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.)

Katie with her father. Katie receives Summit DD Early Intervention services.

Summit DD 2023 Action Plan and 2022 Annual Report

For over 50 years, the Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board has proudly served as the primary entity responsible for supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities to live full and equitable lives in our community.  Our 2022-2024 Long Range Plan continues this legacy, as we strengthen our vision of Summit County being a community where all people are included.

We invite you on our journey throughout this publication that explains how local levy dollars are used, the outcomes we have achieved in the first year of our plan, and our goals and initiatives for 2023 as we continue to serve more people.

Ryan participating the Employment Engagement Program.

Employment Engagement: Creating a foundation on the path to employment

A person’s path to employment can be complex, especially for those with disabilities. Summit DD understands that while some people are ready to jump right into the workforce, others may want to learn more about concepts and expectations before taking the next step. To meet people where they are, Summit DD’s Community Supports and Development team partnered with the local day program provider, Teammates to offer a program called  Employment Engagement. These on-site employment learning sessions help participants gain knowledge in a familiar environment, so they can then make informed decisions about their own path to employment. Read More ›

Image of the 2022 Action Plan cover

Summit DD 2022 Action Plan

Discover Summit DD’s goals for 2022. View or download the Summit DD 2022 Action Plan. Read More ›

  • Sign Up for our eNewsletter informDD

    Get all the latest news and information delivered right to your inbox! Just down to the blue banner at the bottom of the page and enter your email address. It’s that easy!

© Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board