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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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! […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

“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 […]

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 […]

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’) […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Katie Kapusta, April 2021

Rachel Cericola, August 2021

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 […]

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

WVXU recently covered vaccination efforts for people supported by LADD.

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.

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.

“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.”

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

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.

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

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

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

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

  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 […]

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

“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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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

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.

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.

A statement from LADD and the OTR International Film Festival.

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

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