Author Archives: Tricia Perduk

Young mom playfully lifting small baby up in the air

Communication Development – How to Help

Information contributed by Tiffany Braman LSW, EIS. and Elizabeth Comrie MS, OTR/L. 

Communication comes in many forms. Babies and toddlers use use a variety of senses when learning to communicate with the world and people around them. In this Family Focus edition, we’ll explore ways that parents and caregivers can help support babies’ development. We’ll break down how each of these stages of communication development helps support a child’s ability to interact with the world around them. Early Communication development includes imitation, serve-return communication, babbling, sign language and augmentative and alternative Communication.  Read More ›

Female music therapist sitting on the floor singing and playing the ukulele during a session with children

2026 Family Engagement Program Information

Summit DD is bringing back its Family Engagement Program (FEP) with some updates for 2026. Continue reading for important details about the updates. Read More ›

Blue Envelope Packet items laying on blue background: Blue envelope, brochure, decal and wallet card

Ohio’s Blue Envelope Program

Recently, Ohio launched the Blue Envelope Program. This communication tool assists drivers with developmental disabilities during interactions with law enforcement or emergency personnel. The program is free, voluntary, simple to use and can be accessed through your County Developmental Disabilities Board. Find out how you can participate.

Read More ›

White Summit DD icon on light blue background

Press Release: Summit DD Announces Plan to Strengthen Financial Sustainability and Protect Core Services

News Release

Contact: Billie Jo David, Director of Communications
Summit Developmental Disabilities Board
330.634.8073 or bdavid@summitdd.org

(Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio) – Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD) announced today that it approved a resolution to eliminate 29 positions effective March 1, 2026. This action is part of Summit DD’s broader effort to address rising costs and ensure the agency can continue to deliver essential services to people with developmental disabilities in Summit County.

“Rising service costs, particularly for Medicaid-funded programs, have put many County Boards of Developmental Disabilities under pressure, Summit DD is no exception,” said Superintendent Lisa Kamlowsky. “The Board’s action reflects a difficult but necessary step to protect what matters most: the essential services that support people to live, work, and thrive in their communities.”

Following the Board’s approval, Summit DD is taking several steps to strengthen its financial position, including: Read More ›

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