Building a Stronger Mentorship Network for Ohioans with Disabilities

The DODD Mentorship Program is a collaboration between our UCCEDD, the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), and various independent living centers. Through this grant, we conducted peer mentorship training for family members/caregivers as well as teens and adults with disabilities over a 10-month period. From April to December 2024, UCCEDD hosted two training sessions per month, successfully training 31 family members and caregivers. Our partner independent living centers provided eight training sessions and trained 44 self-advocates successfully.

In addition to training, the grant supported peer mentorship consultations and small group mentoring sessions, further strengthening the mentorship network. Ultimately, this initiative helped expand the pool of mentors available to family members and individuals with disabilities across Ohio.