Mariemont Councilwoman, LADD CEO Susan Brownknight Accepts Global Award

By Rex Bevis

Susan Brownknight, Mariemont resident, councilwoman, and CEO of the Cinicnnatibased non-profit Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled (LADD), recently traveled to Vienna, Austria, to accept an award for LADD’s work in developing “Smart Living.”

LADD was honored by Zero Project, an international organization whose mission is to pursue the goals of Article 32 of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), for its work in developing Smart Living, a software and assessment system and staffing model wherein people with intellectual disabilities can live safely and affordably within any community.

LADD was one of 71 awardees from around the world convening at the United Nations Office in Vienna, Austria, to present their innovative solutions to eliminating barriers to community-based living for people with disabilities. This global, invitation-only Zero Project Conference was broadcast live from Vienna February 22-24, 2023.

There were eight honorees in total from the United States. LADD was in esteemed company, as other honorees included global leaders such as Google and Tencent Technology. The 71 awardees were from 42 different countries and from all six continents and included: Europe (21 awardees), Asia and Pacific (21), North

America (10), Latin America and Caribbean (7), Africa (10), and Australia and Oceania (1).

Prior to traveling to Vienna, Ms. Brownknight said, “It is an extreme honor to represent LADD and the Cincinnati region at the United Nations and to have our work developing Smart Living recognized on an international stage. However, we must also remember, we have this opportunity because people with disabilities across the world do not have equal access to affordable and meaningful solutions to community-based living. LADD wants to be part of the solution. Cincinnati, and the support it has given LADD, is why we have been able to do this groundbreaking work. We are hopeful Smart Living has the power to bring dignity and equal opportunity to people with developmental disabilities here and across the world.”

Susan was accompanied on her trip to Vienna by her husband, Jason, and daughter, Bryce, a sixth grader. Upon her return, Susan shared some thoughts with me. She thoroughly relished her time spent with global leaders from around the world who fight for inclusion and try to better the world for people with disabilities. Susan also experienced a dinner in the “hallowed halls of the United Nations facility in Vienna; a fabulous experience.” The United States Ambassador to Austria, Victoria Ann Kennedy, joined the eight US Award winners at dinner and acknowledged their achievements. Ms. Kennedy is the widow and second wife of former US Senator Ted Kennedy.

The Mariemont Town Crier congratulates resident Susan Brownknight for recognition by the United Nations for the innovative work being done by Cincinnati-based LADD.

About LADD

Guided by the belief that every person has ability and value, LADD empowers adults with developmental disabilities to live, work, and connect. Founded in 1975, the Cincinnati nonprofit now supports over 700 adults experiencing disabilities through housing, employment, and meaningful community engagement programs. Learn more at laddinc.org.