Election Day will be here before we know it! The fall general election in Summit County, Ohio will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. To help you prepare, Summit DD and The League of Women Voters of the Akron Area have teamed up to share the following resources for voters with disabilities. Read More ›
Nominate a difference-maker for a Summit DD appreciation award
Nominations now open for 2025 Summit DD Appreciation Awards.
We all know of those people who help make this world a better place for others. They are the ones who find ways to raise the bar, serve others with a smile, and leave a lasting impression wherever they go. Now is your opportunity to recognize them. Nominate a deserving self-advocate, DSP, or community ally for one of Summit DD’s Appreciation Awards. Read More ›
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:
- Relationship Building: emotional intelligence, building trust, conflict resolution.
- Feedback: personal profile (SMART Goal), coaching, peer-to-peer feedback, effective communication
- Agility: cultivating decision-making skills, evaluating individual performance and goal achievement.
- Adaptability: dealing with change, time management, flexibility.
- Innovation & Creativity: enhancing critical thinking, brainstorming, teamwork, collaboration.
- 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.)
ReelAbilities Film Festival Back for 2020 – Virtually
Summit DD, the Akron-Summit County Public Library, and the Children’s Museum of Akron , in partnership with ReelAbilities Cleveland are proud to announce the return of the ReelAbilities Film Festival – Cleveland (RAFF-CLE) – This year in a new virtual format. Read More ›