Cuyahoga DD Board Welcomes Roberts & Topola as New Members
Alright, some fresh news for you. An agency that helps thousands of people in our county just got two new leaders. This week, the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities officially added Dennis Roberts and Derek Topola to its board. Let’s be real, this isn’t just a boring meeting note. It’s a big deal. It could shift how the whole place works. And honestly, it’s happening at a time when people need these services more than ever. So, here’s what’s up.
New Voices for a Vital Public Board
Here’s what happened. On Tuesday, February 12th, the Cuyahoga County Council said ‘yes.’ They gave a thumbs-up to County Executive Chris Ronayne’s picks: Dennis Roberts and Derek Topola. Just like that, they’re now full voting members on the board that runs the Cuyahoga County Board of DD.
Don’t get it twisted—this isn’t some fancy corporate gig. This is a public board. It runs a huge network of help for kids and adults with developmental disabilities. I’m talking about job help, housing, support for little kids, and aid for families. The board calls the shots on the big stuff: policy, money, and where the agency is headed. The members are volunteers. They’re there to bring real-world experience from the community and point the agency in the right direction.
Why These Appointments Matter Right Now
Look, on paper, this is normal stuff. In reality? It can shake things up. The Cuyahoga DD board runs an organization with a budget way over $200 million. It serves more than 10,000 people here in the county. The needs are tough and they’re not getting simpler. Waitlists for help can drag on. Families are stuck trying to figure out a complicated system.
New board members see things differently. They ask questions no one thought to ask. They might even challenge the old way of doing things. For families counting on DD services, this change at the top could mean someone new fighting for them. It could mean money gets spent smarter. The board’s choices directly affect how busy caseworkers are, what programs get cash, and whether we try new ways to help people. When the board changes, the people it serves notice.
Key Facts About the Cuyahoga DD System
- The Cuyahoga County Board of DD helps over 10,000 residents with disabilities.
- It runs on a budget bigger than $200 million every year. That money comes from county taxes and state funds.
- They help with everything from early help for babies to job training and housing for adults.
- Usually, nine volunteer members run the board. The County Executive picks them, and the County Council has to agree.
- The main idea is to help people live, learn, work, and be part of the community on their own terms.
What to Expect Next From the New Board
Roberts and Topola will have to learn fast. They’ll be jumping into budget talks, planning meetings, and reports from the community. Keep an eye on a few areas. Finding and keeping good staff is a massive problem. There’s also a big push for more real jobs in the community, not just old-school workshops. And how can tech help people be more independent? That’s another big question.
The real test? Turning their experience into real action. We won’t measure their success by press releases. We’ll measure it by what actually improves for families. Want to see how these boards work across Ohio? There’s more info over here: Related Source.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Cuyahoga DD Board actually do? They make the rules. They okay the budget every year. They hire the top boss (the Superintendent). And they watch over all the money for the county’s DD services. Basically, they’re in charge.
How are board members chosen? The Cuyahoga County Executive picks them. Then, the Cuyahoga County Council has to vote and confirm the choice.
Will services change because of new board members? Not overnight. Day-to-day help is handled by the agency’s employees. But in the long run, the board’s choices about what’s important and where the money goes absolutely shape what programs grow, get better, or even start.
So, confirming Roberts and Topola? It’s more than a line in a meeting summary. It’s a shot of new thinking into a system that carries a ton of weight. Their job starts now. For thousands of people in Cuyahoga County, the hope is simple: better support, clearer roads ahead, and someone truly in their corner.