Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities representatives reported at their recent board meeting that the agency is seeking another entity that would be interested in adding an inclusive playground in their community.
The LCBDD has assisted in projects adding two inclusive playgrounds in our community, including the “Come Play at the Peak” playground at Mary Rutan Park in Bellefontaine and most recently, the grand opening of the “Come Play at the Lake” playground on Fox Island, which was dedicated in June.
Both have increased the availability of playgrounds accessible to children of all abilities, including children with developmental disabilities.
“LCBDD will continue to partner with community leaders to make our parks accessible to children of all abilities. I recognize and appreciate the hard work of the teams who organized the development of these playgrounds,” Superintendent Saul Bauer said.
“As an expression of the support of the LCBDD, the Board passed as a resolution to help fund these projects and future projects.”
If you are interested in developing a playground in your community that is accessible to children of all abilities, contact Superintendent Bauer at 937-592-0015.
The meeting also included a presentation from Community First Coordinator Kelli Bader and Ty Ferguson. They shared information about the many activities, groups and events they are involved with in the community, including the Provider Support Program. This group is dedicated to ensuring all Logan County providers and family members have access to resources and support they need to thrive and continue to provide quality care to the people served.
Bader and Ferguson talked about the many state boards and county collaborations on which they serve, where they both hear from speakers and host different types of classes, including cooking classes, recycling projects, Adopt-a-Highway, Little Free Libraries, Aktion Club, Gal Pal group, and of course, Special Olympics.
Recently, the group started the “Just Need a Ride” program. This program is designed to allow volunteers to assist those individuals who are more independent, go to the grocery store and perhaps run other errands, but they simply need transportation.
If you are interested in further information about any of these programs or volunteering, contact Bader at (937) 292-3086.
In personnel matters, the LCBDD also welcomed several new staff over the summer and plans to welcome more throughout August.
Mandy Barry and Alexandra Woodruff joined the Early Intervention team in June/July. Kellie Lemly will begin her service with this team Aug. 22.
Additionally, the Discovery Center will be welcoming new therapy coordinator Hannah Boy Aug. 10 and two new Instructor Assistants, Brandy Newland and Isabelle Young Aug. 15. These staff will replace Ashley Evans, Tamara Frazier and Heather Evans, who have taken new positions.
Also, Vickie Smith retired at the end of June and Brenda Bartlett will retire at the end of August.
In other news, the Discovery’s Center’s Emergency Management Plan was reviewed and found compliant by the Ohio School Safety Center. The board also arranged for the Bellefontaine Police Department to complete a walkthrough of all buildings to assess safety and no significant concerns were found.
“LCBDD is always concerned with staff and student safety, therefore, routine reviews and inspections occur. LCBDD is planning to install some additional anchorman locks on office and classroom doors and add some window tinting to doors to improve safety measures,” officials said.
The Discovery Center was also awarded the IDEA Early Childhood Special Education grant in the amount of $37,756 that may be used on allowable expenses within the preschool program.
Superintendent Bauer also recognized employees Bader and Rose Canter, who demonstrated excellent leadership and teamwork in their ability to arrange transportation for several people when one of the vans broke down in Columbus during a Special Olympics outing. They also arranged for the vehicle to be towed and repaired.
Additionally, the Auditor of State completed an audit with West Central Ohio Network (WestCON), which includes Logan County Board of DD. This audit included disbursements recorded in the County Board Cost Report System of the West Central Ohio Network (COG) of the year ended Dec. 31, 2020. All aspects of the audit were found in compliance.
Lastly, LCBDD members were provided with the date for the annual chicken barbecue fundaiser, which is slated for Oct. 6. Further details will soon be released.
Board meetings are conducted the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Discovery Center. Meetings are always open to the public. The next meeting is Sept. 1. The October meeting has been moved to Oct. 13 because of the chicken barbecue.