LADD Inc.

LADD’s Reaching New Heights Spirit of Independence Award recognizes a person receiving services from LADD who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in realizing their independence. For 2024, LADD recognized Tim Valerius for pushing yourself to do things you are not comfortable with and doing new things even if you struggle at first. Congratulations, Tim!

The Taking Flight So Others May Fly Award recognizes a person receiving services from LADD who has demonstrated outstanding service and commitment to a cause or organization other than LADD that benefits our community. For 2024, LADD recognized Marc Fried for his volunteer efforts at VITAS Healthcare, a healthcare organization that provides hospice and palliative care; his passion for making movies more accessible to all through his "CinemarcusLive!" podcast; and his constant effort to support and empower others.

When presenting this year's Taking Flight Employer Excellence Award, LADD's Forever Home resident and YMCA of Greater Cincinnati staff member Jenny stated, "When you give someone a chance to earn their money, it is really important. I work really hard, and it means a lot when businesses hire people with disabilities. This is why I nominated our winner tonight." LADD's Employer Excellence Award goes to a business or organization with an outstanding commitment to an inclusive workplace. Congratulations, Sheila Hinton and the entire YMCA of Greater Cincinnati staff!

During our 2024 Taking Flight Excellence in Housing Award, Ohio Senator Louis W. Blessing III told co-presenter and LADD empowerment committee member Kristen Saul, "I am very glad to join you to present this award for excellence in housing." The Excellence in Housing Award is given to an individual or landlord who has been an exceptional advocate for housing resources to the people LADD serves. Congratulations to Tennille Raines, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services Housing Director, on being named this year's award recipient. Thank you for your hard work serving those with disabilities in Hamilton County!

Today, we are honored to spotlight Stephanie Withers, a LADD direct support professional, for her exceptional services through our HLADD program. LADD recently named Stephanie its 2024 Taking Flight HLADD Provider of the Year for the support she gives Neill through HLADD. Thank you, Stephanie, for the support and service you and your family provide Neill! To learn more about HLADD, which offers options for adults with developmental disabilities who prefer to live in a more family-centric environment with a non-related caregiver or family member, visit https://bit.ly/4ep76aN

The OTR International Film Festival is the nation’s only diversity film festival led by the disability community. Our staff, volunteers and supporters are passionate, committed people who have built not only our region’s largest film festival but also a festival that MovieMakers Magazine named one of the top film festivals in the world in 2023. We believe in the power film has to change the world. With Sundance’s announcement that Cincinnati is now in the Top 3 for possible host cities, the OTR International Film Festival leadership wanted to take a moment and endorse Sundance coming to our beloved city and have proudly partnered with Film Cincinnati to support the bid. While we recognize that a festival of this size will dominate the headlines, we also know and believe our mission to bring untold stories to the forefront is only elevated through the massive platform of Sundance and the Sundance Institute. Most importantly, we believe that Sundance cares deeply about inclusion in film. Together, Sundance and the OTR International Film Festival were the only two festivals in the nation to screen Coda—a film that went on to win the Academy Award for Best Film and featured a cast that is deaf. The OTR International Film Festival’s mission is bigger than all of us. Our efforts to build a more inclusive and just world will never end. So, join us in letting Sundance know Cincinnati is “all in” on bringing this amazing festival to town! Please share and like this post! #sundancefilmfestival #sundancefilmfestival #otriff

LADD is celebrating Direct Support Professionals Appreciation Week (Sept. 8-14), an annual national celebration honoring the dedication and vital support frontline staff provide individuals with disabilities. LADD frontline staff are job coaches, mentors, difference makers, advocates, independence builders, community integrators, and more. To all of our of our frontline staff, thank you. #dspappreciationweek #FrontlineWorkers #appreciationpost

June marks a significant milestone in our journey toward equality and inclusion. Twenty-five years ago, on June 22, 1999, the United States Supreme Court made a landmark decision in Olmstead v. L.C., affirming the rights of individuals with disabilities to live and thrive in their communities. The Olmstead decision built upon the foundation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination based on disability. The ruling stated that unjustified segregation of persons with disabilities is a form of discrimination, ensuring that individuals have the right to receive support and services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. At LADD, we are proud to uphold this legacy, empowering people with developmental disabilities to lead independent and fulfilling lives. Join us in celebrating this momentous occasion and the ongoing fight for justice and inclusion! 💪✨ #Olmstead25 #Inclusion #DisabilityRights #ADA #LADDinc #CommunityLiving

Thank you Leadership Ohio for taking the time out to visit LADD Inc.’s Smart Living Heidt Home! And for furthering the leadership and connections that foster innovation and opportunity in Ohio!  

I have been trying to make change for most of my life that maybe makes things incrementally better for others. Never have I ever seen anything like this though...our folks at LADD Inc. went to City Hall to share their experiences as people with disabilities living and working in the City of Cincinnati and advocate for people with disabilities in our community. I kid you not, two weeks later this happens...and all I can say is I have never seen government move this fast! LADD Inc.'s Empowerment Committee has set a new standard for getting things done! Also, thanks to Government Strategies Group for setting up our meetings and to Victoria Parks and Aftab Pureval for your leadership!