Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

Becoming a Leader in Assistive Technology - ODDC Community Ambassador Jocelyn Gilardi

After years of using assistive technology (AT) in her own life, Jocelyn stepped into a leadership role to show other community members how technology can expand independence and opportunity for people with disabilities.

Read more about AT in Jocelyn's Community Ambassador project here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/QVVOdXA/JocelynGilardi

ODDC Community Ambassador Jocelyn Gilardi recently interviewed Jeanette Carpenter, the Advocacy and Housing Manager at Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities. They talked about how technology can support safer and more independent living. Jeanette shared how internet and smart home technologies can help people with disabilities have more control at home.

Watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNXY82sntE4

Read more about Jocelyn's Community Ambassador project here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/QVVOdXA/JocelynGilardi

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is seeking applications through a Notice of Funds Available (NOFA) to address gaps in services for individuals with developmental disabilities and families from marginalized communities.

The grants offered will fall under the following areas that are important to people with developmental disabilities:
- public policy
- children’s issues
- outreach
- employment
- leadership development
- community living

Read about each project and how to apply on our website: https://ddc.ohio.gov/projects-and-grants/notice-of-funds-available/notice-of-funds-available.

Applications are being accepted from May 1, 2026 through July 10, 2026.

Technology and Me: How We Work Together to Improve My Life!
By: ODDC Community Ambassador Jocelyn Gilardi, annotated by Kaitlynn Banbury

Jocelyn shares her story of how technology has made her life easier from a young age. From hearing aids to cochlear implants to home-based assistive technology (AT), she shared how these tools have opened doors and "made independent life more accessible for [her]."

Read more about Jocelyn and how she uses AT here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/QVVOdXA/JocelynGilardi

The latest article in our Member-Driven, Mission-Focused series is now available!

This month, learn how ODDC Council members lead the decision-making process for our organization.

While ODDC staff manages daily operations, Council members guide our priorities, funding, and advocacy efforts. This is required by law under the federal Developmental Disabilities (DD) Act.

Council members focus on the following governance responsibilities:
- Developing and approving the Five-Year State Plan.
- Deciding how annual funds are allocated to programs and projects.
- Approving grant awards and setting public policy positions.
- Voting on organizational changes and committee structures.

This structure makes sure that the voices and experiences of people with DD and their families directly guide the Council’s resources and direction.

Read the full article in our newsletter:
https://ddc.ohio.gov/media-and-news/dd-council-connection

ODDC Community Ambassador Jocelyn Gilardi recently interviewed Shelby Starr at The Hive Adult Day Service and showed examples of shared assistive technologies (AT) that increase independence.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/9spsvPZslcc

Read more about Jocelyn's Community Ambassador project here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/QVVOdXA/JocelynGilardi

Community Ambassador Jocelyn Gilardi Interviews Shelby Starr about The Hive Program ODDC Community Ambassador Jocelyn Gilardi interviewed Shelby Starr,...

Meet ODDC Community Ambassador Jocelyn Gilardi!

Our newest Community Ambassador, Jocelyn Gilardi from Knox County, focused on assistive technology (AT) for her project. AT is any tool that makes life more accessible and supports independence for people with disabilities.

Jocelyn is a life-long AT user, advocate, and leader. Her project combines personal stories, interviews, and community outreach to explore how technology can help people with DD build independence and participate fully in their communities.

Check out Jocelyn's project here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/QVVOdXA/JocelynGilardi

ODDC is highlighting Council member Annette Wood in our latest spotlight.

Appointed in 2021, Wood represents private agencies serving people with developmental disabilities (DD). She is the CEO and co-owner of X-Excel, a provider of adult day services. She is also a parent to a daughter with a DD and has 18 years of experience in the DD field.

On the Council, Wood advocates for direct support professionals (DSPs), ensuring that the day-to-day realities of disability services remain central to policy discussions and systemic improvements.

ODDC represents the entire state of Ohio. We encourage individuals with lived experience from all communities, including those outside major cities, to apply for Council membership.

Read more in the newsletter:
https://ddc.ohio.gov/media-and-news/dd-council-connection