Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities highlighted activities for DD Awareness Month during their Thursday evening meeting, including a March 2 trip by local representatives to the Ohio Statehouse for Advocacy Day.
The DD Awareness and Advocacy Day is an organized event at the statehouse for people with disabilities, family members and other supporters. Speakers are invited to talk about different disability issues.
Participants who want to talk with their legislator will have a meeting scheduled for them as well.
“We were able to sit in the chamber to witness several bills presented and voted on by the senate,” organizers said. “The Senate President acknowledged our attendance and applauded our citizens in attendance.”
The theme for the awareness month is “Be The Change,” LCBDD officials related.
“We want to use this campaign to showcase the exciting work that is being done to celebrate and improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
“In return, the public can learn how they can ‘be the change’ by helping people with developmental disabilities achieve their dreams.”
“Angie’s Story” was also spotlighted by the agency during the past week and was featured in the Examiner on Friday.
“Angie is celebrating newfound independence thanks to the assistance of LCBDD. After a difficult period in her life, she has worked hard to reconnect with community supports and make it on her own,” officials said.
“Angie’s Story” and other stories coming throughout the month will be shared throughout the month through the Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Facebook page.
The evening began with a presentation by Superintendent Saul Bauer on the agency’s Strategic Plan.
The philosophy behind the Strategic Plan is “LCBDD believes that every person adds value to our community. When we welcome and include everyone our communities are made whole, we are stronger, we accomplish more, and the entire community benefits.”
The goals set forth in the plan are created to continuously improve and provide the best services possible to the Logan County community. In 2021, eight broad goals were outlined, and more detailed goals were set within each.
Jon Brown from Residential Administrators attended the meeting to highlight the goals relating to housing for 2021, including properties that were purchased and/or renovated. Several homes have been renovated and adapted for individual accessibility, making community life and inclusion possible for these families.
Brown informed the board that all purchases and renovations in 2020-2021 were completed utilizing state funding and without using any local tax dollars.
New goals have also been set for 2022 and beyond. To read more about the Strategic Plan, visit https://www.logancbdd.org.
Members also noted that the annual spring flower sale later this month. Flower baskets, ferns, geraniums and much more are sold to help support projects and the individuals served by the agency. Further details will be released in the upcoming weeks.
Direct any flower sales questions to Becky Robison at (937) 292-3008.
In personnel matters, the LCBDD announced the hiring of two individuals to replace two employees who recently resigned: Bonnie Kelly will begin on March 7 as a fiscal specialist and Paul Newland will begin on March 10 as the maintenance supervisor.
The Board is also currently seeking an early childhood director/principal for the Discovery Center. Inquiries or resumes for open positions can always be directed to Staci Nichols at snichols or by calling (937) 292-3011.
Board meetings are conducted the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Logan County Board of Disabilities/Discover Center. Meetings are always open to the public.
The next meeting is April 7.