Summit DD staff member teaching session on inclusion

Emerging Leaders Program

Are you a self-advocate looking to take on leadership roles within your community? Summit DD's Emerging Leaders Program can help prepare you for visible and influential roles in the community and local organizations.

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is an ongoing training and leadership development course designed specifically for self-advocates seeking to increase their capacity to impact their local communities.

We are now accepting applications to participate in our Emerging Leaders Program. Applications must be submitted by AUGUST 22, 2025 to be considered for this session. Please note, class size is limited to 6 participants.

The Program is comprised of six classes revolving around key leadership competencies:

  1. Relationship Building: emotional intelligence, building trust, conflict resolution.
  2. Feedback: personal profile (SMART Goal), coaching, peer-to-peer feedback, effective communication
  3. Agility: cultivating decision-making skills, evaluating individual performance and goal achievement.
  4. Adaptability: dealing with change, time management, flexibility.
  5. Innovation & Creativity: enhancing critical thinking, brainstorming, teamwork, collaboration.
  6. Leadership Launch: (final class) refinement of personal SMART Goals, certificates, board member roles & responsibilities review, transition plans accepted.

*Transition Plans with SMART Goals are developed during the ELP Program as part of the participant's Leadership Path and are expected to be adopted into everyone’s ISP.

(Having trouble with the online form above?  Download the ELP application (print version) Please return your completed application via email to emergingleaders@summitdd.org for consideration.)

yellow chalk question mark on the blackboard

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Fall Activity Guide 2022

Fall Activity Guide (2023)

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Image of Summit DD's Cuyahoga Fall building with signage

News from the Community: Former Tallmadge Campus Update

On May 13, 2022, Summit DD officially moved into its new administrative building in Cuyahoga Falls. This completed a two-year plan that moved the organization’s operations from Tallmadge to its existing buildings in Barberton and Cuyahoga Falls. The move came after careful planning and assessments that helped make Summit DD’s offices more accessible to all residents within Summit County.

There has been a lot of activity at this former property over the past year. We’re happy to report that this campus that has helped so many of our fellow community members and families throughout the past 50 years, continues to support our Summit County communities, just new ways. Here’s the latest about how the former campus continues to evolve. Read More ›

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