The History of Sandusky County Board of Developmental Disabilities

The story of SCBDD is the story of a community that decided, more than 60 years ago, that every person — regardless of disability — deserves support, education, and the chance to thrive. What started as a small county-level initiative has grown into a comprehensive system of services that touches hundreds of lives throughout Sandusky County every year.

Our History Timeline

1954

1964

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

2025–2028

1954

The legal framework is signed into law

Ohio Senate Bill 155 creates the legal framework for county boards of mental retardation (now developmental disabilities) throughout the state.

1964

Established

The Sandusky County Board of Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities is established, with an early focus on educational services for children with developmental disabilities who were otherwise excluded from public schools.

1970s

Expanding Beyond the Classroom

Services expand to include sheltered workshop employment and adult day services as the national movement toward community inclusion grows.

1980s

Starting at the Very Beginning

Early Intervention services are added, extending the board’s reach to infants and toddlers with developmental delays, reflecting growing national research on the importance of early support.

1990s

A New Vision for Independence

Ohio’s system shifts toward community-based services and self-determination for adults with developmental disabilities. SCBDD expands its Service and Support Administration to help families navigate a wider range of providers and options.

2000s

A School of Their Own

School of Hope is established as SCBDD’s contracted educational program for students with developmental disabilities, providing individualized instruction and related therapies.

2010s

Safety, Innovation, and New Frontiers

Optional Safety Services programs are introduced, including Project Lifesaver and the Blue Envelope program, reflecting the board’s commitment to the safety of the individuals it serves. Play Project autism intervention program added.

2025–2028

Planning for the Future Together

SCBDD launches its current Strategic Plan, emphasizing person-centered services, community inclusion, and quality outcomes for individuals and families across Sandusky County.

Black and white photograph of group of trustees from Sandusky County, Ohio, with nine men standing in back row and four women seated in front row, circa 1960s
Black and white portrait photographs of school staff from Sandusky County, Ohio: Welfare Director Mr. Carlton Peck, School Administrator Mariam Karlovetz, and teachers Audrey Kille, Lucile Voss, Sharon Foos, Katherine Barkhau, and Penny Friedley
Woman conducting early intervention session with children wearing headphones in Sandusky County, Ohio developmental services classroom
Black and white photograph of a group of people seated outdoors at a recreational facility with playground equipment and trees in the background, Sandusky County Ohio
Two men in white shirts and dark pants standing together, one holding a briefcase, black and white circular photograph
Black and white photograph of several people seated at a table during a meeting or meal, with large windows showing trees in the background, likely from a developmental services facility in Sandusky County Ohio
Two people at a table with beverages, black and white vintage photograph from Sandusky County Ohio
Vintage mobile school bus labeled "School of Hope" with a young girl standing at the entrance door, representing early educational services in Ohio

Today, SCBDD continues the work that generations of dedicated staff, families, and community members built before us. Our commitment to every person we serve — from their earliest years through their entire life — remains as strong as ever.