and to connect. For their Board of Directors, LADD looks for leaders who match their passion for the mission, who have the foresight to envision a […]
Jul 27, 2022

Supporting self-determination—a conversation with Jason Harris

self-determination self-de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion |  ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən  Definition: free choice of one’s own acts or states without external compulsionJason Harris, LADD’s Director of Strategic Operations, has a master’s degree in disability studies from Syracuse University. He is passionate about making the world a better place for people with disabilities, and he brings both his intellect and his infectious enthusiasm to his […]
Jul 19, 2022

Meet Our Spirit of Independence Winner: Susie Prigan

Susie Prigan carries a presence unlike any other. With her edgy, practical, buzz cut and 52 years of experience under her belt, Susie takes charge of her day to day life. Her efforts have been rewarded this year with LADD’s Spirit of Independence award. This award has been granted since 2012, and is designed to […]
Apr 30, 2022

Run, Walk and Roll

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, this April 30th marked LADD’s 13th annual Run, Walk & Roll 5k, LADD’s Flying Pig team event! Wellness Coordinator Kristin Harmeyer speaks to the importance of participating in the 5k as a part of the community.“The people LADD supports love getting out and being part of the […]
Nov 01, 2021

A Look Back At October: National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Kush Kotecha

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which recognizes the many contributions people with disabilities have made to the workplace and economy. October was especially important to Kush Kotecha, VP & Actuary, U.S. Businesses Strategy and Assumptions. He was recently appointed president of LADD, a Cincinnati nonprofit empowering adults with developmental disabilities, and is assisting […]
Oct 27, 2021

Around LADD In October!

Good weather. Good food. Good times! We’ve been taking  advantage of all the good weather days, getting together with the wonderful folks of Geier Apartments, Victory Parkway, Timberlane, and Zig Zag. We’ve enjoyed pop-up picnics, a Fall festival, and shopping for new footwear in October! Take a look at some of the moments which were […]
Oct 27, 2021

Patrick Cost: Above & Beyond!

The 2021 Taking Flight Awards had a number of unbelievable awe inspiring moments, stories of both achievement and triumph. One of those stories shared was that of Patrick Cost, the recipient of the ‘Above & Beyond Award’. Patrick was nominated for this honor by Christine Scheadler whose brother, Michael Weber, has worked with Patrick over […]
Oct 27, 2021

Kivana Bradley: Finding Family

“Until Aunt Net, I didn’t have a home.” Said Kivana Bradley. “She became my family.” I sat in the living room on the couch of Jackie’s house, Kivana’s Provider, and listened to Kivana talk about where she had found her strength and how Jackie’s mother (affectionately referred to as ‘Aunt Net’) had changed become her […]
Oct 01, 2021

Kristin Harmeyer: Championing Health & Wellness

By Emily Geier Vollmer Kristin Harmeyer has been an important part of the LADD team for over 17 years. When she proposed and developed the Health and Wellness Program five years ago, she wanted to stay true to her mission for people served by LADD to “live longer, live fuller, and empower people with the […]
Oct 01, 2021

Kivana Bradley: Finding Family

Kivana Bradley: Finding Family “Until Aunt Net, I didn’t have a home.” Said Kivana Bradley. “She became my family.” I sat in the living room on the couch of Jackie’s house, Kivana’s Provider, and listened to Kivana talk about where she had found her strength and how Jackie’s mother (affectionately referred to as ‘Aunt Net’) […]
Oct 01, 2021

Smart Living

LADD’s Smart Living program is about using technology to empower people with disabilities to live more independent, satisfying lives.Smart Living is a new, innovative and more affordable way of delivering critical supports to adults with developmental disabilities living in the community. The system utilizes a multitude of integrated technology solutions, a customized dashboard and app […]
Oct 01, 2021

Britney Spears court hearing puts guardianship front and center in the disability rights conversation

Though Spears rose to fame on her singing, it is the voice she’s used in trying to end her father’s control over her that has most recently resonated. by Haley Moss Britney Spears took a huge step toward reclaiming her life Wednesday when a judge suspended her father as her conservator. But the pop star […]
Oct 01, 2021

Patrick Cost: Above & Beyond!

The 2021 Taking Flight Awards had a number of unbelievable awe inspiring moments, stories of both achievement and triumph. One of those stories shared was that of Patrick Cost, the recipient of the ‘Above & Beyond Award’. Patrick was nominated for this honor by Christine Scheadler whose brother, Michael Weber, has worked with Patrick over […]
Oct 01, 2021

Mark and Mom Family Fund: In Honor of LADD’s Direct Support Professionals

At the 2021 Taking Flight Awards, we announced the creation of the Mark and Mom Family Fund, an endowed fund established by Mark Whited and Marcia Philipps. The purpose of the Mark and Mom Family Fund is to provide regular bonuses for Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s) at LADD, whose dedication and work is invaluable to […]
Sep 09, 2021

The Best Assistive Smart Home Technology for Disabled

Rachel Cericola, August 2021
Aug 13, 2021

LADD Pioneers Smart Living,
Technology Enabled Supports

Anderson Heidt Smart Home kitchen/living room view. LADD Pioneers Smart Living, Technology Enabled Supports LADD has made notable strides in its efforts to address systemic solutions related to the staffing shortage, increased numbers of people in need of services and a desire to make services more effective at supporting people to be fully integrated into […]
Mar 30, 2021

SEEING THROUGH A NEW LENS: LADD ARTISTS COLLABORATE WITH HAPPEN INC. ON FILM FESTIVAL ART

“I had done abstract work in the past but when we come together through different backgrounds and abilities, we really can see through a new lens.”
Mar 30, 2021

With Remarkable Resilience, These Women Revolutionized Disability Services In Cincinnati

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re reflecting on the women who started LADD – women who broke barriers, rejected institutionalization and revolutionized services for people with disabilities.
Mar 26, 2021

Not Your April Fool: How Comedy Can Empower or Otherize People With Disabilities

Like many marginalized groups, people with disabilities have often been the butt of jokes. But comedy can also open doors and break down barriers, using humor as a way to show prejudices or assumptions of society.
Feb 25, 2021

Staying Active and Beating the Wintry Blues with The Walk & Roll Challenge

Fifty-five participants across LADD are part of the challenge, aiming to walk or roll for at least a few minutes every day for 12 weeks.
Feb 25, 2021

Second Covid Vaccine Shots Administered To Ladd Community

This month, we reached an exciting milestone in the fight against COVID-19.
Feb 24, 2021

Disability And The Black Community

As American society commemorates Black History Month and continues to reckon with the state of racism and equity in our country, disability advocate James Harley reflects on disability in the African American community.
Jan 26, 2021

Play Library Offers Space For Adults With Disabilities

Spectrum News 1 Ohio recently covered a partnership between LADD’s Community Connections Program and The Play Library.
Jan 26, 2021

End In Sight For Some Adults At High Risk For Covid-19

WVXU recently covered vaccination efforts for people supported by LADD.
Dec 21, 2020

Ladd’s Affordable Housing Program Supports More People Than Ever During Pandemic

After a year of searching for affordable housing in Cincinnati, a family from Tunisia finally found a home, thanks to help from LADD‘s SOAR Program. That’s one of many stories SOAR has been part of this year as the need for its services rose substantially during the pandemic.
Dec 21, 2020

The Ladd Community's Top 10 Moments Of 2020

Despite the world turning upside down, members of the LADD community kept achieving their goals, making a difference in their community and building their best lives.
Dec 18, 2020

A Special Holiday Message From Ceo Susan Brownknight

“Each and every one of you embodies the meaning of this season – to love, care and sacrifice for one another, and that is worth celebrating.”
Nov 23, 2020

Stepping Up Our Gardening Game Thanks To Xavier Volunteers

Xavier students spent their Community Action Day helping Jenny Crowe expand and enhance her gardening program.
Nov 23, 2020

Home For The Holidays

The holidays mean a lot of different things to different people. This year, they will likely bring new challenges and experiences for our entire LADD community.
Nov 23, 2020

We're Thankful For You

A special message, from us to you, for making LADD‘s Smart Living Pilot – the future of community living for adults with disabilities – possible.
Nov 11, 2020

Cincinnati Magazine Recognizes Ladd’s Pandemic Pivot

Cincinnati Magazine featured LADD‘s efforts to pivot during the pandemic with our Brighter Days Box deliveries and virtual programs.
Oct 27, 2020

Smart Home Provides Independence For People With Disabilities

WVXU recently covered our Smart Living Pilot and why it’s a game-changer for adults with disabilities.
Oct 26, 2020

The Right To Careers: Disability And Employment In The 21st Century

As a society, as we started to think about jobs for people with disabilities, careers have not always been in reach.
Oct 23, 2020

Ladd Employee Wins National Association's Spotlight Award

  LADD Change Manager Hannah Eldridge won the September Spotlight Award from the National Association of Qualified Intellectual Disability Professionals (NAQ). Eldridge was nominated by Grandcare Systems, LADD’s remote support system partner, for her work on the Smart Living Pilot. Grandcare CEO Laura Mitchell praised Eldridge’s work ethic and passion: “When LADD started exploring a […]
Sep 30, 2020

Ladd Wins Technology And Innovation Award From Cincinnati Business Courier

Our Forever, Home initiative won the Cincinnati Business Courier award for its use of smart technology.
Sep 30, 2020

Building Community, Independence And A 'forever, Home' In Blue Ash

“The answer to a lifelong prayer.” With the completion of the first cluster of houses in LADD’s Forever, Home initiative this year, the future of community living for adults with developmental disabilities is here.
Sep 29, 2020

Saying Goodbye To Summer With Camping Adventures

LADD’s Independent Resident Council ended the summer with some epic outdoor excursions.
Sep 25, 2020

Removing Barriers, Ensuring Access To Voting

LADD is working to ensure the voices of people with developmental disabilities are heard at the ballot box this November.
Sep 09, 2020

Ladd Launches First-of-its-kind Smart Living Pilot To Increase Independence, Support More People With Disabilities

Groundbreaking pilot combines smart home technology and wearables to further independence and support thousands in need in Ohio.
Aug 26, 2020

Welcoming Jason Harris As Director Of Strategic Operations

As a neurodiverse individual on the autism spectrum, Jason knows firsthand the challenges individuals face in finding supports that help them meet their needs and goals.
Aug 26, 2020

Pandemic Pen Pals Make New Friends The Old-fashioned Way

Snail mail is back and more meaningful than ever. At LADD, it’s also a creative outlet for artists.
Aug 25, 2020

Connecting In The Community, Safely

Participate in our Connected Community Contest and help us get back out in the community safely.
Aug 25, 2020

A Summer Of Growth: Cultivating Health And Wellness Through Gardening

A healthy hobby to combat these stressful times is taking root at LADD.
Jul 22, 2020

The Ada And Me

A reflection by Jason Harris, longtime friend of LADD, disability rights activist and founder of Jason’s Connection.
Jul 22, 2020

Disability Pride: What It Means To The Ladd Community

As many celebrate Disability Pride this month, members of the LADD community share what they’re proud of.
Jul 01, 2020

Creating Brighter Days

Kenny Gossett, Brian Rohling, Daniel Hunt and Neil Dignan show what they have been up to while staying at home and some activities they received in their Brighter Days Boxes Local volunteers launch effort to spread joy and remind adults with disabilities we’re #InThisTogether. When a basket full of puzzles, games and craft supplies was […]
Jul 01, 2020

Transformation in Turbulent Times

With innovation and determination, distance doesn’t always mean disconnected. As with most gatherings, LADD events and programming were canceled or postponed starting in mid-March due to COVID-19. As an organization that aims to connect adults with developmental disabilities to their community, this seemed almost antithetical to our mission. No more Fit For Life classes? What […]
Jul 01, 2020

45 YEARS OF REMARKABLE RESILIENCE Overcoming obstacles is part of LADD’s DNA

The last time Sis Geier felt like she couldn’t be as independent as her brothers was 45 years ago, right before she moved into Find-A-Way Apartments atLADD. “Now I can take care of myself just as well as the boys,” she said with pride. But the journey from Sis’ mother, Peggy Geier,co-founding LADD to Sis […]
Jul 01, 2020

Heroes Among Us

From LADD direct support professionals (DSPs) to those we support working at essential businesses, our people have been stepping up as frontline heroes during the pandemic. Shannice Clark delivers treats to Sarah Ernst at Find-A-Way Apartments on Memorial Day weekend Just a few short months ago, if you had asked D Steele, a LADD assistant […]
Jul 01, 2020

Forever, Home - The future of community living for people with disabilities. Forging ahead with a new model.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it challenges many of us have never faced before. It has certainly challenged the LADD team to rethink how we safely deliver support in an age of social distancing and virtual connection. Thankfully, we have been thinking along similar lines for some time, asking ourselves, “How do we provide […]
Jun 29, 2020

The Future Of Community Living For People With Disabilities

Using cutting-edge technology to support adults with developmental disabilities and provide a new model of community living.
Jun 26, 2020

Ladd Families Reunite And Reconnect

Even with face masks and social distancing, people supported by LADD and their families are feeling a small sense of relief as they reunite in person.
Jun 26, 2020

Virtual Gatherings Lift Up Ladd Community Member

When society shut down in March, Josh Meyer’s busy life was upended overnight. The first few weeks were filled with gloom, but then came an invitation, a new calendar and a virtual community unlike any other.
Jun 05, 2020

Racism, Inclusion And Justice

A statement from LADD and the OTR International Film Festival.
May 14, 2020

Forging A Path Forward

Because of your support, we’re responding quickly and pivoting successfully during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apr 08, 2020

Wellbeing Bundles Delivered To Our Region’s Most At-risk Population

Local volunteers launch effort to make sure no one is forgotten and support local business.

September 9, 2021

Groundbreaking pilot combines smart home technology and wearables to further independence and support thousands in need in Ohio.

March 30, 2021

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re reflecting on the women who started LADD – women who broke barriers, rejected institutionalization and revolutionized services for people with disabilities.

March 30, 2021

“I had done abstract work in the past but when we come together through different backgrounds and abilities, we really can see through a new lens.”

March 26, 2021

Like many marginalized groups, people with disabilities have often been the butt of jokes. But comedy can also open doors and break down barriers, using humor as a way to show prejudices or assumptions of society. 

February 25, 2021

This month, we reached an exciting milestone in the fight against COVID-19.

February 25, 2021

Fifty-five participants across LADD are part of the challenge, aiming to walk or roll for at least a few minutes every day for 12 weeks. 

February 24, 2021

As American society commemorates Black History Month and continues to reckon with the state of racism and equity in our country, disability advocate James Harley reflects on disability in the African American community. 

January 27, 2021

With vaccines administered to so many in the LADD community this month, we’re one step closer to beating COVID-19.

January 26, 2021

WVXU recently covered vaccination efforts for people supported by LADD.

January 16, 2021

Spectrum News 1 Ohio recently covered a partnership between LADD’s Community Connections Program and The Play Library.

December 21, 2020

Despite the world turning upside down, members of the LADD community kept achieving their goals, making a difference in their community and building their best lives.

December 21, 2020

After a year of searching for affordable housing in Cincinnati, a family from Tunisia finally found a home, thanks to help from LADD‘s SOAR Program. That’s one of many stories SOAR has been part of this year as the need for its services rose substantially during the pandemic.

December 18, 2020

“Each and every one of you embodies the meaning of this season – to love, care and sacrifice for one another, and that is worth celebrating.”

November 23, 2020

A special message, from us to you, for making LADD‘s Smart Living Pilot – the future of community living for adults with disabilities – possible.

November 23, 2020

The holidays mean a lot of different things to different people. This year, they will likely bring new challenges and experiences for our entire LADD community.

November 23, 2020

Xavier students spent their Community Action Day helping Jenny Crowe expand and enhance her gardening program.

November 11, 2020

Cincinnati Magazine featured LADD‘s efforts to pivot during the pandemic with our Brighter Days Box deliveries and virtual programs.

October 27, 2020

WVXU recently covered our Smart Living Pilot and why it’s a game-changer for adults with disabilities.

October 26, 2020

As a society, as we started to think about jobs for people with disabilities, careers have not always been in reach.

October 23, 2020

Congrats to LADD’s Hannah Eldridge, recognized by the National Association of Qualified Intellectual Disability Professionals for pioneering new ways to support people with disabilities.

September 30, 2020

“The answer to a lifelong prayer.” With the completion of the first cluster of houses in LADD’s Forever, Home initiative this year, the future of community living for adults with developmental disabilities is here.

September 30, 2020

Our Forever, Home initiative won the Cincinnati Business Courier award for its use of smart technology.

September 29, 2020

LADD’s Independent Resident Council ended the summer with some epic outdoor excursions.

September 25, 2020

LADD is working to ensure the voices of people with developmental disabilities are heard at the ballot box this November.

August 27, 2020

A healthy hobby to combat these stressful times is taking root at LADD.

August 26, 2020

Snail mail is back and more meaningful than ever. At LADD, it’s also a creative outlet for artists.

August 26, 2020

As a neurodiverse individual on the autism spectrum, Jason knows firsthand the challenges individuals face in finding supports that help them meet their needs and goals.

August 25, 2020

Participate in our Connected Community Contest and help us get back out in the community safely.

JuLY 22, 2020

As many celebrate Disability Pride this month, members of the LADD community share what they’re proud of.

JuLY 22, 2020

A reflection by Jason Harris, longtime friend of LADD, disability rights activist and founder of Jason’s Connection.

June 29, 2020

Using cutting-edge technology to support adults with developmental disabilities and provide a new model of community living.

June 26, 2020

When society shut down in March, Josh Meyer’s busy life was upended overnight. The first few weeks were filled with gloom, but then came an invitation, a new calendar and a virtual community unlike any other. 

June 22, 2020

Even with face masks and social distancing, people supported by LADD and their families are feeling a small sense of relief as they reunite in person.

June 5, 2020

A statement from LADD and the OTR International Film Festival.

May 14, 2020

Because of your support, we’re responding quickly and pivoting successfully during the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 8, 2020

Local volunteers launch effort to make sure no one is forgotten and support local business.

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