Outreach and Community Education

The Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (DDBP) is a leader in improving services and support through education, collaboration, and advocacy efforts in areas such as access to appropriate healthcare, transportation, emergency planning, community accessibility, and recreation.

Our employees are active on boards and committees of disability organizations, as well as local and statewide groups that target the planning and advocacy needs of the broader community.

Services and Educational Support

Within DDBP, and in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCCEDD), we provide training and community education to parents, caregivers, and community members on relevant topics impacting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. This includes:

• Monthly caregiver education classes on topics such as:
• Understanding and addressing challenging behavior
• Managing childhood anxiety
• Toilet training children with developmental disabilities
• Sensory processing and strategies for home
• Nutrition
• Visual supports
• Sensory-friendly events in Greater Cincinnati
• Family navigation and individualized support for DDBP families
• Family support professionals that help families identify and access hospital and community resources and supports, including educational support
• Advocacy programs that work with and support other community agencies

Click here for a list of upcoming caregiver education classes.

Video Series: Support and Strategies for Caregivers

The following videos include information and strategies that may be helpful to caregivers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• What is Autism?
  Introductory information about autism spectrum disorder.
• Mindfulness for Kids with Developmental Disabilities
  Information on mindfulness and coping techniques appropriate for children and individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Using Social Narratives and Video Modeling
  Information on how to use video modeling and social stories to support children with developmental disabilities.
• Teaching Independent Activities in the Home
  Information on how to promote independent play for children with developmental disabilities.
• Sensory Activities for Home
  Information on how to incorporate a variety of sensory activities into your child's day.
• Using Timers and Teaching Kids How to Wait
  Information on teaching patience and waiting, as well as the use of visual timers to assist with transitions.
• Using Visual Supports
  Information on how to use visual tools to increase your child’s comprehension and on-task behavior.
• Homebound: Strategies to Improve Compliance and Cooperation with Your Children
  Information for caregivers on fostering cooperation and compliance at home.
• Behavior Management Basics
  Information on how difficult behavior develops and the basics to changing behavior.
• Sleep Hygiene Tips for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities
  Information on establishing and supporting healthy sleep habits for children with developmental disabilities.

Video Series: COVID-19 Health and Safety Information

The following videos were created at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and include relevant health and safety information for caregivers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Collaborating with Your Child’s School Team through COVID-19
  Information on collaborating and communicating with your child’s educators during homebound instruction.
• Social Distancing Tips for Caregivers
  Information on how to teach children about social distancing.
• Wearing a Mask – A Video for Kids
  Information for kids on how to practice wearing a mask.
• Wearing Masks: Teaching Individuals with DD to Tolerate a Temporary New Normal
  Information on why masks are important to slow the spread of coronavirus, and how to teach those with developmental disabilities how to tolerate wearing them.
• Calming Strategies in the COVID-19 Storm
  Information on the importance of healthy coping for caregivers during COVID-19 and in the future. 

Contact Us

For more information about our community outreach services, contact our outreach coordinator Monday-Friday from 7-3:30 at 513-636-2158 or email DDBPFamilySupport@cchmc.org.

Social Media and Events

• Follow the Kelly O’Leary Center Facebook page
• Follow the UCCEDD Facebook page
• Visit our Training and Events Calendar