warrenbdd3

Ohio Advocates Gather at Statehouse to Mark Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and Highlight “The Power of Support”

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:00:08 GMT

Date: April 20, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Claire Bishop, Community Relations Coordinator, (513) 335-1026

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Columbus, OH) - The Columbus Statehouse welcomed counties from across Ohio for a day of celebration and advocacy in recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Individuals, families, and providers gathered to meet with their state representatives and senators to celebrate achievements and discuss key issues impacting the developmental disabilities community.

This years’ theme, the “Power of Support,” was woven throughout the day’s festivities. Speakers and advocates emphasized how support powers independence and paves the way for success and opportunity.

The program began in the Statehouse atrium with remarks from Governor Mike DeWine and Director of Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Lyndsay Nash. Attendees also heard from State Representatives Dontavius Jarrells and Crystal Lett, along with Senator Mark Romanchuk. Each legislator shared their personal “why” - their commitment to championing the developmental disabilities community.

Luke Dennis, President and General Manager of WYSO Public Radio, welcomed a panel of three speakers to the stage. Each panelist brought a unique background and personal story of resilience, yet all highlighted the impact of community support. Panelist Hope Hindel encouraged the audience saying, “I am here to let you all know that you can pursue your dreams and your goals, no matter what your limitations are.”

The day’s keynote address was delivered by renowned sports broadcaster Jason Benetti, widely recognized as one of the leading voices in baseball. Many may not know that Benetti was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a young child. He shared stories of the people who helped him discover his passion and build his career. He recalled announcing a high school band performance when an adult told him, “Hey, you’re pretty good at this!” This moment helped set the course for his future. Benetti has since become one of the most respected broadcasters in the industry and was recently named the voice of Sunday Night Baseball on NBC.

After the program concluded, members of the Warren County Voices Speaking Out advocacy group met with Senator Steve Wilson and staff from the office of Representative Adam Matthews. They discussed concerns including transportation challenges and potential Medicaid cuts. The conversation was productive and helped ease anxieties surrounding these issues by identifying possible solutions.

This event served as a powerful reminder that when communities come together, meaningful change is possible. With continued collaboration between advocates and lawmakers, Ohio can ensure that every individual with developmental disabilities has the support, respect, and opportunities they deserve.

For more information, contact Claire Bishop at claire.bishop@warrencountydd.org or (513) 335-1026.

10 people recognized at 2026 Open House Awards Ceremony

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:30:12 GMT

Date: April 13, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.WarrenCountyDD.Org

(Warren County, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted its second annual Open House Award Ceremony on March 10, 2026, to celebrate the achievements of local people with disabilities who receive services from the agency.

The ceremony, which took place during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, served as a meaningful occasion to honor the dedication, resilience, and accomplishments of Warren County residents. Award recipients were nominated for awards that highlighted personal growth and community building.

Each award was presented by Cincinnati Reds Mascot Mr. Redlegs.

The Jamie Miles Make It So Award honors a candidate who has used their self-determination and drive to achieve the things they deem most important. This award was named in honor of Jamie Miles , a Warren County resident, individual served by the agency, and a Star Trek fan. Jamie passed away in 2022, leaving a legacy of compassion, confidence, and resilience.

Jamie’s mother, Glenda Miles, presented the award and explained the significance of the phrase “Make It So” to her son and herself. Jamie was deeply inspired by the Star Trek motto, “Make It So,” and lived by the saying by following his dreams, embracing support, taking risks and proudly being himself. This is where the award gets its name.

The award was presented to Isabella “Izzy” Thomas for her incredible strength in overcoming barriers. When she first began with Help Me Grow at the age of two, she used only a handful of words. By two and a half, she received a diagnosis of autism and an expressive/receptive language disorder.

Today, Izzy is thriving in preschool at The Learning Lab, where she takes on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. She now uses more than 120 words and phrases.

“In just one year, Izzy’s growth has amazed everyone who knows her. She continues to show us what can happen when hard work meets a brave heart,” Glenda said. “She proves over and over that she can rise to meet any challenge placed before her.”

The Goal Crusher Award honors a candidate receiving Early Intervention services who has demonstrated immense progress in achieving a goal towards development. Elliott “Ellie” Eslick was presented this award by Community Relations Coordinator Claire Bishop for her joyful perseverance.

Ellie, who is affectionately known as Popcorn, has been enrolled in Early Intervention services since she was 9 months old due to motor and feeding concerns. Today, she is two and a half years old and has met every goal set by her care team.

Despite her circumstances, she is a bubbly toddler who navigates life with confidence. She likes to hide behind corners to scare anyone who passes by, play with her older siblings, and stay active with peers her own age.

“We are incredibly proud of Ellie and the progress she has made over the past two years,” Bishop said. “Her achievements are a testament not only to her hard work, but also to the unwavering support of her parents, who I hope will share in this moment of celebration with their daughter.”

The Technology Empowerment Award honors someone who has successfully enhanced their independence through use of assistive technology and remote supports. Michael Yeamans was selected for this award for supporting his peers and family with technology and using assistive technology to live independently.

Susan Meyer, the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator, presented the award to Yeamans. She said Michael helped provide valuable feedback when the agency was designing its SMART Technology Studio .

“Michael enthusiastically offered thoughtful insights and asked meaningful questions that directly contributed to improving the studio,” Meyer said. “His informative approach and genuine desire to help others is what led Michael to becoming the newest member of the Ohio Tech Ambassadors.”

The Ohio Tech Ambassadors are Ohioans who have developmental disabilities and discuss how they use assistive technology at home, at school, at work, and in the community. Tech Ambassadors share their personal experiences through peer-to-peer mentoring sessions across the state.

He is the newest president of the Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group, where he often assists his fellow advocates with technology. He encourages everyone to be educated on all aspects of technology, especially when it comes to protecting your private information.

Michael said he was told by doctors that he would never excel in school due to his autism diagnosis. This year, he will be graduating with a degree in Cybersecurity from Sinclair Community College. He aims to establish his own Cybersecurity company that hires people who have developmental disabilities.

“Instead of accepting the limitations others tried to place on him, he relied on his self-determination to pursue his passions and follow his dreams,” Meyer said.

The Team Player Award honors a candidate who contributes positively to a group by demonstrating strengths in teamwork, collaboration, and support. BJ Frame, supervisor at Production Services Unlimited (PSU), presented the award to Eric Whitler.

Frame said Whitler has demonstrated “tremendous personal growth” with managing frustration.

“Eric has become a true team player. Someone others can rely on. He works hard, cooperates with those around him, and gives his best effort in everything he does,” Frame said. “That consistency, that willingness to support others, and that dedication to doing the job right are what set him apart.”

Community Employment Supervisor Christina Horton presented the Employment First Award to Angie Inzerello, who has worked at Culver’s in Mason for over 7 years.

Outside of work, Inzerello also strives to be an active member of her community. She attends Careers with Peers meetings, a professional networking group offered by the agency. At the meetings, she is described as a respectful, positive person and a good role model to others.

“Angie embodies the spirit of Employment First,” Horton said. “She shows that meaningful employment is not just about having a job. It’s about being part of something, contributing your gifts, and building connections that enrich your life and the lives of others.”

The Community Builder Award honors someone who actively volunteers and engages with their community to promote visibility of people with developmental disabilities. Mara Wilcox was nominated and chosen for the award because of her work throughout the community, including Matthew 25 Ministries and New Life Thrift.

Service Coordinator Katie Wilkinson presented the award to Wilcox, her childhood neighbor. Wilkinson recalled spending important childhood milestones together, including birthday parties, Homecoming, and prom. Wilkinson praised Mara as an incredible and thoughtful friend to everyone.

“Being around Mara means laughter is never far away. She brings joy so naturally that it spills over onto everyone around her. People want to be near her. They feel stronger, happier, and more connected because of her presence,” Wilkinson said. “Mara builds community everywhere she goes. Not through grand gestures, but through consistency, service, encouragement, and heart.”

The Breaking Barriers Award honors a candidate who has demonstrated exceptional resilience and empowerment in their lives after facing significant challenges and adversity.

Harrison Chapman was presented this award for overcoming adversity. In his early childhood, he faced significant challenges: delayed speech, gross motor delays, intense hyperactivity, difficulties with focus, and a need for robust behavioral supports. By preschool, he was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. His family was told that he would likely struggle with social skills, independent living, and school.

Today, as a second grader, Harrison is reading close to grade level and is already ahead of his peers in math and science. He was recently selected to be a member of Mason Robotics for their competition team. He is building meaningful friendships and thriving with the support of teachers, peers, and loved ones who believe in him.

The Ambassador of Kindness Award honors a candidate with a positive and joyful demeanor who demonstrates compassion and kindness towards others. PSU Supervisor Tabbiey Schul presented the award to Jacob Reynolds.

From including others in activities, lending a helping hand without being asked, and bringing people together in thoughtful ways, Jacob embodies kindness in both big gestures and everyday moments.

“Jacob reminds us that kindness isn’t about grand gestures,” Schul said. “It’s about the everyday choices to make others feel seen, supported, and valued, and he does that every single day.”

The Independent Living Award was presented to Annee Martin by Advocacy Coordinator Ellen Hudson for overcoming obstacles to live independently.

Annee has lived independently in her own home for many years. She makes decisions about her home, the services she receives, and the direction of her life. She is also a member of the Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group.

“Annee reminds us that independence is about more than living on your own,” Hudson said. “It’s about having a voice, making choices, and having the confidence to lead your own life.”

The Academic Achievement Award honors a candidate who has demonstrated notable academic achievement progress in an educational setting, completion of courses, or participation in special programs. Transition Coordinator Lori Yearout presented the Academic Achievement Award to Westley Long for overcoming adversity in education to excel in school.

As a child, Long was diagnosed with autism and struggled in school. He tried different schools and Applied Behavior Services, but things finally turned around for him when he enrolled in Mason City Schools.

Today, he is nearing graduation from Franklin High School with an honors diploma. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and even has some college credits from taking College Credit Plus classes.

In his mother’s words, “It is hard to sum up how far he has come, how hard he has worked, and how incredibly proud I am to be his mom. On top of getting great grades, he is also one of the kindest people you will ever meet and was recently chosen as Wildcat of the Month.”

The Open House Award Ceremony will return in March 2027.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

2026 Open House spotlights local athletes

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:15:08 GMT

Date: April 13, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.WarrenCountyDD.Org

(Lebanon, OH) – A toddler known on social media for his hockey skills, a swimmer competing in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, and a 30-year volunteer with the Cincinnati Reds took center stage to share how sports have shaped their lives during the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities annual Open House on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The 2026 event, titled “The All-Stars Playbook,” celebrated local athletes and the spirit of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Held each March, the two Open House events highlight the achievements and potential of individuals with developmental disabilities while encouraging the community to support them in living full, productive lives.

The sports-themed event was decorated with gold stars, a concession stand, and posters featuring Warren County Special Olympics athletes. Several athletes signed their posters while attending the event, including Luke Marshall who signed his poster, “Luke Marshall is the best!” Visitors also received trading cards representing more than a dozen athletes across basketball, softball, swimming, and other sports.

The entrance to the auditorium was covered with over one dozen hockey jerseys provided by the first speakers, the Roedl family. The family of four took the stage in matching jerseys, sharing the story of their youngest family member, Jensen, and his journey through surgery for a tethered spinal cord, cerebral palsy, and speech delay, and how hockey has supported their family through it all.

Mom Kelcie spoke while her husband, TJ, and sons Jensen and Tucker accompanied her on stage. Kelcie said she met her husband through their shared love of hockey, so it was no surprise that Jensen quickly became obsessed with hockey.

“Jensen took his hockey stick with him everywhere he went, to the point we jokingly called it his emotional support hockey stick,” Kelcie said. This statement proved true as Jensen played hockey on stage with his father, TJ. The audience giggled as they were entertained by the two-year-old’s hockey skills.

Kelcie shared how Jensen’s love for hockey developed through the years, culminating in the social media video that “changed our lives.” The video, which was posted to TikTok on January 6, 2025, shows Jensen at 1 year and 8 months old flipping a hockey puck with his hockey stick while wearing a onesie, filled with joy over his hockey skills.

The video went viral and was featured on ESPN and NHL’s official social media. From there, Jensen and his family grew a large social media following, leading to care packages delivered to the family, meeting new friends, and countless other opportunities.

Jensen’s joy and determination aren’t just entertaining to the Open House audience and his social media followers. They embodied the spirit of community, the power of sports, and the importance of family support.

The next speaker, Warren County Special Olympics Athlete Kelly Crabtree, 38, confidently shared how participating in sports and Special Olympics has impacted her life. From a young age, Crabtree’s parents encouraged her to try new sports, including softball, track and field, swimming, and water polo. She said her parents' encouragement made a significant impact in her athletic journey.

She credited Warren County Special Olympics for helping her meet new people, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Mason City Council members, and the Ohio State Cheerleaders. Dozens of her teammates have also become some of her closest friends.

Due to her hard work and dedication, she will be representing Ohio at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis in June. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will bring 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers, and 75,000 fans from all 50 states to Minnesota to watch 19 different sports.

Community Integration Coordinator and Warren County Special Olympics Coordinator Rhonda Schutte proudly sat in the front row to film Crabtree’s presentation. Crabtree thanked Schutte and her other coaches for making it to where she is today.

Rick Nunamaker, 55, shared how volunteering with the Cincinnati Reds baseball team has impacted his life while sporting his Reds tie.

Nunamaker volunteers at the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame assisting guests each weekend during baseball season. In his over 30 years of volunteering with the Cincinnati Reds, Nunamaker said he has seen the team grow, move stadiums, and prioritize accessibility.

Holding back tears, Rick said the Reds make him feel welcome, never excludes him, and pushes him to do his best.

“My whole life, people only saw my disability,” Nunamaker said. “Volunteering for the Cincinnati Reds organization is the first time where I feel like I am one of them and not defined by my disability.”

Nunamaker ended his speech by reminding everyone, “that Red’s Opening Day is in 16 days, but who’s counting?”

Following the evening Open House, Nunamaker’s old friend, the Cincinnati Reds Mascot Mr. Redlegs, made an appearance to take photos with attendees and present awards at The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities second annual Open House Award Ceremony.

Warren County Commissioner Tom Grossmann presented a proclamation recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month during the afternoon session, while Warren County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Joseph Kirby did so during the evening session. Grossmann emphasized the importance of celebrating individuals with developmental disabilities “not just this month, but every day.” Judge Kirby added, “Tonight, we honor individuals with developmental disabilities, not for what others sometimes see as limitations, but for the strength, character, and heart they display every day.”

The evening Open House began with a performance by the Warren County Wildcat Cheerleaders and ended with the Voices of Warren County Choir, who sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Visitors also had the opportunity to bid on one dozen raffle baskets, raising $180 for Kings Island DD Day and $1,149 for Warren County Special Olympics.

The next Open House will take place March 2027.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at Megan.Becker@WarrenCountyDD.org or (859) 653-7445.

Waves of Emotion: Warren County Polar Plunge Honors Community, Athletes, and a Father’s Legacy

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:08:57 GMT

Date: April 9, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Claire Bishop, Community Relations Coordinator, (513) 335-1026

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Waynesville, OH) - The local community once again came together to fundraise and brave the waters of Caesar Creek for the 26th annual Polar Plunge that took place on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Special Olympics Ohio organizes various fundraising events all across the state in order to provide free athletic opportunities for Ohio athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The event began with Special Olympics athlete and Voices Speaking Out advocate Luke Marshall carrying the Law Enforcement Torch Run torch, joined by Sergeant Kennon Coleman of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. In addition to participating in the Polar Plunge, Coleman also completed his second Super Plunge for Special Olympics Ohio — one cold plunge every hour for 24 hours.

Polar plunge participants arrived in costumes ranging from inflatable dinosaurs in sunglasses to Disney princess gowns and wigs, each group adding its own flair to the celebration.

Conditions at Caesar Creek were dramatically different from last year. In 2025, the safety crew had to drill through the ice to create an opening for plungers. This year, the waters were so high that the shoreline signs were almost fully submerged. Even so, the safety team navigated the waist‑deep water to guide and protect participants throughout the event.

The top fundraising team award went to the Warren County Wildcats + Champions. They met and even exceeded their goal by raising a total of $6,555. Of that amount, Special Olympics athlete and Voices Speaking Out advocate Aaron Bowman raised $3,220, making him the top individual fundraiser of the event. All money raised by the team will directly support athletes here in Warren County.

For the Bowman family, the Polar Plunge carries a deeper meaning this year. The event was Bowman’s father’s favorite, something he looked forward to every year. His sudden passing in early February made this year’s plunge especially emotional.

Although his father couldn’t be there in person, Bowman shared that he felt his presence the moment he hit the water. Surrounded by his family, friends, and supporters, he reminded everyone that he was plunging in his father’s honor — a tribute that resonated throughout the entire event.

The event raised a total of $19,397. Thank you to all of the teams who participated including the Warren County Wildcats + Champions, the Antioch Bobbies, the Dino-Mites, WCI/LECI, Kaiser’s Crew, the Rabbit Chasers, Caesar Creek Safety Crew, Luke5Adventures, and Team Hope.

If you are interested in donating to the cause, Special Olympics Ohio accepts year-round donations. To donate, visit Donate | Special Olympics .

For more information, contact Claire Bishop at claire.bishop@warrencountydd.org or (513) 335-1026.

Mason Manta Ray Champions honored at Mason City Council

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:12:42 GMT

Date: April 2, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.WarrenCountyDD.Org

(Mason, OH) - The Mason Manta Ray Champions, the Warren County Special Olympics swim team, was honored at the Mason City Council meeting on March 9, 2026.

Coach Debbie Newman began her presentation, which took place during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, by inviting the swimmers to stand. The jingling of the gold, silver, and bronze medals filled the room as the swimmers gathered front and center at the Mason City Council meeting.

This is the fourth swim season for the Mason Manta Ray Champions, who range in age from 10 to 41. The team started with 14 members. Today, the team has 26 swimmers.

Newman shared that the Champions won 12 gold medals, seven silver medals, and four bronze medals after competing in the Ohio Winter Games on the weekend of February 21, 2026. Swimmers competed in freestyle, breaststroke, individual medley, backstroke, and as members of a 4x25 relay team.

Newman also gave a special shoutout to Athlete Kelly Crabtree , 38, of Mason, who earned three medals: gold as part of the 4x25 relay team, silver in the 100-meter freestyle, and silver for breaststroke. Crabtree will be representing Ohio at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota this summer.

In addition to honoring the Mason Manta Ray Champions, the city also declared March as Developmental Disabilities Month. Law Director Jeff Forbes read the proclamation that acknowledged the city's partnerships with organizations such as Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Mason Challenger League Baseball, and Mason Allstars basketball as “essential in the city's goal to provide continued support and opportunities for community members with developmental disabilities to enjoy a high quality of life in Mason.”

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Megan Manuel attended the meeting to share a brief history of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, provide information about the services offered by the agency, and to thank the City of Mason.

“We appreciate the support of Mason residents and Mason City Council and for the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in our community,” Manuel said. “Your leadership helps the people we serve to feel and to be included.”

Manuel thanked the city for helping to develop Makino Park into an accessible and inclusive place for children to play, including an accessible restroom with an adult changing table, an accessible playground, and two adaptive baseball fields. The land Makino Park was developed on was donated by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Manuel said, “We couldn’t imagine a better use of this land.”

The Mason Challenger League plays baseball at Makino Park each Saturday during the season. Mason Challenger League President Jennifer Christmas and league players were invited to attend the council meeting in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

“The Challenger League’s mission is to allow individuals with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball by adapting the game to each athlete's abilities,” Christmas said. “This would not happen without the support of the city and all of the volunteer coaches, buddies, parent helpers, board members, and all those who volunteer with us.”

The Mason City Council also invited Coach Rob Auriana to share information about the Mason Allstars special needs basketball team. Auriana, who described himself as a 23-year resident of Mason and a proud father of three girls, said he started the team for his eldest daughter, Jordan, to have a place to play with her friends.

The team has grown from 17 athletes to 120. Auriana described the team as a place to be yourself, support peers, learn new skills, and develop a competitive edge.

“Our practice and games are an opportunity of fellowship, exercise, and fun. It's time when our athletes can be surrounded by their peers, free from the pressures they sometimes face in the outside world,” Auriana said. “The people who deserve the credit are the coaches, their assistants, and volunteers. These individuals are responsible for creating a community that I am proud to be part of.”

The Mason City Council also used the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month meeting to introduce the Blue Envelope Program that aims to improve communication between law enforcement and individuals with developmental disabilities during traffic stops.

Drivers can store essential documents in the envelope, such as their driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance card. During a traffic stop, a driver can hand the blue envelope to the officer, signaling that they may need additional time or different communication approaches.

Community members can obtain blue envelopes and related materials at the following locations:

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Warren C. Young Center, 801 Drake Road in Lebanon
Mason Police Department, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road in Mason
Fire Station 51, 4420 Mason-Montgomery Road in Mason
Fire Station 52, 5500 Cedar Village Drive in Mason
Mason Community Center, 6050 Mason-Montgomery Road in Mason

The evening highlighted Mason’s dedication to promote inclusion, opportunity, and belonging for Warren County residents with developmental disabilities.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at Megan.Becker@WarrenCountyDD.org or (859) 653-7445.

About The Warren County Special Olympics

The Warren County Special Olympics offers children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities an athletic challenge at their skill level. All athletes in Warren County participate in the program free of charge.

The Warren County Special Olympics offers a wide range of sports, including:

Athletics/ Track and Field
Basketball
Bocce Ball
Cheerleading
Floor hockey
Softball
Swimming

Each year, Warren County Special Olympics athletes travel to Columbus to compete in the Special Olympics Summer Games and Winter Games , as well as numerous qualifying events.

The agency also offers recreational athletic activities, including bowling, tennis, soccer, and cornhole.

For more information about Warren County Special Olympics, please contact Rhon da Schutte at Rhonda.Schutte@WarrenCountyDD.org or (513) 806-3 809.

Mason launches Blue Envelope Program to support drivers with developmental disabilities

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:08:20 GMT

Date: March 31, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.WarrenCountyDD.Org

(Mason, OH) - The Blue Envelope Program was introduced at the Mason City Council Meeting on March 9, 2026, to improve communication between law enforcement and individuals with developmental disabilities during traffic stops.

The Blue Envelope Program is a voluntary tool designed to enhance compassion and effective communication between public safety personnel and community members during law enforcement interactions.

The envelope also includes a contact card and instructions for drivers on how to respond during a traffic stop, such as keeping hands visible.

There are many reasons why someone may want to disclose their disability during a traffic stop. For example, police officers may interpret someone avoiding eye contact as a sign of someone acting suspicious, although it is also common for someone on the autism spectrum to avoid eye contact. Therefore, some people may choose to inform the police officer of their disability to avoid miscommunication.

“The purpose of the program is to help reduce that anxiety and help bridge that communication gap that may occur during a traffic stop or other stressful events,” Lieutenant Steve Temple said. “It’s intended for everyone to be able to understand each other and build that collaboration and communication when it’s difficult.”

In addition to the envelope, the City of Mason also provides a blue sticker that can be placed on a vehicle to prompt law enforcement to ask for the blue envelope.

Community members can obtain blue envelopes and related materials at the following locations:

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Warren C. Young Center, 801 Drake Road in Lebanon
Mason Police Department, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road in Mason
Fire Station 51, 4420 Mason-Montgomery Road in Mason
Fire Station 52, 5500 Cedar Village Drive in Mason
Mason Community Center, 6050 Mason-Montgomery Road in Mason

As part of this new initiative, Temple said Mason law enforcement also will receive ongoing training about the Blue Envelope Program.

The Blue Envelope Safety Workshop

The City of Mason will host an opportunity for community members to learn more about the Blue Envelope Program as part of the Police Department’s monthly Safety Workshop series on Thursday, April 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mason Municipal Aquatic Center, located at 6249 Mason-Montgomery Road.

The Safety Workshop is free, but registration is required. Click here to register.

For additional questions regarding the Blue Envelope Program, please contact the Mason Police Department at (513) 229-8560 or email Police@MasonOH.org.

The Disability Verification Program

During the Mason City Council Meeting on March 9, Temple also encouraged individuals with developmental disabilities to enroll in the Ohio Disability Verification Program.

Any person with a diagnosed disability who drives or regularly has someone with a communication disability in their vehicle can voluntarily enroll in a database that connects to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System. The law enforcement officer can then be made aware that the driver or a person in the vehicle may have difficulty communicating and can approach the vehicle with awareness to reduce any potential misunderstandings or problems.

Temple said officers would be informed of the individual’s disability when reviewing the driver’s license or license plate. This program helps ensure that law enforcement officers are aware of potential communication difficulties when interacting with individuals with disabilities.

Click here for more information about the Disability Verification Program.

Together, the Blue Envelope Program and Ohio’s Disability Verification Program offer multiple ways for individuals to communicate their needs and promote safer interactions with law enforcement.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at Megan.Becker@WarrenCountyDD.org or (859) 653-7445.

Warren County swimmers win 12 gold medals at Special Olympics Winter Games

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:15:01 GMT

Date: March 20, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Columbus, OH) - Special Olympics athletes from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities won 12 gold medals after competing in the Ohio Winter Games on the weekend of February 21, 2026.

Swimmers competed in freestyle, breaststroke, individual medley, backstroke, and as members of a 4x25 relay team. In total, 18 Warren County athletes brought home 12 gold medals, seven silver medals, and four bronze medals.

Kelly Crabtree , 38, of Mason, earned three medals: gold as part of the 4x25 relay team, silver in the 100-meter freestyle, and silver for breaststroke. Kelly will be representing Ohio at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota this summer.
Kendra Denlinger, 32, of Waynesville, earned silver in the 50-meter freestyle and placed 5th in the individual medley.
Nick Drewry, 24, of Springboro, earned bronze in the 50-meter freestyle.
Ryan Dunne, 29, of Springboro, earned gold as a member of the 4x25 relay team, placed 4th in the 100-meter freestyle, and placed 5th in the 50-meter freestyle.
Alexandra “Ally” Huber, 22, of Mason, missed the award ceremony for her silver medal in the 200-meter freestyle because she immediately had to compete in the 100-meter backstroke, where she won a gold medal. She also won a gold medal as a member of the 4x25 relay team.
Carson Hutzel, 29, of Mason, placed 6th on the 4x25 relay team and 7th in the 25-meter freestyle.
Aleena Ghohestani, 17, of Mason, earned silver in the 50-meter backstroke, bronze in the 50-meter freestyle, and placed 4th as a member of the 4x25 relay team.
Jakob Jordan, 24, of Morrow, placed 4th in the 50-meter freestyle, 6th as a member of the 4x25 relay team, and 7th in the 25-meter backstroke.
Elena Mahle, 27, of Dayton, placed 4th in the 50-meter butterfly and 6th as a member of the 4x25 relay team.
Madeline “Maddi” Malcom, 13, of Waynesville, earned gold in the 25-meter freestyle, gold as a member of the 4x25 relay team, and placed 4th in the 50-meter freestyle.
Luke Marshall , 34, of Lebanon, earned gold as a member of the 4x25 relay team, bronze in the 50-meter freestyle, and placed 8th in the 25-meter backstroke.
Maddox McCart, 17, of Lebanon, placed 4th in the 50-meter freestyle, 4th in the 4x25 relay team, and 5th in the 100-meter freestyle.
Mason McCart, 21, of Lebanon, earned three medals: gold as part of the 4x25 relay team, gold in the 200-meter freestyle, and bronze in the 50-meter breaststroke.
Xander McCart, 15, of Lebanon, placed 4th in the 25-meter freestyle, 6th in the 50-meter freestyle, and 6th in the 4x25 relay team.
Arlynn Rapin, 16, of Mason, earned gold as a member of the 4x25 relay team, placed 4th in the 50-meter freestyle, and placed 5th in the 50-meter backstroke.
David Werner, 41, of Mason, earned silver in the 50-meter backstroke, placed 4th in the 50-meter freestyle, and placed 4th as a member of the 4x25 relay team.
John “Jack” Wojno II, 24, of Mason, earned gold as a member of the 4x25 relay team, placed 4th in the 50-meter backstroke, and placed 4th in the 50-meter freestyle.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

About the Special Olympics

Warren County Special Olympics offers children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities an athletic challenge at their skill level. All athletes in Warren County participate in the program free of charge.

Warren County Special Olympics offers a wide range of sports, including:

Athletics/ Track and Field
Basketball
Bocce Ball
Cheerleading
Floor hockey
Softball
Swimming

Each year, Warren County Special Olympics athletes travel to Columbus to compete in the Special Olympics Summer Games and Winter Games, as well as numerous qualifying events.

The agency also offers recreational athletic activities, including bowling, tennis, soccer, and cornhole.

For more information about Special Olympics, please contact Community Integration Coordinator Rhonda Schutte at rhonda.schutte@warrencountydd.org or (513) 806-3809.

Three Warren County Advocates selected for People First advocacy training

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:00:31 GMT

Date: March 6, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Warren County, OH) - Only 15 people from across the state of Ohio were chosen to take part in a special People First advocacy training this year. Three of the selected advocates are from Warren County.

The Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group in Warren County is composed of adults who receive services from The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities who meet monthly to advocate for independence and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. Advocates Grant Isaacs , Ishika Sharma , and Jacob Smith were chosen to take part in this training.

Ellen Hudson, The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities advocacy coordinator, was shocked to learn that three of the 15 available spots were earned by Warren County advocates.

“The trainings will enhance their leadership skills… It’s going to open up opportunities for them, because they’re networking with different people other than their peers in Warren County,” Hudson said. “I’m beyond proud."

Isaacs said that all three Warren County advocates met new people during the first in-person training session and discovered additional advocacy opportunities in nearby areas through their peers.

He added that his main motivation for attending the trainings is to learn about a wider range of issues within the disability community that need advocacy. Isaacs said he is especially passionate about advocating for transportation, assistive technology, and the elimination of subminimum wage.

Sharma said she hopes to learn skills from the sessions that she can share with other members of The Voices Speaking Out. Her ultimate goal is to use her newfound knowledge to work toward serving as a board member at The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

The 3-month People First training program invites the 15 selected Ohioans to six training sessions focused on advocacy-related topics, including:

Community Organizing, Advocacy, and State Legislation
The History of Developmental Disabilities
Service Coordination and Person-Centered Planning
Supported, Competitive, & Integrated Employment and Supported Living
Positioning & Behavior, Media Skills, and Assistive Technology
Federal Legislation, Parliamentary Procedure, and Serving on Boards

Smith said advocacy is an important part of following his dreams. He is hoping that participating in the Voices Speaking Out and the People First training is his first step in a well-rounded advocacy education.

People First of Ohio is a non-profit organization that supports people with disabilities to become self-advocates and community leaders. Sharma, who has previously attended People First trainings virtually, said she applied for the training opportunity to continue learning about state legislation and the Developmental Disabilities system in Ohio.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities begins development on Mobile Changing Unit

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:02:55 GMT

Date: March 4, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities has begun development on a mobile changing unit that will improve inclusion and accessibility at community events.

A universal changing table is an adult-sized changing table specifically designed to meet the personal care needs of individuals of all heights, weights, and levels of mobility. It provides caregivers with a convenient and safe space to assist those who may be unable to care for themselves, including individuals with disabilities, children, babies, aging adults, and people who use a catheter.

Many people, including those who receive services from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities, require an adult changing table to be able to attend events and participate in activities in the community without having to leave early or miss out due to inaccessible restroom facilities.

The agency has purchased an empty trailer that will be retrofitted with:

A height-adjustable adult-sized changing table.
Doors for privacy.
A wheelchair accessible sink.
An ADA tilted bathroom mirror.
Supplies including adult-sized diapers, gloves, tampons, etc.

This trailer will be available at request for public events and will be available to view at Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities upcoming events in the community, including the agency’s Open House and annual egg hunt .

Modifications of the trailer will take place this summer. The trailer is expected to be open to the public in the fall of 2026.

The mobile changing unit will allow Warren County to align with a growing number of counties across Ohio that are prioritizing accessibility and inclusion at community events, ensuring our public spaces are welcoming and usable for all.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Free accessible Egg Hunt hosted by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:42:54 GMT

Date: February 26, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Mason, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities will host a free egg hunt for children with disabilities starting at noon on Saturday, March 28, at Makino Park’s adaptive baseball fields in Mason, located at 6100 Kopfler Court.

This event has historically been hosted at the Springboro Miracle League Field , but will be hosted at Makino Park in 2026 to celebrate the opening of its new adaptive baseball field.

The event welcomes children ages 17 and under with developmental disabilities, as well as their siblings. Visitors are encouraged to arrive at noon to take photos with the bunny, make a craft, and explore the accessible playground.

There will be three separate Egg Hunts taking place on the adaptive baseball fields:

12:30 p.m.: A traditional egg hunt.
1 p.m.: A wheelchair and walker accessible egg hunt. This will include eggs raised above the ground, making them easier for people to reach and collect without needing to bend over.
1:30 p.m.: An egg hunt with eggs that make noise for individuals who are blind or low vision.

Over 2,400 eggs with candy and prizes will be dispersed between the three egg hunts. Participants are encouraged to bring a basket to collect eggs and a camera to capture memories.

All egg hunts are free, and no registration required.

About Makino Park

The land Makino Park was developed on was donated by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities and developed by the Mason Park & Recreation Foundation, with the help of the City of Mason and the Mason Challenger League. Makino Park was developed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind.

Makino Park features an accessible restroom with an adult changing table, an accessible playground, and two adaptive baseball fields.

The field was designed to remove barriers often found at typical baseball fields, featuring flat surfaces and dugouts without barriers.

About the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports more than 2,500 individuals with disabilities and their families, through Early Intervention, Community Resources, Employment Services, Social, Recreational, Service Coordination, and other programs.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Support Special Olympics athletes at 2026 Open House

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:36:14 GMT

Date: February 11, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) – The spotlight will shine on local athletes this year at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities annual Open House on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The annual Open House event, which celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, is a free showcase that highlights the many achievements of individuals who receive services from the agency. The event also shares information about the services and supports the agency provides to individuals with disabilities.

Featured Speakers

This year’s Open House theme will be “The All-Stars Playbook” and will focus on local people involved in sports and the Warren County Special Olympics.

Our first speaker will be Rick Nunamaker , a longtime fan of the Cincinnati Reds who has been volunteering with the Cincinnati Reds since 1994. Nunamaker said he loves the game of baseball, as well as the community it inspires.

Some may know our second speaker, Jensen Roedl , as the toddler featured on ESPN and NHL’s social media for his hockey skills. Kelcie Roedl knows him as her 2-year-old toddler. However you know Jensen, you will get a deeper look into his story at Open House.

Kelcie will be sharing her family’s experiences with Jensen’s surgery for a tethered spinal cord, cerebral palsy, speech delay, and how hockey has supported their family through it all.

Finally, Kelly Crabtree will be sharing her experiences as an athlete participating in the Warren County Special Olympics. Notably, she will be representing Ohio at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games!

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will bring 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers, and 75,000 fans from all 50 states to Minnesota to watch 19 different sports.

All three speakers will speak at the afternoon Open House session at 1 p.m. and the evening session at 6 p.m. The evening session will also include performances by the Warren County Wildcat Cheerleaders and the Voices of Warren County Choir.

The Agency Showcase

At 5 p.m., join the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities for an Agency Showcase. Taking place in the gymnasium, the showcase will invite visitors to explore some of the amazing things our agency has to offer, including:

Our SMART Technology Studio , a space resembling a studio apartment designed to introduce individuals to different types of assistive technology that could help them live independently.
Staff members from across the agency to share more about the services and supports offered by the agency, including our driving program.
Michael Yeamans , who will share his experience as the newest member of the Ohio Tech Ambassadors and the recently elected president of the Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group.

The Open House Awards Ceremony

The second annual Open House Awards Ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. and will serve as a meaningful occasion to honor the dedication, resilience, and accomplishments of Warren County residents. Award recipients are nominated for awards that highlight personal growth and community building.

Award winners will be featured in the Open House Awards Ceremony and receive an award from the Cincinnati Reds mascot, Mr. Redlegs.

Available awards include:

The Technology Empowerment Award
The Team Player Award
The Employment First Award
The Community Builder Award
The Independent Living Award
The Jamie Miles Make It So Award
The Breaking Barriers Award
The Ambassador of Kindness Award
The Goal Crusher Award
The Academic Achievement Award

Click here to nominate an individual served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities for an Open House Award. Please submit all nominations by Friday, February 20, 2026.

Raffle Baskets

Open House starts and ends with raffle baskets. Over a dozen raffle baskets will be available, with themes like Kings Island, FC Cincinnati, Dive into Summer, the Lottery Basket, and more. Tickets are available for $1 each, or $5 for six tickets.

Proceeds from the Kings Island raffle basket will support the agency’s Kings Island DD Day , which distributes free park tickets to individuals served by the agency. Remaining raffle ticket proceeds will benefit the Warren County Special Olympics.

The raffle basket winners will be announced after the Open House Awards Ceremony at 8:30 p.m.

Open House Schedule

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities annual Open House will take place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Warren C. Young Center, located at 801 Drake Road in Lebanon, Ohio. This event is free and open to the public.

Noon to 8:30 p.m.: Raffle tickets available in the lobby.
1 p.m.: The first Open House speaking session begins.
5 p.m.: The Agency Showcase begins in the gymnasium.
6 p.m.: The second Open House session, opening with a performance by the Warren County Wildcat Cheerleaders.
7 p.m.: The second Open House session ends with a performance by the Voices of Warren County Choir.
7 p.m.: The Cincinnati Reds mascot, Mr. Redlegs, will be available for a photo opportunity.
7:30 p.m.: The Open House Awards Ceremony begins.
8:30 p.m.: The winners of raffle baskets will be announced.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

WCBDD awarded DODD Innovative Technology Grant

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 11:30:08 GMT

Date: January 29, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities will expand its SMART Technology Studio with the help of a $50,000 Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Innovative Technology Grant.

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Megan Manuel said, “We are very thankful to the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities for awarding us this grant, and we are excited about the additional opportunities it will provide to the people we serve to live more independent lives.”

The agency was first awarded the grant in 2024 to create the SMART Technology Studio, a space resembling a studio apartment designed to introduce individuals to different types of assistive technology that could help them live independently. The 2026-2027 grant will expand this project in 5 ways:

1. Expansion of the SMART Technology Studio with new assistive technologies.

The SMART Technology Studio was created with the help of the 2024 DODD Innovative Technology Grant. The majority of the 2026/ 2027 grant will go toward expanding the studio.

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator Susan Meyer said expanding the SMART Technology Studio will help to make Warren County stand out.

“The SMART Studio is focused mainly on independent living skills and currently lacks some of the technology needed to support successful employment,” Meyer said. “We want to enhance the technology that we have available to showcase in the studio.”

Planned additions include communication devices, sensory regulation equipment, adaptable kitchen devices, medication reminder devices, visual support software, and more.

In 2026, Meyer will assess what technology is most needed in the SMART Technology Studio. In 2027, the agency will purchase more of the most-requested devices. Purchases will be made throughout 2026 and 2027.

Meyer said the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities aims for a 25% increase of assistive technology and remote supports authorizations this year.

2. Development of lending library kits with community partners

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities will also use the DODD Innovative Technology Grant to deliver training and education to community partners on different types of assistive technology.

Meyer is working with three primary community partners: the Lebanon Public Library, the Warren County Educational Service Center, and the Achievement Center. These community partners were selected to support the broader community, school-aged students, and individuals pursuing employment, respectively.

SSA Manager Kellie Hampton said the agency has previously collaborated with the Warren County Educational Service Center on field trips and tours of the SMART Technology Studio, technology exploration activities, and device trials to expand exposure and use of assistive technology with students and families.

Meyer has connected with the community partners to identify needs. All curated technology kits will be available to the community partners by June. The partners will receive training on how to use the technology and how to identify when someone could benefit from a piece of technology.

Support and training will be ongoing while the partners have the curated technology kits. Meyer said the grant will also provide additional technology as needed. These initial community partners will collect data and feedback of the technology within the curated kits.

In 2027, with the collected data and feedback from the three community partners, the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities will build curated technology kits and establish them in the agency’s lending library, therefore, any community partner, provider, or individual served can trial the specific curated technology kit to enhance their experience in the community.

3. Enhance the SMART Technology Studio’s lending library.

Meyer has collected data since the creation of the SMART Studio and decided to enhance the current lending library with technology or equipment that is loaned out the most.

The data collected from the curated technology kits will be used to create an agency lending library with curated technology kits, such as an employment technology kit, a community technology kit, and a school technology kit.

Each technology kit will include a variety of technology aimed at assisting individuals served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities in daily life.

SMART Studio Lending Library is currently available to providers and or individuals served, but the community curated technology kits will be available to trial in 2027. The SMART Technology Studio’s lending library will be available in 2027.

4. Create a paid internship opportunity for an individual served to assist with the SMART Technology Studio.

The DODD grant will provide funding for the agency to hire an individual served by the agency for a paid internship opportunity.

The internship, which will account for the second largest portion of the grant, will bring an individual served by the agency into the SMART Technology Studio for 6-8 hours per week for 2 years.

Key responsibilities include:

Assemble, maintain, and deliver curated technology kits for schools, employers, and community partners,
Support the SMART Technology Studio’s Lending Library by tracking inventory, preparing items for use, and orienting borrowers.
Assist with trainings by providing hands-on support to staff, families, and individuals during technology demonstrations.
Serve as a technology liaison by representing the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities at events and outreach activities.

The intern will be hired by March 2026. Interested applicants should submit a resume to HR@WarrenCountyDD.org .

5. Launch a supportive technology website that will include a 3D tour of the studio.

Finally, the grant will be used to launch a supportive technology website that will include information about the different types of technology available in the SMART Technology Studio.

The website will also include a 3D tour of the studio. The agency plans to launch the tour by September 2026.

“We’ve already had people from other counties reach out wanting to tour the SMART Studio,” Meyer said. “This is not only a resource for our county, but also an opportunity to support and collaborate with neighboring counties, as well.”

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Young family served by WCBDD shares therapy journey on TikTok

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:00:28 GMT

Date: January 12, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

A family served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities uses social media to celebrate brotherhood and share everyday life with disability.

The two blonde, goofy toddlers, Hudson, 4, and Henry, 3, both have cerebral palsy. Their mother, Jaime Huss, uses their TikTok and Instagram accounts, both @The_huss_bros, to answer questions, share their therapy journey, and highlight the brothers’ bond as they navigate life with cerebral palsy.

Primary Service Provider Stacie Rhodes said their cerebral palsy diagnoses have never slowed the boys’ incredible determination.

Hudson, now in preschool, started services at eight months old and has been mastering milestones ever since, including independent sitting, crawling, pulling to stand, and now cruising around like a pro in his gait trainer.

“His determination is unwavering, and he continues to thrive in preschool, tackling new challenges with confidence,” Rhodes said. “One of his favorite adventures is strolling through Kroger, charming every shopper with a big smile and a friendly ‘Hi!’”

In response, Kroger sent the family a care package naming the brothers as “Employees of the Month” and declared Hudson “the new Mayor of Kroger.” The package included Kroger-branded items for the family and a letter celebrating Hudson’s achievements.

“We just wanted to say how incredibly proud we are of you! Walking through Kroger with your walker was such a big moment, and you absolutely crushed it,” the letter read. “Your strength, courage, and determination are truly inspiring.”

The letter was signed, “With love and high-fives, your fans at Kroger.”

Little brother Henry just got his very own gait trainer and is beyond excited to keep up with big brother.

“Henry’s sense of humor is unmatched, and he loves making everyone around him laugh,” Rhodes said. “Henry has worked so hard to conquer each motor milestone, and he’s ready to dive into preschool with the same enthusiasm and sparkle.”

Even as young toddlers, the brothers encourage each other to reach their movement goals and naughtily remove their braces whenever possible, showing the ultimate teamwork skills.

Rhodes said the boys “are a joyful reminder of the power of hard work, heart, and a whole lot of determination and we couldn’t be prouder of them.”

Hudson and Henry’s mom, Jaime, shared the following message with our team as a goodbye to Early Intervention Services:

“I feel so thankful our early intervention in Ohio is structured the way it is. And how well Warren County handles the kiddos and provides other opportunities for success and fun!

I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge Stacie [Rhodes] and [Physical Therapist] Shanae [Lipsey] and share how grateful we are for everything they brought to our boys’ therapy team.

Stacie consistently goes above and beyond—not just with her clinical skill, but with the level of care, creativity, and genuine connection she brings into every session. We see the way she thinks outside the box, celebrates small wins as big ones, and meets our kids exactly where they are. It makes such a meaningful difference for our family.

We also want to recognize Shanae, who has been such a steady, caring presence for the boys. She is incredibly knowledgeable, endlessly patient, and always shows up with so much warmth. She celebrates every bit of progress right alongside us, and her kindness has truly helped the boys feel supported and confident."

You can follow the Huss Family story on TikTok and Instagram, @The_huss_bros!

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Warren County Advocate is newest Ohio Tech Ambassador

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:45:00 GMT

Date: January 5, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

Warren County Voices Speaking Out Advocate Michael Yeamans is the newest member of the Ohio Tech Ambassadors, where he will serve as a mentor to promote assistive technology use and support independence.

Assistive Technology refers to equipment of all kinds that enhances learning, working, and daily living for people with developmental disabilities. Some examples are screen readers, power wheelchairs, and smart door locks.

Yeamans, who is on the autism spectrum, said this is a natural position for him since he often helps family members and fellow advocates work with unfamiliar technology. He said he has been interested in technology since he received his first computer at 5 years old.

Today, he is a student at Sinclair Community College studying cybersecurity. He is planning to graduate in the spring. He aims to start a cybersecurity company that employs individuals with disabilities.

“I'm very much looking forward to helping others learn about technology,” Yeamans said. “I think the people that don't know as much about technology, they're afraid of it. They just don't know how to use it or what to do with it. We need to teach people not to be afraid of it.”

While creating the SMART Technology Studio, a space resembling a studio apartment designed to offer individuals a chance to practice using assistive technology, Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Service and Support Administration Manager Kellie Hampton asked for feedback from the Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group. She said Yeamans was a huge help.

“Just talking to him, you can tell this is such a passion of his,” Hampton said. “He’s such a great resource for people who want to learn more about technology.”

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator Susan Meyer said having a Warren County advocate as an Ohio Tech Ambassador greatly increases the county’s resource pool.

“He has the knowledge to showcase technology in a positive way,” Meyer said. “I think giving individuals we serve a real-world experience in technology can assist individuals and families that are hesitant to pursue any kind of technology option.”

As one of his first responsibilities as a tech ambassador, Yeamans attended the 2025 Synergy Conference in Sandusky, Ohio, from October 1 to 3, 2025, to share the power of artificial intelligence. Yeamans created a variety of music with AI and shared his creations with Synergy attendees, representing the ways in which AI can be utilized in daily life.

“If someone tells you you’re not capable of doing something… if they’re saying you can't go to college, if they’re saying you can’t live on your own, show them,” Yeamans said. “Talk to your service coordinator, talk to your advocacy group… talk to your legislators… every little bit helps.”

Watch his introductory interview with the Ohio Tech Ambassadors here. To contact Michael Yeamans for support with assistive technology or to request him at a speaking engagement, email Michael@OhioTechAmbassadors.org or visit OhioTechAmbassadors.org/request/.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

WCBDD employee honored with Distinguished Direct Service Award

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 05:45:08 GMT

Date: December 22, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

Advocacy, leadership, collaborative impact, and commitment to direct service excellence are among the many reasons Work Incentives Coordinator Latosha Olinger was awarded the Mary Ridgely Distinguished Direct Service Award in Denver, Colorado, on October 7, 2025.

The National Association of Benefits and Work Incentive Specialists (NABWIS) is an association of professionals who provide assistance to individuals who receive disability benefits and are working or considering work. The association honored Olinger with the first-annual Mary Ridgely award for demonstrating excellence in the direct provision of benefits counseling services at the 2025 NABWIS conference.

The award was named after Mary Ridgely who was among the first professionals in the nation to provide benefits and work incentives counseling to Social Security beneficiaries. She was a trailblazer in the field of disability employment and a founding member of NABWIS.

Olinger, who is the only work incentives coordinator at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities and has worked at the agency for 23 years, said she was both surprised and honored when it was announced that she won the award.

“I’m grateful to be recognized by the NABWIS board. The comments Angela shared were heartwarming. I really appreciate the recognition and nomination. It means a lot to me,” Olinger said. “My main goal is to make sure the people who are receiving benefits get the information they need to know to make informed decisions as they move throughout their employment journey and to assist those who provide support to them, as well.”

The criteria for the award, which was presented by Mary Ridgely herself, included advocacy beyond the role, institutional leadership, collaborative impact, commitment to direct service excellence, innovative contributions, and leadership in policy or practice.

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Human Resources Manager Angela Dean nominated Olinger for the award. In the nomination, Dean said Olinger has been a long-time champion of promoting education so those receiving benefits can make informed decisions about work, benefit management, and maximizing their full potential.

For the past 9 years, Dean said Olinger has been a devoted work incentive coordinator, obtaining her Community Work Incentives Coordinator training and certification from Virginia Commonwealth University and providing benefit consultation and analysis for those enrolled in services in Warren County.

“Since obtaining her certification, she has become a common name throughout the state,” Dean wrote in the nomination. “She has devoted her career to being an advocate, friend, and mentor to those she serves, their families, and her co-workers.”

She regularly trains new Service and Support Administrators through the Southwestern Ohio Council of Governments as part of their new hire orientation to provide them with an introduction to public benefit systems. She is also an integral part of developing F.E.A.R. Factor training, online trainings breaking down the fears and stigma associated with working and receiving benefits, so recipients and professionals can build a foundational knowledge and make informed decisions.

Olinger also presents information on public benefits and working each year at Student to Adult Life Transition Series (SALTS) in collaboration with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and other county boards of developmental disabilities. This educational series is aimed at providing students who receive services and their parents education on the next steps after leaving high school.

In addition to the Mary Ridgely Award, Olinger was also honored with the Partners in Excellence Award for her work with F.E.A.R. Factor at the Ohio Association of County Boards 42nd Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio, on November 20, 2025.

“I’m thankful and fortunate to be involved with these groups and initiatives. It has provided me with a platform to collaborate with others in the field to help provide education on benefits and employment,” Olinger said. “The collaboration has also contributed to my professional development. I have gained so much knowledge from other professionals.”

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to recognize Latosha Olinger for her decades of service and her lasting impact on individuals, families, and professionals across Ohio and beyond.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Warren County DD celebrates staff and community at annual in-service

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:00:10 GMT

Date: December 15, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognized staff, community members, and local businesses for their impact on individuals with developmental disabilities at the annual agency In-Service event on October 15, 2025.

Superintendent Megan Manuel presented over one dozen awards to staff members, community members, and businesses who have made a difference in the local disability community. The awards recognized achievements ranging from long-term service and innovation to extraordinary acts of support and advocacy.

The Rachel Rice Award

Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocate Maggie “Mags” Satterthwaite was awarded the Rachel Rice Advocacy Award . The award was named after Rachel Rice, an individual served by the agency who passed away in 2022. She was described as a true advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. Just like Rice, Satterthwaite treats everyone with kindness and ensures that everyone is included, even if it is the path less followed.

Upon announcement that she won the award, Satterthwaite exclaimed and jumped out of her seat to run on stage. The audience shared her joy as she accepted the award, including her parents who sat in the front row. Agency Human Resources and Community Relations Director Bill Caplinger was presenting the award, and didn’t get the chance to start the award speech before she accepted the award.

Caplinger said the award presentation unfolded exactly as it was meant to.

“Maggie embodies the mission of the group with her kindness and generosity. It is common for Maggie to check-in on her peers and take care of others. If anyone in the group needs a supportive friend, they know that Mags is available to listen and stand beside them,” Satterthwaite’s speech stated. “Her quiet leadership and genuine compassion remind those around her what true advocacy looks like.”

Satterthwaite is a member of the We Thrive Together Advisory Board, a 7-year crew member at LaRosa’s Pizzeria, and is the #1 fan of the Mason Comets Baseball Team. She is celebrating her 11th season with the team this year.

Superintendent Awards

Speech-Language Pathologist Peggy Engelhard was awarded with the first Superintendent Award for her decades of commitment to serving people with developmental disabilities.

“She has experienced many changes, worked with many people, and touched the lives of thousands of children and families, often at a time that can be a shock and adjustment for them,” Manuel said. “She has been professional, graceful, and a true role model and mentor for her co-workers. She is a quiet leader who speaks with her actions, demonstrating consistency, integrity, and competence”

The second Superintendent Award was awarded to Information & Referral Service Coordinator Krista Dell’Aria, who Manuel said also leads by example.

“She has a strong work ethic and volunteers to help where she is needed,” Manuel said. “She takes on new challenges, including when she stepped forward to apply for a newly created position. She has done a wonderful job of establishing the role of the position and helped train a second person in that role.”

Manuel said Dell’Aria serves as a model for peers, and the output of her work is valued. She continuously provides updated information to her co-workers and management regarding various services so that everyone can benefit from that information.

Innovation Award

Residential Options Coordinator Lori Carr was awarded the Innovation Award for her vision, creativity, and commitment to transforming services for the better.

Manuel said Carr continuously develops new strategies to address complex needs, expand opportunities, and improve outcomes for individuals and families. Manuel said a key reason for Carr receiving this award is her creation and facilitation of independent living workshops .

“These sessions break down complex systems into accessible, practical guidance and have sparked meaningful planning and self-advocacy,” Manuel said.

Above and Beyond Award

Job Coach Jenna Sanders was awarded the Above and Beyond Award for her dedication to the individuals served by the agency, going the extra mile to make their dreams a reality.

This past summer, while working at Kings Island with the Sweep Team, one of the individuals expressed his love for trains and his desire to tour the locomotive, see the engine, and take a ride with the conductor.

"She took it upon herself to reach out to his direct supervisor to see who she could talk to, and they connected her. While working to get this set up for him, she offered to come to Kings Island on her own time if they weren’t able to accommodate this during his regular working hours,” Manuel said. “Because of her passion for the individuals we serve, and her commitment to seeing them enjoy their dreams, he was able to have this awesome experience.”

Green Hat Award

The Green Hat Award was awarded to Operations Director Dave Siebert. The Green Hat Award honors an employee who is supportive, optimistic, creative, and focuses on the strengths and abilities of others. Although Siebert only started working with the agency this year, his willingness to support the agency was clear from day one.

A catchphrase among his co-workers is “Dave saves the day” because of his consistent efforts wherever possible.

Extraordinary Employer Award

La Petite Academy of Miamisburg , a childcare and preschool learning center, earned the Extraordinary Employer Award for successfully accommodating one of their employees who receives services from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Manuel said La Petite employees are usually expected to be versatile and work in all rooms with all ages. However, the person served by the agency was unable to work in the infant room alone, and she was nervous about working with the older children. Additionally, this employee also had an end time for working that had to be exact due to her transportation.

“The job coach spoke with the team at La Petite Academy to share these concerns, and they ensured that they would accommodate both requests,” Manuel said.

Under these circumstances, many employees would be forced to find another job. However, Manuel said due to the employer’s kindness, support, and understanding, the employee is now thriving in her position.

Friends of DD Award

Two community leaders were chosen for the Friends of DD Award, which was created to honor those who go beyond their obligations to support the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the individuals we serve.

The first Friends of DD Award was awarded to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Montgomery for supporting the Warren County Special Olympics athletes as they prepared for the Summer Games in Columbus, Ohio.

For four years now, a group of 20 children and their mothers have enjoyed making personalized posters for each athlete. These posters featured encouraging messages like, “Let’s Go, Eric!” and included decorative stars, handwritten messages, and athlete photos.

The group also collected donations to help make goodie bags for each athlete for when they arrive in Columbus for the weekend. These donations include snacks, drinks, candy, cooling towels, hand sanitizers, sunscreen, fidget toys, and more. They now anticipate these gifts, making them feel like real celebrities with a fan base back home.

“We want to thank the children and their mothers at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Montgomery for introducing their families to the art of volunteering at such a young age, and for choosing Warren County Special Olympics athletes to support with their volunteerism,” Manuel said.

The second Friends of DD Award was awarded to Mark Fleeger of Homeland Security Systems for supporting the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Kings Island event.

For the last two years, the agency has hosted a Kings Island day for individuals served, staff, and agency supporters. This past year, our fundraising efforts landed short due to an unexpected rainy fundraising event . The agency feared that canceling the event may be the only option.

“Thankfully, we have good, supportive people like the second winner of our Friend of DD Award who stepped forward,” Manuel said. “Mark Fleeger, CEO at Homeland Technology Group, donated $1,000 to help us reach our fundraising goal to keep Kings Island day on the calendar. When asked, he immediately said yes to cover the shortage. He has also pledged to support next year’s event, as well!”

Dave Farmer Award

At the October board meeting, the Dave Farmer Award was presented to Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities President Laurie Lupinetti, who could not attend this year’s In-Service. This award honors an individual whose selfless acts and dedication have made a significant impact on people with developmental disabilities.

The award was created over a decade ago in honor of Dave Farmer, a former employee who was a dedicated family man, a role model for young men, a strong leader, and an advocate for individuals with disabilities. During his long career with the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities, he assisted many individuals in learning how to become self-sufficient and productive members of the workforce.

Lupinetti has served as a board member for the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities for the last 12 years, having served as secretary, vice president, and is currently serving as board president. She has also served as a board member for the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities for the last four years, with the last two as Board President. She is a parent of a person served by the agency, and she has been active over the years with the Fragile X Family Alliance and the Parent Advisory Council of the Cincinnati Children’s Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.

“We want to thank Laurie for her years of service, and we know she will continue to support our agency in the years to come,” Manuel said.

Service Awards

Service Awards applaud employees for their long-term commitment to the agency. The Service Awards welcomed staff on stage to recognize their 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30-year tenure at the agency.

Notably, the moment nine staff members took the stage for their 15-year Service Award acceptance also celebrated 15 years of friendship within the group. Some staff shed tears while embracing the friends they’ve shared morning coffee with throughout their careers.

This year, Speech-Language Pathologist Peggy Engelhard was the sole recipient of the 30-year Service Award. Dozens of co-workers gathered to celebrate her lifelong work at her retirement party on October 23, 2025, just one week after accepting the 30-year Service Award.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities is honored to have so many dedicated employees who have committed their careers to the agency.

5-year Service Awards:

Kira Armstrong

Kristen Pennybacker

10-year Service Awards:

Beth Roberts

Stephanie Wright

15-year Service Awards:

Katrina Detherage

Shelly England

Beth Jones

Gerry Knapp

Julie Miller

George Moore

Kimberly Posey

Jaclyn Stoller

Melissa Thompson

20-year Service Awards:

Sarah Lindeen

Chris Smith

25-year Service Awards:

Sheryl Byrd

Heather Moore

Penny Pope

Jason Schutte

30-year Service Awards:

Peggy Engelhard

Attendance Awards

Seven people were also awarded with the Perfect Attendance Award: Cheri Cummings, Krista Dell’Aria, Keith Gabbard Jr., Ellen Hudson, Megan Manuel, Latosha Olinger, and Melissa Read-Hefelfinger.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Warren County BDD makes impact at 2025 Synergy

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:15:00 GMT

Date: December 5, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Sandusky, OH) - Advocates and county employees worked together to prove the worth of the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities by sharing invaluable experiences and knowledge at the 2025 Synergy Conference in Sandusky, Ohio, from October 1 to 3, 2025.

The annual Synergy event is an inclusive conference that aims to introduce communities to new perspectives and solutions with session topics like exploring technology, planning for your future, self-care, how to navigate waivers, health equity, community employment, and more.

Several Warren County employees attended to give presentations and to support individuals served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Members of The Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group also experienced the conference and shared their own experiences, allowing Warren County’s impact to resonate throughout the conference at the Kalahari Resort.

Ishika shares experience with Charting the Life Course

Advocate Ishika Sharma co-led a session titled, “Your Story, Your Strengths, Your Voice: Creating your Charting the Life Course One-Pager.” This session invited participants to hear from Sharma and Latisha Brown from the Ohio DD Council about their experiences with employment, healthy living, advocacy, and how creating a one-pager helps them to achieve their goals in different aspects of life.

A one-pager is a simple, easy-to-read sheet that shares important information about a person on a single page. It usually includes sections like what people like about me, what’s important to me, how to support me, and my goals. Its purpose is to help an individual communicate their needs at home, work, school, and in the community.

“My one-pager helps take things into more perspective and they learn more about you,” Sharma said. “That’s why I think the purpose of this is to share with who you interact with in daily life, even if it’s just your family members or your co-workers.”

WCBDD staff host Escape Room and independent living session

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator Susan Meyer designed the Hut Hop Escape Room aimed at “unlocking skills for independent living.” Meyer planned this event as a member of the Vibe Tribe Engagement Committee.

The escape room experience encouraged participants to work as a team to help a fictional character living with a disability named Sandy with a busy day at her new home, including going to the park, grocery store, bank, and pharmacy. The goal of the activity was to build essential skills for independent living, supported decision-making, teamwork, and self-determination.

As an escape room enthusiast, Meyer developed the Escape Room game to create a fun, inclusive experience that allows people of all abilities to develop new independent living skills. Participants worked together to solve puzzles that allowed the fictional character Sandy to navigate living on her own.

Meyer and SSA Manager Kellie Hampton guided participants in the correct direction throughout the session and Clearwater Council of Governments assisted with manning each station of the Escape Room.

Advocate Kelley Castle, who attended the escape room experience, said she enjoyed the variety of puzzles, which reminded her of a forensics investigation game. She said she has struggled with working with a team in the past and typically prefers to work independently. However, she said the activity helped her to work as a team and ensured everyone in her group participated.

Castle attended the session independently and was paired with a group to complete the experience. She expressed that she would like to try the escape room again with her fellow advocates when the group returns home to Warren County.

Meyer hopes to host the Escape Room again at the 2026 Synergy event.

On the third and last day of the conference, the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Residential Options Coordinator Lori Carr joined Meyer and Hampton to present a session titled “Pathways to Independence: Navigating Life Skills, Housing, and Financial Planning.” The session aimed to equip individuals with the tools needed to successfully navigate the journey to independent living, including budgeting, managing daily tasks, accessing support systems, housing options, and financial planning strategies.

Meyer, who manages the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Smart Technology Studio, also highlighted the tools inside the studio, where other similar Ohio resources are located, and the role of assistive technology in enhancing independence and improving accessibility.

Michael shares AI music

Advocate Michael Yeamans, the newest member of the Ohio Tech Ambassadors, set up a booth to share the power of artificial intelligence. Yeamans created a variety of music with AI and shared his creations with Synergy attendees, representing the ways in which AI can be utilized in daily life.

Luke and Jacob recognized with awards

Two advocates from Warren County were surprised to win two of the five Synergy Awards, presented by Sharon Travis of Southwestern Ohio Council of Governments, highlighting the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ impact at the conference.

Advocate Luke Marshall was awarded with the Ultimate Teammate Award for his advocacy work as the president of the Voices Speaking Out.

“He ensures that everyone's voice is heard at Voices Speaking Out meetings and does a great job at leading in a productive direction. He is always the most positive person in the room, radiating positive energy to others around him,” Travis said. “If not working, he attends events and is a great team player. He encourages collaboration and is always willing to learn and grow.”

This is not the first time Marshall has been recognized for his teamwork and leadership skills- he was also awarded the Team Player Award at the first annual Open House Award Ceremony on March 11, 2025, and the Rachel Rice Advocacy Award in 2023.

Advocate Jacob Smith was awarded with the Achievement Award for his work through the Voices Speaking Out and his YouTube channel @CookFromJacob , which is dedicated to making unique dishes, sharing recipes, and traveling.

“He is captivating, educational, and has a funny side,” Travis said. “Jacob uses his platform to help change perceptions of autism and to advocate for himself and others.”

In one video dedicated to disability awareness, Smith said, “In today's society, we are proud to be accepted and treated equally, and not segregated or hidden. We focus on common interests, characteristics, and personality, not disability. Ableism will not be tolerated.”

Warren County advocates who attended Synergy ranged from first-timers to people who have attended several Synergy conferences. Regardless of experience, everyone was excited for three days of education, independence, and fun.

Despite only having 11 advocates at the event, attendees could see the neon-green Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities advocacy shirts dotted across the conference. Advocates spoke up during sessions to share their experiences, networked, made new friends, and made full use of the Synergy experience.

Outside of sessions, participants enjoyed social activities, a dance party, and Ohio’s largest indoor waterpark. The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to support the Synergy conference and its mission to encourage collaboration, innovation, and positive change.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities will return to Synergy in 2026.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

WCBDD creates community and farm memories at 2025 Family Fun Day

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 08:30:03 GMT

Date: November 28, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Claire Bishop, Community Relations Coordinator, (513) 335-1026

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Springboro, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted its annual Family Fun Day event at the Miracle League Field in Springboro on September 20, 2025. People from across the county enjoyed free food, Special Neat Treats ice cream, games, inflatables, karaoke, and of course, the opening day for the Miracle League of Greater Dayton.

The Miracle League of Greater Dayton’s goal is to offer endless opportunities to individuals of all ages and abilities to learn to play the game of baseball on its adaptive field. Each game, local volunteers partner up with an individual with a disability to assist them as they learn and play alongside them. This year, the Springboro High School baseball team played the opening game.

Upon arrival, Monster Beatz DJ’s music echoed throughout the park as guests visited local businesses' informational booths and activities. The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator Susan Meyer created a display to represent the tools inside the Smart Technology Studio. A girl scout troop attended to make bracelets with attendees and share information about their inclusive group. REM Ohio set up a table to share information about their housing services and day programs. Talbert House had a booth aimed to share more about their mental health and substance abuse services, while also creating a fun environment with different games for attendees.

Guests made song requests, sang karaoke, and had an epic dance party lasting the entire event. The song of the day was Frozen’s “Let it Go,” as it was requested several times.

This years’ Family Fun Day theme was “Fall on the Farm.” Operations director, Dave Siebert, affectionately known as “Farmer Dave,” was in attendance and gave rides on his tractor around the parking lot. Other activities included, “Feed the Pig,” a cow milking game, an egg hunt, and a dunk tank known as “Dunk-A-Doodle-Doo.” Sheriff Barry Riley made an appearance and dunked one of the volunteer “dunkees,” Advocate Aaron Bowman. Pet Pals brought rabbits for attendees to pet and hold if they needed a break from the noise and excitement of the day.

Each year, Family Fun Day seems to grow in its outreach and the volume of attendees. This event would not be possible without the help of the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities' employees, as well as Officer Brock and his crew who volunteered in the kitchen this year. This inclusive, free event is always a huge hit. We are already looking forward to next year!

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Claire Bishop at claire.bishop@warrencountydd.org or (513) 335-1026.

Life is Sweet as a DSP - WCBDD Hosts DSP Appreciation Dinner

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:30:00 GMT

Date: November 21, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Claire Bishop, Community Relations Coordinator, (513) 335-1026

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted the DSP (Direct Support Professional) Appreciation Dinner on September 10, 2025, to honor these hardworking individuals for what they have done for the community that we serve.

Lindsay Graves, a Provider Development Coordinator at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities, put together a lovely evening to celebrate the Warren County DSPs for the seventh year in a row. Graves said, “What I love most about celebrating them during appreciation week is the chance to shine a spotlight on the heart of this industry of supporting individuals. It really is a moment to say, ‘We see you. We value you.’”

The theme of the dinner was “Life is sweet as a DSP.” Upon walking in, DSPs from across Warren County were greeted by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities employees. They were handed t-shirts and given the opportunity to enter into a raffle for candy and gift cards. Graves joked, “I am trying to give you all a stomach ache” to which everyone laughed, as there were so many different candy options for people to take home. The DSPs enjoyed the candy bar, so much so that it was in need of a restock before the night was over!

One of the most touching portions of the evening was the playing of a compilation video of individuals sharing their thoughts and their favorite memories with their DSPs. Months prior to the dinner, Graves and Angela Mason drove to different day programs in the area to interview individuals. At these interviews, they shared their favorite memories and different milestones they have achieved with the help of their DSP.

Graves shared, “One thing I’ve learned from working with DSPs is how important their work really is. These are the people who show up every day, often behind the scenes, making things run smoothly with dedication, resilience, and care…Celebrating them is more than just recognition—it’s a way to honor the human connection and the impact they make on a daily basis.”

Being a DSP may not always be easy, but the success stories, no matter how big or small they may be, are why they do what they do. Life truly is sweet as a DSP.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Claire Bishop at claire.bishop@warrencountydd.org or (513) 335-1026.

WCBDD hosts Things That Go! and 2nd annual Assistive Technology Fair

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:30:00 GMT

Date: November 14, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 2025 Things That Go! event had something for everyone, with a wide variety of vehicles, interactive activities, animals, information booths, and more.

Over one dozen local businesses and organizations brought their vehicles to the event to show people who receive services from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities how each vehicle operates. Vehicles in attendance included a police vehicle, an ice cream truck, a fire truck, a school bus, a Volkswagen Beetle, the Lil’ Bloom Flower Truck, the Cincinnati Reds Mobile, a recumbent bike, adaptive hiking equipment from Luke5Adventures, and much more.

New Operations Director Dave Siebert, lovingly known as “Farmer Dave,” gave rides to visitors in two of his tractors. Prepared with an Oliver tractor shirt and wide brimmed hat, Siebert drove his tractor in circles around the parking lot. Everyone, including Siebert and his two passengers, were smiling ear to ear.

Although Things That Go! is all about local vehicles, it's also a celebration of everything that moves, which includes some four-legged friends, too.

The Therapeutic Riding Institute brought miniature horses, Buckeye Search and Rescue brought their search dogs, and PetPALS brought a variety of rabbits. All organizations instructed children on how to gently pet the animals.

The Lebanon Public Library brought Safety Town where children had the chance to bike around a miniature city designed just for them. Complete with stop signs and crosswalks, the setup gave kids a hands-on way to practice using safety signals, following traffic rules, and sharing the road.

Concurrently, the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities successfully hosted its second annual technology fair and showcase, highlighting the latest tools that promote independence, safety, and communication for individuals with developmental disabilities.

This event featured a wide variety of technology provided by remote support and assistive technology vendors. Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Remote Support and Assistive Technology Coordinator Susan Meyer welcomed guests into the SMART Studio for tours, demonstrations, and resources about available technology.

Community partners enriched the showcase with interactive stations. Warren County DD Early Intervention and Behavior Supports divisions shared communication options and visual supports for families. Attendees explored switch-adapted toys at the EasterSeals Redwood table, learned about the MedReady Medication Dispenser with staff from TruCare Provider Supports, and discovered the many features of AngelSense, a safety device for parents and caregivers.

"This event brings together families, providers, and technology experts to explore real solutions that support independence," Meyer said. "We are proud to provide a space where the community can see, touch, and try technology that make a difference in daily life."

The Technology Fair and Showcase is part of Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities' ongoing efforts to connect individuals and families with innovative tools that encourage independence and inclusion.

Our next Things That Go! event will be hosted on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon. Our rain date will be the following weekend, Saturday, May 9, 2026. Please contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445 if you would like to bring a vehicle or set up a booth at this event.

WCBDD brings inclusive safety education to adults with disabilities

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 16:32:49 GMT

Date: November 4, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) – When it comes to safety education, people with disabilities are often left out- a gap the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities is working to close.

The need for programming is clear. A 2025 study published in EClinicalMedicine stated that violence victimization occurs more frequently for children with disabilities, with global estimates suggesting children with disabilities are twice as likely to experience violence than their non-disabled peers.

However, the same 2025 study found that most school-based violence prevention programs are not designed with students with disabilities in mind, with many failing to include accessible components or data on effectiveness for this population.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted its third annual Safety Night on July 29, 2025, to fill this education gap. The event was hosted for individuals aged 18 years and older who receive services from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities to learn about personal safety and well-being, including internet safety, creating healthy relationships, medication use and misuse, the dangers of smoking and vaping, and how to interact with police officers.

“If anything looks suspicious or scary, ask for help.”

Safe on Main is a local organization that provides comprehensive services to domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking survivors, including crisis shelter, court advocacy, therapy, and support groups.

Roy Lutz, Education and Outreach Manager of Safe on Main, was a crowd-favorite presenter who discussed a variety of topics related to internet use, personal boundaries, and healthy relationships, including:

Understanding the difference between online predators and bullies.
Recognizing the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence, including its misuse by scammers.
Practicing appropriate social media etiquette.
Respecting consent and personal boundaries.
Building and maintaining healthy relationships with yourself and others.
Supporting and managing your mental health.

Lutz used familiar examples from Disney movies to illustrate safety topics, including using Carl Fredricksen’s house in “Up” surrounded by construction to represent personal boundaries.

“Our focus is to create violence-free communities, and that doesn’t happen without changing and affecting relationships,” Lutz said. “This is a population that I think is underserved in regards to education around healthy relationships, and that’s how I think we solve these issues of violence.”

This is Safe on Main’s third Safety Night presentation at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and Lutz said his favorite part is seeing familiar faces and forming relationships with individuals served by the agency.

“We are here to be your friend, and I am here to help you, even though I may sound scary.”

Officer Aaron Morgan from the Springboro Police Department was a newcomer to Safety Night and offered advice on how to interact with police officers. Presenting in uniform, Morgan explained to the audience that police officers sometimes need to adopt an intimidating demeanor to command respect and maintain control in tense situations.

Morgan, who is a friendly and approachable woman, demonstrated how her behavior shifts when faced with danger. First, she thoughtfully prepared the crowd for what she was going to present. Then, Morgan confidently switched to her authoritative “police voice” and intimidating body language. She explained that although she may seem scary, she’s there to help the community.

Morgan further explained:

What police officers can assist with.
How to respond if you see a police officer in public.
What not to do if you see a police officer with a tool in their hands.
What to do and say when calling 911.
What to do if your car is pulled over.

Community Employment Coordinator Cheri Cummings, who organized Safety Night, created a station for event participants to create a Safety Card, a customized card with their emergency contact information and information about their disability that would assist emergency responders in the event they might need to interact with the person.

For example, Morgan explained that police officers monitor someone's behavior during a traffic stop, including watching for eye contact to determine a person's level of awareness. However, avoiding eye contact is a common characteristic for people on the autism spectrum. Therefore, some people may choose to inform the police officer of their disability to avoid miscommunication.

The Safety Card is the size of a credit card and is designed to fit behind an individual's driver’s license in their wallet. It is intended to be presented to a police officer during a traffic stop to help explain the actions of a person with a disability.

Not all substances are created equal.

Amy Johnson of Talbert House Prevention Services gave a visual presentation of substance abuse that included real alcohol containers to demonstrate how different beverages contain varying levels of alcohol, and why that matters.

Johnson emphasized the importance of carefully reading product labels by showing a package of THC-infused gummies. While the package contained 10 gummies, the label indicated that a single dose was only a portion of one gummy—not the entire piece. This example highlighted how misunderstanding dosing instructions can lead to unintentional overconsumption, reinforcing the need for reading package labels.

Johnson also touched on smoking and vaping, including the substances that can harm you in vapes beyond tobacco.

“When it comes to medication, sharing isn’t caring.”

Devvastated was founded after a loved one passed away due to fentanyl poisoning. The organization aims to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and other illicit drugs.

Vikki Stickelman of Devvastated led an engaging presentation about medication use and misuse. She discussed not sharing medications, the dangers of fake pills, and how to properly dispose of medication.

Take the wheel, and take it seriously.

Warren County Safe Communities is an organization dedicated to reducing traffic-related injuries and death. Ann Brock of Warren County Safe Communities presented on the importance of proper driver training and responsible behavior behind the wheel. To demonstrate the dangers of impaired driving in an interactive way, Brock brought drunk goggles that gave attendees a firsthand experience of how alcohol can affect vision and coordination.

After the presentations, participants visited each organization's booth for additional information. Participants visited safety stations to learn more about each topic that was presented, including a table set up by the Warren County Health Department.

Safety Night will be hosted again next year.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Pete Mason retires from WCBDD after 24 years

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 08:30:00 GMT

Date: July 1, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) - Operations Director Pete Mason has retired from The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) after over 24 years of employment, leaving a lasting legacy as a quiet force for meaningful change at the agency.

Mason is a success story in Warren County, starting on the maintenance team and working his way up to become the Operations Director. Over the last two decades, Mason has helped the agency improve its building maintenance, IT, and beyond.

“Being able to help people, and to be able to support them in what they want to do- because it's so diverse, so many different opportunities to be creative, to be relevant- all of that is really gratifying at the end of the day,” Mason said. “And then to actually get a paycheck for all that?”

When he first started at WCBDD, Mason would describe the agency as “smaller and more crowded.” As both an observer of progress and an active force behind it, Mason has grown with the agency as it has served more people and secured more buildings. At the start of Mason’s maintenance career, the agency supported operations in around 12 buildings. Today, through programs like CHAP, that number has grown to over 90 properties.

Maintenance Supervisor Keith Gabbard Sr., who has known Mason for 50 years, credits Mason for the excellent condition of WCBDD office buildings due to his perfectionism and leadership skills.

Community Resources Director Carol Heil has worked closely with Mason through The Community Housing Assistance Program (CHAP), a nonprofit agency that contracts with WCBDD to maintain local properties for individuals with disabilities served by WCBDD. There are 88 CHAP homes in Warren County, including single-family homes, apartment complexes, duplexes, and condominiums. Mason and his team performed maintenance on each CHAP home.

Heil said she appreciates Mason’s broad maintenance knowledge and how generously he shares it, laughing that after a conversation with Mason, “you have now learned something that you'll know forever that you never thought you needed to know.”

The rest of the maintenance team echoes Heil’s sentiment, each with stories of Mason’s vast knowledge and generous mentorship. Maintenance Specialist Mike Virelli has known Mason for over 25 years and laughed that Mason must “dumb down” what he’s teaching to a third-grade level.

Maintenance Specialist Brad Bower agrees, stating that Mason has been the expert at all things having to do with HVAC, electrical work, plumbing, and more. Bower said Mason is “not afraid to teach anybody.” Beyond his professional expertise, Bower said Mason is also a great person to work with and is supportive of his team when someone is going through a hard time.

Maintenance Specialist Robert Abbott, who has known Mason for 24 years, compares working with Mason to working with a mechanical engineer. Abbott said Mason works well under pressure and is a great director, always praising his team for a job well done.

Virelli said Mason made it easy to come into work and considers him as a second father.

Anyone who has worked at WCBDD knows the unique bond shared by the maintenance team. At the annual agency in-service event, you’ll find them on the balcony laughing together, sharing inside jokes, and bringing their own refreshments.

Mason said one of his proudest accomplishments was hiring the entire maintenance team and supporting their continued growth and success. Gabbard said he will be deeply missed by the maintenance division.

Heil said Mason’s most impressive contribution to WCBDD was his preventative maintenance plan that emphasized the importance of replacing things before they fail. For example, Heil said he would keep a detailed account of each CHAP home's upkeep plan and would ensure each roof or furnace would be replaced well before it would break.

Beyond his technical expertise, Mason has also built strong personal connections with colleagues across WCBDD.

WCBDD Superintendent Megan Manuel said Mason was one of her first meaningful connections after moving to Warren County. That bond has endured for more than 20 years, with the two working closely together and sharing adjacent offices. Manuel described Mason as her trusted advisor and the first person she turns to for guidance or to bounce ideas off.

Manuel said Mason is a visionary who is talented at envisioning plans. She said he has remodeled and improved every building multiple times over the last 24 years. She said one of his most valuable projects was transforming the WCBDD IT system to make it more accessible, inclusive, and secure.

“I think his legacy will be felt in ways people won’t even know,” Manuel said. “There are things that are because of Pete that we take for granted, but it’s there because of his great ability to prioritize both the financial aspects of things and the people we serve.”

Mason is the third WCBDD employee to retire this year after dedicating over two decades to the agency, marking the agency’s third retirement party of 2025. Emotions filled the room during Mason’s retirement celebration on May 29, 2025 as friends and co-workers came together to share personal stories about Pete’s kindness, dedication, and unwavering support.

While many of Mason’s co-workers use the same words to describe his sense of humor, kindness, intelligence, and maintenance expertise, everyone has their own story that shows just how much he has touched their lives.

Heil explained how she called on Mason to capture a 3-foot snake that snuck into her office, then forced him to search the room for snake babies before he could get back to work.

Human Resources and Community Relations Director Bill Caplinger said Mason once received an emergency call from a family served by WCBDD to take care of a cat, since it was residing in a CHAP home and Mason had the keys.

One story that came up again and again was his willingness to help fellow employees fix things in their own homes, generously sharing his maintenance knowledge far and wide. These stories and more show Mason’s willingness to go above and beyond obligation.

Although many have joked that Mason is not ready for retirement, he said he is looking forward to spending time with family and friends. Through every building he remodeled, every system he improved, and every colleague he supported, Pete Mason has helped build not just an agency, but a community. He will be dearly missed by everyone at WCBDD, but his legacy of thoughtful leadership will continue to shape the agency for years to come.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

WCBDD fundraising to send people to Kings Island for free

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 19:07:55 GMT

Date: June 25, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) is fundraising to provide free tickets to Kings Island to individuals with developmental disabilities on August 10, 2025.

The fundraiser will help cover the cost of admission and parking for up to 100 individuals served by WCBDD, ensuring they have access to an inclusive and memorable experience at one of Ohio’s top amusement parks. Events like these promote community integration and connection.

To raise funds, WCBDD is hosting a series of events including a community car wash on Saturday, June 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Warren C. Young Center, located at 801 Drake Road in Lebanon, Ohio. All proceeds of the “Pay-What-You-Can” WCBDD car wash will go toward covering the cost of Kings Island tickets for eligible individuals.

The car wash will follow WCBDD’s first Jeep Show fundraiser , hosted on May 3, 2025, by WCBDD Maintenance Specialist Robert Abbott, which welcomed 35 Jeeps, local businesses, food trucks, and community members. The event raised about $2,000.

“The car show was a new approach to raise the money for the tickets for the individuals… I put the day at Kings Island together last year because I felt that some of the individuals we serve, that don’t have a pass to Kings Island, would enjoy a fun day out,” Abbott said. “For me it is the smiles on the individuals faces and the excitement of emotions that they had the day of the event at Kings Island.”

Over 40 individuals served by WCBDD attended the free Kings Island event last year.

Interested in donating to the event?

Donations can be made via Venmo to Human Resources & Community Relations Director Bill Caplinger at @BCaplinger16.

To sponsor an individual’s trip to Kings Island, please contact:

Robert Abbott at robert.abbott@warrencountydd.org
Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org
Claire Bishop at claire.bishop@warrencountydd.org
Bill Caplinger at william.caplinger@warrencountydd.org

Interested in attending the Kings Island event?

If you are an individual served by WCBDD and do not have a season pass to Kings Island, please complete this survey to request a free Kings Island ticket.

Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are responsible for providing their own transportation and supervision at the park. Tickets are only valid on Sunday, August 10, 2025.

Family members, providers or WCBDD staff members who want to attend can purchase tickets for $44 with parking included. For more information or to buy tickets, contact:

Robert Abbott at robert.abbott@warrencountydd.org
Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org
Claire Bishop at claire.bishop@warrencountydd.org
Bill Caplinger at william.caplinger@warrencountydd.org

Children under the age of 3 do not need a park ticket for entry.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Congrats to all WCBDD graduates!

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 16:06:14 GMT

Date: June 3, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) – The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities is excited to congratulate some of our 2025 graduates who will be moving on to higher education or employment.

Jacob Carter is graduating from Project SEARCH at the Warren County Career Center. He looks forward to starting a full- or part-time job.

Noah Edington is graduating from Springboro High School and will be attending the University of Cincinnati. He is looking forward to making new friends in college.

Collin Hacker is finishing his time in the Transition Living Classroom. He is looking forward to attending new day programs, making new friends, and learning new skills.

Ryan Johnson is graduating from Springboro High School. He is looking forward to starting Project SEARCH and continuing to work at Kings Island.

Zachary Lillard is graduating from Franklin High School and is excited to start learning in a Transition Living Classroom.

Congratulations to all 2025 graduates!

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

WCBDD hosts Jeep Show fundraiser

claire.bishop@warrencountydd.org (Claire Bishop) — Mon, 19 May 2025 16:29:55 GMT

Date: May 19, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Claire Bishop, Community Relations Coordinator, (513) 335-1026

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) – Attendees of The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) first annual Jeep Show voted on their favorite jeeps, explored local vendors, and braved the rain, all while raising money for people served by WCBDD to attend Kings Island for free.

On May 3, 2025, WCBDD Maintenance Specialist Robert Abbott hosted the Jeep Show to raise funds for the annual WCBDD Kings Island Day . This event allows individuals with disabilities to attend Kings Island for free on August 10, 2025.

Despite the rain, the Jeep Lifestyle Group had 35 Jeeps to showcase in the parking lot for people to vote on their favorite Jeeps. Attendees strolled the lot with their umbrellas and raincoats while admiring the theme of each individual Jeep. Some favorites included Bengals, Beetlejuice, and a Jeep in honor of fallen servicemen.

Local businesses put together baskets and gift cards that attendees could bid on, while showing off their products and services inside the WCYC gym. Vendor booths included TD Custom Prints, Love Your Stripes Treasures, Slingin Dough, and Shells Treasure Chest LLC. Steak it Easy food truck provided food options to participants.

The Jeep Show raised about $2,000.

Last year, over 40 individuals receiving WCBDD services visited Kings Island for free. Abbott also offered discounted tickets to family members, providers, the Jeep Lifestyle Group, and WCBDD staff members.

Abbott is continuing to fundraise for the free Kings Island Day. If you are looking to make a donation to sponsor an individual’s admission, contact Robert Abbott at robert.abbott@warrencountydd.org or (513) 581-0455.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445 or Community Relations Coordinator Claire Bishop at claire.bishop@warrencountydd.org or (513)335-1026.

Gwen McIntire celebrates her retirement from WCBDD

claire.bishop@warrencountydd.org (Claire Bishop) — Fri, 16 May 2025 17:27:00 GMT

Date: May 16, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Claire Bishop, Community Relations Coordinator, (513) 335-1026

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) – Gwen McIntire has retired from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) after working as a community employment specialist and job coach for 28 years.

McIntire has become an iconic figure in the Community Connections division, inspiring both job coaches and individuals served by WCBDD to strive for excellence. She said individuals she worked with did not always appreciate her in the moment, but later in life they would often thank her for the independence they gained from her firm coaching.

In 2013, McIntire welcomed her daughter, Jill Rasnic, to the Community Connections division. Rasnic said she treasures the time she spent with her mom at WCBDD, stating that most people do not get to spend the same amount of time with their parents.

“I feel she is kind of a legend in this agency, and it was an honor to be trained by her in this field, and I truly feel like I was trained by the best,” Rasnic said. “I could not have asked for a better person to mold and shape me as a human being and in my career, and I hope to always make her proud.”

Rasnic laughed that working with her mom wasn’t free from challenges, stating “She is pretty sassy, you know!”

McIntire is affectionately known around the office for her tough love mentality. Jenna Sanders, a WCBDD job coach who worked with McIntire for 11 years, said “Gwen often frightened me with her demands of scheduling, yet over the years I grew to love her and truly cherish the knowledge she passed on to me, along with her friendship.”

Job Coach Peggy Davy said after working with McIntire for 13 years, she’s like her second mother.

“When I first started as a coach it was just me and Gwen. We spent every single day together and I learned so much from her,” Davy said. “Most of the time with Gwen was wonderful. Everything I know is because of her. We became very, very close, quickly, because of the time we spent together. She is a great friend, teacher, and mentor.”

On April 24, 2025, WCBDD put together a party to celebrate McIntire’s contributions to WCBDD. Around the office, McIntire is known as “The Queen” which was the basis of the theme for her party. Upon walking in, tables were full of various snacks, cupcakes, and napkins which stated, “The Queen is Retiring.”

Co-workers, friends, and family gathered to share memories and laughs. McIntire was overwhelmed from all the love and support in the room and was left with more gifts than she could carry.

Superintendent Megan Manuel gifted her a plaque to honor her time at WCBDD.

“Gwen McIntire has been an important fixture at WCBDD for almost three decades. She has coached many students, and she has been influential in their successes and accomplishments. She has been a leader among her peers, and we have all been fortunate to learn from her,” Manuel said. “She will be greatly missed at WCBDD.”

WCBDD also celebrated McIntire’s service at the annual WCBDD In-Service event on October 23, 2024. Manuel awarded McIntire with the Dave Farmer Award for her unwavering commitment to helping students with developmental disabilities thrive at their jobs. Manuel said she has likely earned WCBDD more future levy votes than anyone else through her advocacy efforts and has encouraged many businesses to hire people with developmental disabilities.

McIntire said she is very thankful for all the county has done for her over the years and is most upset about having to say goodbye. In her retirement, McIntire plans to focus on her health and spend time with family. McIntire left us with a parting thought: “Warren County does it best.”

Safety Night to return in July

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Fri, 16 May 2025 08:30:00 GMT

Date: May 16, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) – The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) will host its third annual Safety Night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29. The event is hosted for individuals aged 18 years and older who receive services from WCBDD to learn about topics regarding person safety and well-being, including:

● Internet safety, including online gambling, in-app purchases, and stranger danger.

● Relationship safety and consent.

● Medication use and misuse.

● High-risk alcohol use.

● Dangers of smoking, vaping, and marijuana use.

● Interacting with law enforcement.

WCBDD will host Safety Night with the help of local organizations, including:

● Safe on Main, a local organization that provides comprehensive services to domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking survivors, including crisis shelter, court advocacy, therapy, and support groups.

● The Talbert House, a Cincinnati-based organization that provides a range of services aimed at improving mental health and preventing substance abuse.

● Warren County Health Department, which aims to protect the environment and health of all county residents, in part through health education initiatives.

● Warren County Safe Communities, an organization dedicated to reducing traffic related injuries and death.

● Devvastated, which brings awareness to Fentanyl poisoning.

● The Springboro Police Department, which will feature an officer who will present best practices for interacting with law enforcement.

Safety Night is facilitated by Community Employment Coordinator Cheri Cummings.

" As we encourage people to achieve what is important to them and to live their life as independently as possible, it is important to emphasize safety,” Cummings said. “Safety Night is a wonderful opportunity for our individuals to connect with community resources and to learn more about things they may encounter in life as an adult."

The event will include free dinner and giveaway prizes. After the presentations, participants can visit safety stations to explore each topic in more detail.

Please RSVP to Community Connections Administrative Assistant Amy Hiday by Friday, July 25 at (937) 543-2075 or amy.hiday@warrencountydd.org.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Brodi Conover joins WCBDD Board

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Thu, 01 May 2025 19:53:42 GMT

Date: May 1, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) – The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) is proud to welcome Attorney Brodi Conover, 36, as its newest board member.

Conover is taking Barry Riley’s position on the board after Riley was elected Warren County Sheriff. Although Riley will be deeply missed, he will remain an avid supporter of WCBDD.

As a partner at the Bricker Graydon law firm, Conover is looking forward to providing his legal and community expertise to the board. He was first connected with the mission of WCBDD in 2022 during a Leadership Warren County tour of the Warren C. Young Center, where he also began working with WCBDD Superintendent Megan Manuel.

He has been a member of the United Way Board for eight years, serving the prior three years as board president. He said WCBDD and United Way share a similar goal of helping people succeed in Warren County.

Conover also serves on the Ohio Humanities Council, having been appointed by Governor Mike DeWine, is a member of the Commission on the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center, appointed by Justice Patrick DeWine, and is on the board of the Warren County Imagination Library.

He served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Ohio where he represented the state and the state’s elected officials in complex litigation. While at the Attorney General’s Office, he was a member of the Public Records Unit, where he helped to draft the annual Ohio Sunshine Laws Manual, advised state agencies on Ohio’s Public Records Act and Open Meetings Act, and trained Ohio’s elected officials, lawyers, and the public.

He holds a law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and a Bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University.

He is a Warren County-native who graduated from Lebanon High School and attends Liberty Heights Church. He shares three children with his wife, Andrea, who is a teacher at Barry Elementary. Conover said he is eager to give back to the community where he was raised.

“I grew up here, my family’s from here. And this is just an important place to me,” Conover said. “I just want to try and make it as great a community as I can.”

Manuel said Conover will be a perfect fit to guide the board on best practices in ethics, funding, and public board operations.

“Brodi is an excellent addition to our board. His professional expertise, community involvement and lifelong experience of living in Warren County will provide our organization and our board with great perspective and knowledge,” Manuel said. “I look forward to working with Brodi for many years!”

About the Board

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities is governed by a seven member board of volunteers. Five Board members are appointed by the Warren County Commissioners, and two are appointed by the county’s Probate Court Judge. Board members’ terms are for four years, and members may serve no more than three consecutive terms.

All board meetings are open to the public and most take place at 6 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month at 42 Kings Way in Lebanon. Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the next meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on May 19, 2025.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Carolyn Bogenschutz retires from WCBDD

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 20:58:45 GMT

Date: April 28, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) – After almost 20 years of working at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD), Records and Monitoring Specialist Carolyn Bogenschutz has started her hard-earned retirement.

Bogenschutz spent 30 years of her career working in retail administration. A career change in 2005 led Bogenschutz to WCBDD, working in a field completely new to her. Her career at the agency was built on helping those around her and working beyond her job requirements to make a meaningful contribution to the agency.

In her early years at the agency, Bogenschutz worked as a receptionist and spent many hours waiting for the phone to ring, she laughed. While seeking out opportunities to learn more about the agency, she began “a bit of meddling in the Operations division.” Operations Director Pete Mason described Bogenschutz as quiet and organized when he first started working with her—traits he described as providing the “perfect balance” for the division’s needs.

“Over time, however, we were able to break through and get to know her and discovered what a great and fun person she was to work with,” Mason said. “She was a tremendous help in Operations, and we were sad when she went on to bigger and better things at the Agency, but glad that other Divisions got to work with her as well.”

A few years later, Bogenschutz earned a new role as the Early Intervention (EI) Secretary. She once again underwent an incredibly intense learning experience, meeting many families served by WCBDD and learning the art of record-keeping.

Although Bogenschutz worked in the EI division, she made a significant impact across the agency by consistently going above and beyond her job duties. She worked alongside her colleagues to develop agency events, such as Breakfast with Santa (now known as Jinglebell Rock Out), Things That Go!, the Egg Hunt, and the Fall Festival. Known for her positive demeanor and willingness to help, Carolyn was always the first to offer support to those in need—even pruning the rose bushes at the Milo H. Banta Center.

“During my time with WCBDD, I truly believe that everyone brings something to the table in what they contribute to make this a great agency and how they help to empower the individuals we are fortunate to serve,” Bogenschutz said.

She transitioned to her position as a records and monitoring specialist in 2022. She described the job as a system of checks and balances where she recorded, reviewed, and resolved information entered into Brittco for accuracy.

Early Childhood Manager Kelly Brooks has worked with Bogenschutz for 14 years. Brooks said Bogenschutz assisted her greatly in records monitoring and compliance.

“She is awesome at her job because she has a great work ethic, follows through, and looks for potential ways we can continue to improve. We have developed a great system for working together and getting so many things done throughout the years,” Brooks said. “She is always willing to go above and beyond. Carolyn always has a listening ear and helpful hand for everyone.”

In addition to her role changes within the agency, she has witnessed numerous transformations, including moves to different office locations, the separation of WCBDD from Production Services Unlimited (PSU), the agency’s name change in 2009, and significant improvements in the resources and services provided.

“[Working here] made me more appreciative of services that are available. I grew up in a different era, back when it was different and school systems were different,” Bogenschutz said. “How far the agency has come…That's one of the most humbling experiences.”

She has seen many coworkers come and go over the years, while just as many have stayed, allowing her to develop lasting relationships and watch co-workers grow into their roles at WCBDD.

Each year, the annual WCBDD In-Service event celebrates staff members who have made a significant contribution to the agency. On Oct. 23, 2024, Bogenschutz was awarded the Superintendent award. Superintendent Megan Manuel said Bogenschutz deserved the award for being the “go-to person who people can always trust to come through for them.”

“She is always willing to assist anyone who needs it, no matter the task and no matter when you need it. She has moved around to a couple of different divisions while working here, and she devotes her time and attention to assist that division in accomplishing whatever they need. She takes the lead on tasks that need a leader, she trains others on how to do tasks, and she jumps in to help when someone needs help,” Manuel said. “She is an asset to our agency, the Early Intervention program, and she will be missed when she retires.”

After she was awarded, the crowd of co-workers whooped and cheered. Everyone was in agreement that no one deserves the honor more than Bogenschutz. She accepted the award with a hug from Manuel and Human Resources Director Bill Caplinger—the trio among the many at WCBDD who have known each other for over 20 years.

In her retirement, Bogenschutz plans to spend time with her husband of 40 years, travel, and learn a new routine. She will be deeply missed by the agency and by families served by WCBDD.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

11 people awarded at first annual Open House Award Ceremony

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 20:58:41 GMT

Date: April 7, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) – The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) hosted its first annual Open House Award Ceremony on March 11, 2025, to celebrate the achievements of local people with disabilities who receive services from WCBDD.

The ceremony, which took place during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, served as a meaningful occasion to honor the dedication, resilience, and accomplishments of Warren County residents. Award recipients were anonymously nominated for awards that highlighted personal growth and community building.

The Goal Crusher Award honors a candidate receiving Early Intervention services who has demonstrated immense progress in achieving a goal towards development. Levi Schwab Jr. was presented this award for his incredible resilience, determination, and growth.

Schwab was particularly popular at the award ceremony, with three women wanting to present the award to the 2 year old: Occupational Therapist Beth Roberts, Developmental Specialist Krissi Gale, and Warren County Educational Service Center Service Coordinator Andrea Bullman.

Born prematurely at just 24 weeks and weighing only 1 lb 10 oz, Schwab faced significant medical hurdles, including surgeries and the need for a G-tube for nutrition. Despite these early setbacks, he has made remarkable progress, now eating independently, walking, running, and forming sentences. With the unwavering love and support of his family, Schwab has exceeded expectations and continues to thrive, embodying the true spirit of perseverance and growth.

The Schwab family proudly accepted the award, with his older sisters filled with excitement to see their younger brother succeed.

The Jamie Miles Make It So Award honors a candidate who has used their self-determination and drive to achieve the things they deem most important. This award was particularly meaningful, as it was created in honor of Jamie Miles , a Warren County resident, individual served by WCBDD, and a Star Trek fan. Jamie passed away in 2022, leaving a legacy of compassion, confidence, and resilience.

Jamie’s mother, Glenda Miles, presented the award, hand on her heart, explaining the significance of the phrase “Make It So” to her son and herself.

“‘Make it So’ is self-determination,” Glenda said. “To have knowing, choices, and power. To feel seen and heard. To be validated, witnessed, and supported by affirming people and places that transform dreams into reality.”

The award was presented to Joseph Lamantia for his incredible strength in overcoming barriers. In the past, his social anxiety kept him from leaving the house. Today, Lamantia has a job, takes art classes, attends WCBDD events, and more.

In “Make It So” fashion, Lamantia accepted the award with a speech about overcoming anxiety, proving that he was truly deserving of the award.

The Technology Empowerment Award honors someone who has successfully enhanced their independence through use of assistive technology and remote supports. Anthony Hall was honored with this award for embracing assistive technology to live independently.

WCBDD Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator Kellie Hampton presented the award to Hall. She said that Hall has transformed his living space with smart home devices and safety tools to support his independence.

“Anthony Hall is the perfect embodiment of what this award stands for—leveraging technology to take control of his routine and create a safer, more independent living environment,” Hampton said. “With the incredible support of his family, Anthony has embraced assistive technology and remote support services that allow him to take charge of his day-to-day activities. He’s not just using technology; he’s actively exploring and engaging with it to find solutions that work for him.”

The Team Player Award honors a candidate who contributes positively to a group by demonstrating strengths in teamwork, collaboration, and support. Advocacy Coordinator Ellen Hudson presented the award to Luke Marshall for his work as president of the Voices Speaking Out (VSO) Self-Advocacy Group and Special Olympics.

“Luke teaches us that being the loudest person in the room doesn’t necessarily equate to being a good leader or being the most impactful. No, Luke leads by example and models the way for others to follow suit,” Hudson said. Marshall will be retiring as the president of VSO, but he plans to remain an active member of the group.

Marshall accepted the award by holding the trophy up for everyone to see. His fellow VSO members, along with the rest of the crowd, showed their support by clapping and cheering.

Community Employment Supervisor Christina Horton presented the Employment First Award to Rodney Smith.

“Employment First is a philosophy that presumes that all Ohioans, including people with significant disabilities, can and should have opportunities to work in the community,” Horton said. “We value diversity and want to make our workforce and community stronger by including and valuing all people.”

Rodney Smith was honored with this award because of his dedicated work at the Heritage Club and Mane.

The Community Builder Award honors someone who actively volunteers and engages with their community to promote visibility of people with developmental disabilities. Aaron Bowman was nominated and chosen for the award because of his work throughout the community, including working at the Coffee Caravan, being an active member of VSO, and raising $1,100 for the Special Olympics.

Bowman was the most nominated person for the award ceremony. Although Bowman was not present to accept the award, his fellow VSO members attended the award ceremony to show their support.

The Breaking Barriers Award was the only award to have two winners. Samuel Nauroth and David Darby were nominated together for the award for their courage in embracing independence and growth.

Behavioral Support Coordinator Adam Layton presented the award to the pair after working with them for over a year.

“As we approach the one-year mark since Sam and David moved into the community, it’s clear that they have made tremendous strides. The ongoing support of their families, residential providers, and teams has been crucial to their success,” Layton said. “It is with great pride that we celebrate how far they’ve come, and we look forward to all the continued growth and achievements in their future.”

The Ambassador of Kindness Award honors a candidate with a positive and joyful demeanor who demonstrates compassion and kindness towards others. Mitchell Knight was awarded based on his nomination, which read, “Mitchell's motto in life is Hakuna Matata. He is always happy and making others smile. Mitchell believes in kindness and seeks to make everyone have a good day. He is good at recognizing when others are having a hard time and tries his best to cheer them up. He is compassionate and caring towards everyone he interacts with. He has a great sense of humor and enjoys making people smile.”

The Independent Living Award was given to Maegan Ward for her many accomplishments toward reaching independence, including working full-time for 12 years, learning to drive, getting married, raising a child, and living independently.

Although Ward did not attend the ceremony, Service Coordinator Holly Boyd attended the award ceremony to share Ward’s story of striving for independence.

“Maegan has faced many challenges, and yet, through hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering spirit, she has blossomed into the kind-hearted, determined woman she is today,” Boyd said. “Maegan, you are a shining example of hard work, compassion, and perseverance.”

The Academic Achievement Award honors a candidate who has demonstrated notable academic achievement progress in an educational setting, completion of courses, or participation in special programs.

Matthew Schulz was honored with the award for his success at Wright State. He lives on campus independently, is part of the Astronomy Club, plays clarinet in the concert band, and completes courses with minimal supports. He was recently accepted into a PhD mathematics program at the University of Cincinnati.

The Open House Award Ceremony will return in 2026.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Stories of staying “Driven to Succeed” shared at WCBDD Open House

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 10:00:03 GMT

Date: April 1, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) – A Centerville man shared his story of using cars, family, and God to fuel his determination at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) Open Houses on March 11, 2025.

WCBDD hosts two Open Houses each March to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM.) Established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan, DDAM increases public awareness of the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities and provides the encouragement and opportunities needed for them to lead productive lives to achieve their full potential.

WCBDD Superintendent Megan Manuel emceed the event and emphasized the importance of observing DDAM to foster “understanding, compassion, and advocacy.”

“It is essential to remember that behind each person is a story. A story filled with dreams, challenges, and incredible resilience,” Manuel said. “By sharing these stories, we break down barriers and foster a deeper appreciation for the diverse talents and perspectives that individuals with developmental disabilities bring to our community."

The event’s theme was “Driven to Succeed” and featured driving-themed decorations throughout the auditorium. The theme was inspired by the keynote speaker, Ross Kester , who finds inspiration from many aspects of his life, particularly his love for vehicles.

Kester has appreciated vehicles since he was child. He draws inspiration from cars in physical therapy by imagining himself pushing down on the gas or brake pedal while doing ankle stretches or picturing himself climbing into a vehicle while doing step exercises. While he draws inspiration for his workout routine from cars, he also incorporates "Reward Days." Every 20 days, if he stays consistent with his workouts, he rewards himself with a car-related outing.

With the support of his provider, Claire LaJoye, the pair presented Kester’s story in a Q&A format. Kester brought many objects to represent his passions, including his Bible, a basketball signed by Karl Malone, a bus grill given to him from Cardinal Buses, and a variety of vehicle-related shirts.

After presenting, Kester invited the audience to meet him and give him a fistbump.

Warren County Commissioner Shannon Jones presented a proclamation recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month during the afternoon session, while Warren County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Joseph Kirby presented the proclamation at the evening session.

Prior to presenting the proclamation, Kirby shared his experience with hiring people with disabilities at the courthouse, thanks, in part, to the recommendation of Manuel. Kirby said beyond the work these individuals contribute, they also provide an incredible amount of enthusiasm and positivity that the courthouse may otherwise lack.

“I think what we ought to do is kind of shift our mindset, instead of the disabilities of an individual, why don't we look at the abilities of the individual, see what they're able to do, see how they're able to plug into collaboration, and along with that, we understand what their boundaries are,” Kirby said. “We want to try and highlight their accomplishments, and we want to encourage other people, not just on our campus, but other organizations, to follow our lead, because it's been such a tremendous experience for us.”

The Open House sessions also included information about the WCBDD driving program. WCBDD partners with Capabilities Inc., to assist individuals with developmental disabilities with obtaining their driver’s license. Former students Ishika Sharma, Luke Marshall, and Mason McCart recorded a video to show at the Open House sessions to share how the program has changed their lives.

Marshall now drives himself to work, Special Olympics, and advocacy meetings. Sharma drives herself to work and social events, but also assists her family members with transportation. Not only does McCart drive himself to work, but he also operates vehicles within Kings Island as part of his job. These three personal stories represented the impact the driving program has on people to allow them to work and integrate into the community.

The evening Open House session concluded with a performance by the Voices of Warren County Choir. Over 150 people attended the two open house events. WCBDD organized a raffle drawing, giving away several gift baskets and raising $963 for Warren County Special Olympics.

The Lebanon Key Club volunteered to decorate the event space, including brainstorming ideas, making decorations by hand, and decorating the auditorium the day before the event. The dedication of these students was critical in making this event a success.

The annual DDAM Open House event will return in 2026.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

WCBDD to host accessible egg hunt

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:59:08 GMT

Date: March 26, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Springboro, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) will host a free egg hunt for children with disabilities at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at the Miracle League Field in Springboro, located at 1605 S. Main Street.

The event welcomes children ages 17 and under with developmental disabilities, as well as their siblings. Arts and crafts will be available to participants starting at 1:30 p.m., and visitors are invited to explore the accessible playground at the Miracle League Field. The Egg Hunt will commence promptly at 2 p.m.

Approximately 1,500 eggs filled with toys, candy, and prize tickets will be scattered about the Miracle League Field. Participants are encouraged to bring a basket to collect eggs and a camera to capture memories. The Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance to pose for photos and hand out prizes.

The Miracle League Field is accessible to individuals who use walkers or wheelchairs. New this year, some eggs will be attached to balloons, making them easier for people to reach and collect without needing to bend down.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Attend the WCBDD Open House!

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 18:47:01 GMT

Date: February 27, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) – At the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) Open House, visitors will hear powerful stories from local families and individuals who embody the spirit of being “Driven to Succeed.”

WCBDD hosts two Open Houses each March to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Established in 1987 by President Reagan, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month increases public awareness of the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities and provides the encouragement and opportunities needed for them to lead productive lives to achieve their full potential.

The annual WCBDD Open House event s feature speakers from the community who share their experiences with disability. The first Open House will be hosted at 1 p.m., and the second will be held at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the Warren C. Young Center, located at 801 Drake Rd. Both Open Houses will include a proclamation declared by a Warren County official. The evening session offers a live performance from the Voices of Warren County Choir. These events are open to the public.

This year, the events will feature speaker Ross Kester , a Centerville man who uses his self-determination, kindness, and faith to reach his goals and live life to the fullest. His passion for cars inspires almost every goal in his life, including his successes professionally and personally. Since moving to Warren County, he has found community at Cronin Auto Group of Lebanon.

WCBDD partners with Capabilities Inc., to assist individuals with obtaining their driver’s license. Capabilities specializes in providing services to people with developmental disabilities. Several individuals who have utilized these services to earn their driver’s license will share their experience with the program.

The Quiocho family will share their experiences of staying engaged in the community, supported by WCBDD services for their three children.

After the evening open house at 7:30 p.m., WCBDD will host an award ceremony to honor individuals with disabilities who have made recent professional or personal achievements. Examples of awards include the Independent Living Award, Community Builder Award, and the Academic Achievement Award.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a raffle for their chance to win a variety of gift baskets. Raffle tickets are $1 per ticket or $5 for 6 tickets. The raffle basket winners will be announced after the award ceremony. Proceeds from the raffle ticket sales will benefit the Warren County Special Olympics Program.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

WCBDD Jeep show to fundraise for Kings Island event

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 17:17:31 GMT

Date: February 18, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) and the Jeep Lifestyle Group will host a free car show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 3, 2025, at the Warren C. Young Center, located at 801 Drake Rd., to raise funds for the annual WCBDD Kings Island Day.

Last year, over 60 individuals enrolled in WCBDD services received a free ticket to the local amusement park after WCBDD Maintenance Specialist Robert Abbott decided to sponsor and coordinate the day. This year, Abbott is hosting the Jeep show to fundraise for the WCBDD Kings Island Day.

The Jeep show will be free for attendees and feature a variety of Jeeps and other vehicles. Participants and attendees can also look forward to raffle baskets, food trucks, vendors, and a DJ.

Jeep show participants can expect a variety of awards, including ‘Best in Show,’ ‘People’s Choice,’ and more. For interested people, the associated fees are as follows:

$10 donation to participate in the Jeep show
Donation required for food trucks to participate
$25 donation and/or raffle item donation for vendors
FREE for Jeep show spectators

The WCBDD Kings Island day will be held on Sunday, August 10. Any funds raised beyond the cost of the WCBDD Kings Island Day will be donated to Warren County Special Olympics. Abbott hopes to make the car show fundraiser an annual event.

For more information or to participate in the car show as a vendor, food truck, Jeep, or to donate a prize/raffle item/basket, contact Robert Abbott at robert.abbott@warrencountydd.org or (513) 581-0455.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Polar Plunge brings community together, raises money for Special Olympics

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 17:05:30 GMT

Date: February 13, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) - Local businesses, law enforcement, Special Olympics athletes, Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) employees, and other community members joined forces to raise funds for the 25th Special Olympics Polar Plunge at the Caesar Creek beach on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.

The Polar Plunge is an annual event that challenges community members to jump into frigid waters in support of Ohio’s 20,000 Special Olympics athletes. The Polar Plunge was founded by officers who belong to the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics.

All proceeds from the Polar Plunge benefit Special Olympics Ohio’s mission to provide free athletic opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities.

WCBDD is especially proud to be involved in the Polar Plunge in celebration of our Superintendent, Megan Manuel, who is also the Chair of Special Olympics Ohio Board.

“It was great to see so many community members come to Caesar Creek to support this wonderful organization and the athletes,” Manuel said. “It is heart-warming that they are willing to come out and take the icy plunge in the name of inclusion!”

Participants flaunted a strange assortment of attire, with some wearing a weather-appropriate winter jacket, others wearing swimsuits, and many sporting elaborate costumes. Regardless of attire, over 100 plungers and supporters visited Caesar Creek on the frigid day to support Special Olympics Ohio.

Special Olympics basketball and floor hockey athlete Kelley Castle kicked-off the event by carrying the LETR torch and reciting the athlete's oath. Following this proud moment, the festivities continued with a celebration of the teams and their efforts.

The top fundraising team was the Warren County Wildcats, raising $4,307. WCBDD employees and Wildcats team members Rhonda Schutte and Robin Derickson dressed as milk and cookies, respectively, in preparation for, “The Big Dunk.” The team brought milk and cookies to share, along with a sign reading, “Greg in Texas paid big $ for these pictures!” to celebrate a top Texas-based donor.

Aaron Bowman was one of the top fundraisers for the Wildcats. He works at Coffee Caravan and participates in several Special Olympics sports, including basketball, swimming, and bowling. He utilized his community connections to spread the word about donating to the 2025 Polar Plunge event.

Bowman said despite the freezing temperatures, his third year at Polar Plunge was, “fun, and a lot of people want to come and see us.” He plunged with many of his fellow athletes, along with former WCBDD board member and current Warren County Sheriff Barry Riley.

Matt McFarland, the Vice President of Member Service at MyUSA Credit Union, celebrated his fifth Polar Plunge by being honored as the top individual fundraiser, raising $2,479 for Special Olympics Ohio. McFarland, who was adorning a Speedo, celebrated his achievement with an attention-grabbing dance.

Kennon Coleman represented the Ohio Law Enforcement Torch Run at the Polar Plunge, helping to organize and fundraise for the event. Before the Plunge, Coleman completed the 24-hour Super Plunge where he plunged into cold water every hour, on the hour, for 24-hours straight. The act raised over $10,000, in addition to the funds raised at the Polar Plunge.

A costume contest highlighted the creativity of the participants. Gandalf from Lord of the Rings, Superman and Wonder Woman, and several large aliens visited the event, but ultimately, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles took home the prize for best costumes.

Although each of these individuals and teams come from different backgrounds, all gathered at Caesar Creek to advocate and fundraise $26,120 for Special Olympics Ohio.

The hours before the event were spent clearing the ice from the creek to prepare for the plungers. Participants felt the cold air intensify as they walked toward the creek, most already shivering before entering the icy waters.

Participants took turns running into the creek. Many were holding hands, rooting each other on, and throwing their hands in the air to celebrate the accomplishment. A brave few dove headfirst into the water.

The crowd collectively cheered everyone on, took photos of their friends and family members, high-fived participants as they exited the water, and had towels ready to warm-up the plungers. The crowd was particularly cheerful for the children who had the courage to take on the Polar Plunge.

Director of the Department of Public Safety Andy Wilson visited the event to send off the plungers into the creek.

“As I look at that lake, when I see that ice out on the lake, I’m thinking to myself, ‘Who does this, man!?,’” Wilson said. “It’s a group of people who care more about others than themselves. It’s a group of people who care more about an amazing cause than some temporary discomfort.”

Special Olympics Ohio accepts donations year-round that allow all athletes to participate for free. To donate, visit SpecialOlympics.org/Ohio.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Illusionist creates wonder and finds connection at WCBDD

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:58:12 GMT

Date: January 3, 20245

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lynchburg, OH) — Illusionist Jake Lindsey, 28, spends every waking moment practicing and performing magic tricks. He aims to create the “wow factor,”- the sense of awe and amazement that his illusions inspire.

Watching the crowd of individuals served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD), it’s clear the wow factor isn’t just a catchphrase. As Lindsey performs, the captivated audience gasps and applauds while he shows off his rare skillset.

He knows hundreds of tricks, but performs about 20 per show. From card tricks to making objects levitate, Lindsey knows how to keep a crowd entertained. His shows also prove to be the perfect atmosphere to show off his quick wit, keeping the audience on their toes and occasionally improving when the trick doesn’t go as planned.

Rhonda Schutte, WCBDD Community Integration Coordinator, said Lindsey brings his authenticity and professionalism to every performance at WCBDD. She said the audience looks forward to every engaging and heartfelt show.

“He’s improved tremendously. From his first show to now, he’s rehearsed, and he goes back and really tries to look at his videotape to see how to improve,” Schutte said. “He takes his performance very seriously.”

Although the young illusionist has performed at festivals, birthday parties, churches, schools, and even a funeral, he said he feels at home performing in front of individuals served by WCBDD because of his shared experience with disability.

At 10 years old, Lindsey started practicing magic tricks to help with the impacts of his disability. His hands were stiff, and he had to move more to improve his mobility. He received a deck of cards to practice tricks with, and he never put them back down.

He performed his first trick 18 years ago, his first public show 17 years ago, and his first stage show two years ago. His reach has grown significantly in recent years, performing about 300 shows in 2024.

He stages each show independently, only needing transportation to and from the gig. He organizes each performance, practices the tricks, sets up the stage, and creates the background music. Each show is curated to be original and unique.

“If it’s the same audience, I don’t want them seeing the same thing, because they’re expecting what’s going to happen,” Lindsey said.

Although he typically doesn’t disclose his disability during shows, he said he likes to be open at WCBDD shows because he recognizes that he’s in an accepting environment. He has performed four times in Warren County and plans to continue performing whenever possible.

His magic has helped him in ways he’s never imagined, including becoming better at socializing and communicating. He describes himself as shy and anxious off stage, but he gains confidence while performing, transforming into an over-the-top performer. By the time the show is over, he is warmed up to speak with audience members and take pictures with excited guests.

Direct Support Provider Ciera Balkema began working with Lindsey last year. She said Lindsey is constantly practicing magic and sharing his skills in the community. During shows, she said he is an expert at thinking on his feet and improvising when needed.

“With your disability, [magic] gets you out into the world, puts you in new situations. You get to think on your feet and be independent,” Balkema said. “A lot of people know who [Lindsey is]. A lot of people love him, and love who he is and his shows because he’s just such a genuine, kind-hearted person, and that’s hard to come by.”

Contact Jake Lindsey at (513) 519-8220 or jakeroblindsey@gmail.com.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

WCBDD awards outstanding community, staff members

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Date: November 22, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Warren County, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) shined a light on community members who have made a significant impact on individuals with developmental disabilities, WCBDD, and the greater community at the annual WCBDD In-Service event on October 23, 2024.

WCBDD Superintendent Megan Manuel presented 11 awards to WCBDD staff members, community members, and businesses who have made a difference in the local disability community.

Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocate Kelley Castle was awarded the Rachel Rice Advocacy Award. The award was named after Rachel Rice, an individual served by WCBDD who passed away in 2022. She was described as a true advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Castle was chosen for the award because of her role in the community and the Voices Speaking Out (VSO) Self Advocacy group, which is comprised of adults who receive services from WCBDD who meet monthly to advocate for independence and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities.

“She embodies the mission of the Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group by always speaking up for herself and others, being a proud member of her community, and treating everyone with respect,” Manuel said. “We see a reflection of Rachel’s own tenacity and commitment to uplifting others in her. Her unwavering dedication to her community, her proactive approach to challenges, and her genuine care for her fellow advocates embody the very essence of what it means to be a true champion for change.”

Adam Layton, who began his role as a Behavioral Support Coordinator for WCBDD this year, was awarded with the Green Hat Award. Community Relations Coordinator Adam Jones, who presented the award, said the Green Hat Award honors an employee who is supportive, optimistic, creative, and focuses on the strengths and abilities of others.

“This person is described as being an amazing asset to the agency, especially to the individuals and families we serve. He is always smiling, and always willing to go above and beyond to help in any way,” Jones said. “Truly genuine and thoughtful of others, this person lifts people up with his positive energy. He seems to really enjoy his job, and is a great resource and asset to WCBDD.”

Community Employment Specialist Gwen McIntire was awarded with the Dave Farmer Award. This award honors an individual whose selfless acts and dedication have made a significant impact on people with developmental disabilities.

Beyond her unwavering commitment to helping students with developmental disabilities thrive at their jobs, McIntire has also likely earned WCBDD more future levy votes than anyone else through her advocacy efforts and has encouraged businesses to hire people with developmental disabilities.

“I think the most meaningful thing about her is how much she cares,” Manuel said. “She cares about the people we serve. She cares about her coworkers. And she cares about this agency.”

McIntire’s daughter, Jill Rasnic, accepted the award on her mother’s behalf.

WCBDD Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator Kellie Hampton was awarded with the Innovation Award for her SMART technology studio , a space resembling a studio apartment that will give visitors the opportunity to learn firsthand about assistive technology’s functionality, the potential benefits, and its role in fostering independence.

Fiscal Coordinator Robin Derickson was awarded the Above and Beyond Award for her willingness to volunteer her time at WCBDD events, including Special Olympics, Trunk-or-Treat, Family Fun Day, DSP Appreciation, the Polar Plunge, and more.

Manuel said Derickson, “has given hundreds of hours, personal funds and mileage to help where needed to provide meaningful opportunities for individuals served.”

Records and Monitoring Specialist Carolyn Bogenschutz was awarded with the Superintendent Award for her dedication to WCBDD.

“[Carolyn] is a go-to person who people can always trust to come through for them. She is always willing to assist anyone who needs it, no matter the task and no matter when you need it… She devotes her time and attention to assist that division in accomplishing whatever they need,” Manuel said. “She is an asset to our agency, the Early Intervention program, and she will be missed when she retires.”

The next Superintendent Award was awarded to Service Coordinator Chase Waites for his role as a “quiet leader” in the agency.

“He remains calm in stressful situations. He is highly committed to successful outcomes for himself, his coworkers, and the people he supports. He remains focused on getting things done while maintaining positive, productive relationships with others,” Manuel said. “I appreciate that even as a fairly new employee, he has jumped in to learn more about his job, his coworkers, and our agency.”

Cronin Auto Group of Lebanon was awarded with the Extraordinary Employer Award for their willingness and excitement to hire and support employees with developmental disabilities.

Friends of DD Award

Four community leaders were chosen for the Friends of DD Award, which was created to honor those who go beyond their obligations to support WCBDD and the individuals we serve.

Tina Vance, a former WCBDD employee, was honored for her contributions to the Warren County Wildcat Cheerleaders. Manuel said Vance strives to create opportunities for everyone who wants to participate, making use of their unique abilities. She has a great rapport with the cheerleaders and their families.

The second Friends of DD award winner was Miami Valley Gaming for their support of Warren County Special Olympics, including raising over $7,000 when they welcomed customers to donate their spare change.

CRANE ChemPharma & Energy was selected to receive the Friends of DD Award after they donated $6,000 to the Warren County Special Olympics.

The last award winner of the Friends of DD was Barry Riley, a board member of seven years, for his commitment to serving on the board. He will be retiring from the board to serve as the next sheriff of Warren County.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Man finds dream job at Cronin through faith

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 16:07:40 GMT

Date: November 15, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Warren County, OH) - When Ross Kester, 43, moved to Centerville two years ago, he used his self-determination, kindness, and faith to find a job that turned out to be a match made in heaven.

He doesn’t remember a time before he liked cars. As a toddler, his mother, Michele Kester, recalls a time when she found him in the driver’s seat of the family car, hands and knees scraped from the crawl across the gravel driveway.

Michele said Ross has always been motivated by vehicles. For example, ever since he began physical therapy at 18 months old, he has been motivated by imagining himself pushing down on the gas or brake pedal while doing ankle stretches or pictured himself climbing into a vehicle while doing step exercises.

As an adult, Ross has extensive professional and personal experience with cars. After 14 years of work experience at car dealerships, he knew he wanted to find a job as a car salesman upon moving to Warren County, but he didn’t know which business would be the best fit.

He took an untraditional route finding a new job- Ross and Michele drove to each car dealership in Warren County and prayed outside each building. They were looking for a sign that they were exactly where the Lord wanted them to be.

On April 26, 2022, Ross picked Cronin Auto Group of Lebanon. Praying outside, he knew that Cronin was right for him. Entering the dealership and meeting the staff, he confirmed the feeling. He was offered a job the same day.

Over the next three months, the management team at Cronin made every effort to make accommodations for Ross before he began work in July. They communicated with Ross, his family members, his support staff, and his previous employer to ask about what accommodations he would need. They created a job description catered towards Ross’ skills.

When he heard about the accommodation Cronin made for him, Ross said it made him want to work harder for them. When he was finally able to start his new job, he was met with a huge welcome from staff members, management, and owners.

The excitement for his inclusion hasn’t died down yet- they still celebrate his presence two years later. From surprise birthday celebrations to constant features on Cronin’s social media, Ross said the Cronin team always bends over backwards to support him.

Michele said Cronin has welcomed Ross with open arms, but also, “saw assets in him that we didn't even know how to tap into.”

Ross loves spending time with his co-workers at work, on joyrides, or joking around. He said, “If there was a 24-hour shift, then they would sign me up for it.”

When not at work, Ross spends much of his free time at the gym to stay fit. He aims to stay at peak physical condition to continue climbing into cars on his own.

One of his favorite parts about the gym is inspiring other gym-goers. Direct Support Professional Claire LaJoye said they typically spend between 2 and 4 hours during each gym session because they have to account for extra time for Ross to talk with all the gym-regulars.

Every few weeks, Ross and LaJoye go on a road trip to commemorate the goals he’s achieved at the gym, including vehicle-oriented destinations like car collections or truck manufacturing businesses. He often receives unique souvenirs from his visits, including a Bluebird Vision bus grille gifted to him from Cardinal Buses that now hangs on the wall of his bedroom.

During the annual WCBDD In-Service event on October 23, 2024, Superintendent Megan Manuel awarded Cronin Auto Group of Lebanon and Manager Andy Gruber with the Extraordinary Employer Award for their willingness and excitement to hire and support employees with developmental disabilities.

“[Ross] looks forward to every single day of work under Andy’s supervision and leadership,” Manuel said. “In the world that downplays the human element in favor of productivity and consumerism, Andy and his Cronin team know the value of connection, what it means to go above and beyond, and how to make the world a warmer place.”

Ross plans to continue his career as a car salesman, stating “Why would I retire from my hobby?”

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

VSO advocates support peers at 2024 Synergy

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:33:06 GMT

Date: October 21, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Sandusky, OH) - Insightful conversations, a supportive environment, and an opportunity to embrace independence- individuals with developmental disabilities served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) took full advantage of the 2024 Synergy Conference in Sandusky, Ohio, from October 2 to 4.

The Voices Speaking Out (VSO) Self Advocacy group is comprised of adults who receive services from WCBDD who meet monthly to advocate for independence and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. Twenty-three advocates attended the conference at the Kalahari Resort.

The conference aims “To create collaborative experiences that drive change,” and invites participants to sessions that include topics like voting rights, employment, self-direction, technology, emergency preparedness, and more.

Outside of sessions, participants enjoyed networking with other visitors, a dance party, a game night, and Ohio’s largest indoor waterpark.

Warren County advocates ranged from first-timers to people who have attended every Synergy conference. Regardless of experience, everyone was excited for three days of education, independence, and fun.

Kim Hauck, director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, kicked off the Synergy conference on Wednesday, October 2.

“Each and every one of you plays an important role in making Ohio the best place to live,” Hauck said. “Each of you brings a unique perspective shaped by your experiences, challenges, and triumphs. This diversity is our greatest strength.”

Advocates chose how to spend their time at the conference. During the “Finding Your Place in the Workplace: Employment Stories,” session, advocates shared their workplace experiences and how they found their path to employment.

During a session titled, “Staying Cool in the Face of Crisis,” participants shared stressors in their life and coping strategies to combat those stressors.

Although each session was unique, each included an opportunity for self-reflection, collaboration, and encouragement from peers.

Advocate Luke Marshall presents his story

Advocate Luke Marshall was featured as a speaker at a session titled, “Be Fearless: You Should Work!” He was joined by Clearwater Council of Governments Benefits & Support Specialist, Paula Washek, WCBDD Works Incentive Coordinator, Latosha Olinger, and additional speaker, Amanda Stockmaster.

Marshall shed light on how it is possible for individuals with developmental disabilities to work full-time and work their way off of Social Security Benefits. A full-time Houseman with the Marriott Cincinnati Northeast, Marshall has successfully worked his way off of SSI benefits.

Stockmaster, a full-time engineer, also successfully worked her way off of CDB benefits. Both Washek and Olinger were instrumental in supporting Marshall and Stockmaster through the process and offered their expertise in Social Security Works Incentives throughout the presentation.

The advocates came together to support Marshall while he presented, showing support by clapping, cheering, and recording the presentation.

Advocate Michael Yeamans also assisted with the presentation by contributing to Marshall’s PowerPoint presentation and creating the VSO anthem, “Stand Tall,” which was featured in the session.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

WCBDD develops guide for voters with disabilities

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 20:30:59 GMT

Date: October 15, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Warren County, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) has developed a voting guide to support individuals with disabilities to vote in the 2024 general election.

The guide, which was reviewed and approved by the Warren County Board of Elections, is written in plain language and walks readers through voting in the upcoming November election, including:

● Voting during an unforeseen hospitalization

● Accessible voting equipment

● Curbside voting and mail-in ballots

● Requesting assistance for marking your ballot

● Alternatives to signing a ballot

● Other topics that pertain to voters with a disability

Although the guide was developed for voters with a disability, the guide includes information that pertains to all voters, including how to register to vote, important voting deadlines, and early in-person voting.

Over 25% of Americans have a disability, making the group the largest marginalized community in the United States. Disability Rights Activist Imani Barbarin spoke about the importance of accessible voting at the 2024 Synergy conference in Sandusky, Ohio.

“Things that impact the disabled community impact everybody,” Barbarin said. “Regardless of disability, everybody should have the right to vote.”

Read the voting guide at https://www.warrencountydd.org/voting.

For more voting information, contact the Warren County Board of Elections at (513) 695-1358.

For more information on the WCBDD voting guide, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

WCBDD constructs accessible home designed for local people with disabilities

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Date: October 4, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Mason, OH) - After years of planning and construction, the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) has finished construction on a new home that will house four people with disabilities who require 24/7 care.

The Community Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) is a nonprofit agency that contracts with WCBDD to maintain local properties for individuals with disabilities served by WCBDD. Most CHAP homes are designed for people with disabilities who can live on their own with limited support. This new home, however, was designed to care for individuals whose only other option would be a nursing home.

Community Resources Director Carol Heil said this CHAP home aims to house residents who can share nursing services, creating an accessible and cost-effective avenue for people who need around the clock care.

Accessibility Features

In addition to being cost-effective for people with a limited income, many CHAP houses are also modified to be more accessible than most traditional homes. This home was designed to accommodate adults who use wheelchairs and ventilators and have a support staff.

Safety and accessibility start outside the home with a parking lot to allow multiple vehicles to visit at once. A flat patio with no stairs creates easy wheelchair access in and out of the home.

The house is located near a major hospital and the interstate for easy travel in case of emergency.

While a typical home has a large primary bedroom with smaller individual bedrooms, this CHAP home has four bedrooms that are equal sizes to keep accommodations the same for each resident.

Each bedroom is outfitted with ample electrical outlets to accommodate medical equipment. There is also a light switch near the bed to accommodate those with mobility restrictions.

The closet shelves are adjustable to accommodate the height and reach of each individual.

There are sprinkler heads throughout the house and low windows for evacuation. There are emergency safety plans in place to ensure the safety of the residents.

The kitchen, bathrooms, and hallways were designed with a large width so that a wheelchair can more easily navigate through the home.

Moving into the bathroom, the barrier-free shower was designed for easy wheelchair access, with a non-slip shower floor and an adjustable shower head.

The bathroom mirror is slanted downward to allow individuals in wheelchairs who are lower to the ground to see themselves. There is also ample leg room underneath the bathroom sink to allow wheelchair users to appropriately use the vanity.

With an obtainable nursing staff and an accessible home, four Warren County residents are reaching new levels of independence.

About CHAP

In Ohio, county boards of developmental disabilities work with nonprofit housing boards to provide housing for individuals with disabilities. The Community Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that has served the community for over 30 years.

There are 88 CHAP homes in Warren County, including single-family homes, apartment complexes, duplexes, and condominiums. Residents must be eligible to receive services from WCBDD and have financial resources to pay for rent, utilities, and support.

For more information about CHAP, contact Community Resources Director Carol Heil at (513) 228-6516 or carol.heil@warrencountydd.org.

Individuals with disabilities learn about healthy relationships, internet safety at Safety Night

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 08:30:00 GMT

Date: September 27, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) - Can I share my medication? Is it safe to message strangers on social media? What is consent?

These questions and more were answered at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) second annual Safety Night on July 23, 2024.

The event was hosted for individuals aged 18 years and older who receive services from WCBDD to learn about personal safety and well-being, including internet safety, creating healthy relationships, stranger danger, medication use and misuse, high-risk alcohol use, dangers of smoking and vaping, and marijuana use.

Roy Lutz, Safe on Main project coordinator, said people with developmental disabilities are a vulnerable population more likely to become victimized, but education is lacking.

“Everybody else is getting those life skills and that education through school. This is a population of people with high vulnerability and nobody's working with them, that I'm aware of, on topics around healthy relationships, safe sex, internet safety,” Lutz said.

WCBDD hosted Safety Night with the help of three local organizations:

Safe on Main, a local organization that provides comprehensive services to domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking survivors including crisis shelter, court advocacy, therapy, and support groups.
Talbert House, a Cincinnati-based organization that provides a range of services aimed at improving mental health and preventing substance abuse.
The Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Warren County, a local organization that provides prevention education and efforts within the community to prevent addiction.

Lutz and Madison Martin of Safe on Main discussed internet safety and how to protect yourself on social media, including how to keep your personal information private.

The organization discussed the difference between a predator and a bully- bullies will be mean up front, while predators will be nice as a manipulation tactic. They discussed ways in which online predators could gain trust, and how they could misuse that trust to steal from their victims.

As an example, Martin used Scar from “The Lion King,” to explain that a person may seem friendly, although they have bad intentions.

“One thing that I personally, absolutely love about this population is that they have the biggest hearts, and, therefore, that also leads them to having very easy trust with people, and that can be a problem in today's world,” Martin said. “It breaks my heart that they become victims to these things and get things taken from them, whether it's money, whether it's explicit pictures, whether it's personal information, credit cards, all of that. And we want to make sure that they have the skills needed to protect themselves and to identify what's real and what's not.”

Valerie Walch of Talbert House spoke in-depth about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and how to have a healthy relationship. She further explained what consent is in a relationship, including identifying what you feel comfortable with, how to communicate with a partner about consent, and signs that someone does not consent.

The Talbert House presenter also discussed the impacts of vaping, including creating a huge expense, a crippling addiction, and potentially dire health issues.

After the presentations, participants visited safety stations to learn more about each topic that was presented, including a table set up by the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Warren County.

Safety Night will be held again next year.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at (859) 653-7445 or megan.becker@warrencountydd.org.

Individuals served by WCBDD have blast at free Kings Island day

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 09:00:00 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

Date: September 20, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Mason, OH) - On August 11, individuals with disabilities served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) visited Kings Island for free thanks to the support of generous community members.

Over 40 individuals enrolled in WCBDD services received a free ticket to the local amusement park after WCBDD Maintenance Specialist Robert Abbott decided to sponsor and coordinate the day.

As a frequent visitor of Kings Island, Abbott wanted to share the experience with local members of his community. In addition to providing free tickets for individuals served by WCBDD, Abbott also provided discounted tickets to family members and providers of those served by WCBDD, members of the Jeep Lifestyle Group, and WCBDD staff members.

After hearing about the free Kings Island day, 27 additional tickets were donated by community members who wanted to support the effort, including ShareFax Credit Union, Keller Williams Realty, and WCBDD staff members.

The day at Kings Island encouraged community integration and allowed Warren County residents to enjoy their local amusement park. Individuals and groups who attended included people who had never visited the park before, regular visitors to the amusement park, groups of friends, and families who were able to spend the day together.

Members of the Jeep Lifestyle Group, also known as Jeepers, lined up their themed jeeps outside of Kings Island. The Jeepers showed their love for the Mason amusement park with jeeps decorated in honor of fan-favorite rides, including a Vortex-themed jeep and a Beast-themed jeep.

Abbott said he plans to host this event every summer for the foreseeable future.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at (859) 653-7445 or megan.becker@warrencountydd.org.

Visitors enjoy Things That Go!, first Assistive Technology Showcase

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 09:00:01 GMT

Date: September 13, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Lebanon, OH) - From climbing into a tractor, meeting search and rescue dogs, and trying out assistive technology, Warren County residents got the opportunity to try a variety of activities at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) Things That Go! touch-a-truck and assistive technology event on August 17, 2024.

The event featured over 20 vehicles, including fire trucks, police vehicles, school buses, a tow truck, an ice cream truck, and more.

Each vehicle operator highlighted their unique business or organization based on what they had to offer, with Lil’ Bloom Flower Truck encouraging visitors to pick a flower, the Turtlecreek Township Fire Department helping children try on a firefighter uniform, Special Neat Treats handing out free ice cream, and Bin Boss demonstrating how they clean and sanitize trash cans.

Jes Thomas said Things That Go! was her families’ first WCBDD event since her daughter started early intervention services. She said the highlight of the event was the SRM Concrete staff members who brought a concrete mixer to the event.

“They spent extra time allowing our daughter to touch every button there was to push. One of the men stood right next to her to insure she was safe and having fun,” Thomas said. “The other man told her about the truck and some of the small basic functions in a way she could understand at such a young age. Before leaving the truck, they made sure she got a special treat, as well.”

Concurrently, the Assistive Technology Showcase hosted a variety of assistive technology and adaptive equipment designed to promote independence and healthy living. Easterseals Redwood and the OCALI Lending Library displayed assistive toys and technology for visitors to test. WCBDD Behavioral Support Coordinator Adam Layton created a display on communication boards, a tool to help people with limited language skills express themselves.

The highlight of the Assistive Technology Showcase was the grand opening of the SMART Technology Studio, a space resembling a modern studio apartment featuring assistive technology to help individuals live independently.

Visitors had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the technology’s functionality, the potential benefits, and its role in fostering independence. Visitors roamed the faux apartment, sparking curiosity with seemingly typical housewares that, in actuality, were modified with accessibility in mind. Children were drawn to the adaptive toys and gaming equipment.

Things That Go! will be hosted again next year.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at (859) 653-7445 or megan.becker@warrencountydd.org.

Individuals served by WCBDD attend advocacy storytelling workshop

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Date: September 6, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Ripley, OH) - Individuals with developmental disabilities served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) attended a storytelling workshop to learn tips on how to advocate for themselves in everyday life.

The Ohio Developmental Disability Council and Dr. Rebecca Monteleone, assistant professor of disability studies at the University of Toledo, hosted the “My Life. My Story.” workshop in Ripley, Ohio, on July 31, 2024. Participants practiced tools and exercises to learn how to share their stories.

The Voices Speaking Out (VSO) Self Advocacy group is comprised of adults who receive services from WCBDD who meet monthly to advocate for independence and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in community life. In keeping with the mission of their group, four members of VSO attended the storytelling workshop.

The free one-day workshop led participants to write and perform impactful and entertaining stories of self-advocacy and personal growth for a wide audience. At the end of the workshop, participants performed their stories in front of a live audience.

The workshop has been offered at various counties across Ohio, including Putnam, Medina, Morgan, Brown, Morrow, and Ashtabula. For more information on the workshop, visit ddc.ohio.gov.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at (859) 653-7445 or megan.becker@warrencountydd.org.

WCBDD celebrates Goodwill Deerfield grand opening

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:42:36 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

Date: August 30, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Deerfield Township, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities celebrated its partnership with Goodwill on Thursday at the grand opening of its newest thrift store.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiled the new retail store and donation center on August 29, 2024. This is Goodwill’s 20th Southwest Ohio location.

WCBDD Superintendent Megan Manuel spoke at the grand opening ceremony, stating that WCBDD shares Goodwill’s commitment to supporting people with disabilities and their families to achieve what is important to them.

Goodwill empowers Warren County residents with disabilities by offering employment supports and skills training, including summer youth work experience, pre-employment transition services, job development, job coaching, and individual employment support.

Manuel said she looks forward to seeing WCBDD and Goodwill’s partnership grow.

Ohio Valley Goodwill President and CEO Mark Hiemstra said the opening of the store represents Goodwill’s commitment to the Ohio Valley.

“This expansion speaks directly to the organization's mission of helping people with disabilities and military veterans, in addition to individuals challenged with homelessness and others that get the chance they deserve,” Hiemstra said. “Our organization is about a hand up, not a handout.”

Hiemstra said that local Goodwill consumers provide the necessary financial support to fund the programs and services offered by Goodwill. He thanked The Mason Deerfield Chamber of Commerce and WCBDD for supporting Goodwill’s newest store.

The thrift store is located at 3990 Montgomery Road in Deerfield Township, Ohio.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at (859) 653-7445 or megan.becker@warrencountydd.org.

Sheetz invites Warren County Special Olympics athletes to second grand opening

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 18:58:59 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

Date: August 7, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Megan Becker, Community Relations Coordinator, (859) 653-7445

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

410 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

www.warrencountydd.org

(Franklin, OH) - Athletes from the Warren County Special Olympics were invited to speak again at Sheetz’ second grand opening in Warren County.

On April 17, 2024, Sheetz opened its first Warren County location and hosted a grand-opening with speakers from Special Olympics , which included a $2,500 donation to the local program that provides children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and activities.

On August 6, just 111 days later, Sheetz opened their second Warren County location and invited more speakers from the local Special Olympics program to present at their grand opening ceremony and collect another donation of $2,500.

Grant Isaacs is an individual served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) who participates in several Special Olympics sports, including basketball, bowling, and softball. He thanked Sheetz for the donation to Special Olympics.

“I just want to make sure everybody with a developmental disability knows about county DD services and how awesome Special Olympics is,” Issacs said. “I know it’s helped me make friends, try sports that I otherwise couldn’t do if it was a typical team, and then be active.”

Paul Fellinger, Regional Director of Special Olympics Ohio Southwest, said 20,000 athletes participated in Special Olympics last year in Ohio for free with the help of community partners like Sheetz.

“I encourage you, that if you ever have an opportunity to get out and see a Special Olympics event, come out and see it because it is probably the most inspiring thing you will witness in any single day, if not a year or a lifetime,” Fellinger said. “It’s quite amazing.”

Sheetz Public Relations Manager Nick Ruffner said Sheetz has partnered with Special Olympics since 1991, providing food for events and collecting donations from customers.

Ruffner encouraged Sheetz customers to donate to Special Olympics Ohio using the donation box at the register. The new Sheetz store is located at 100 Watkins Glen Dr in Franklin, Ohio.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

WCBDD, Skidz Reimagined partner to make 14 beds for children in need

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 18:50:26 GMT

Date: July 31, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) - Volunteers gathered in Lebanon on July 25 to build 14 beds for children in need in partnership with the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD), Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), and Skidz Reimagined.

Skidz Reimagined is a Lebanon, Ohio-based woodworking program developed by Residential Community Care (RCC) that employs adults with developmental disabilities to make custom, handmade items.

The local organizations partnered together to build and assemble beds, gathering over one dozen people for a day of woodworking. After learning the basics, volunteers separated into work stations including cutting, drilling, stamping, wood coating, and loading.

After a long day of hard work, volunteers learned new skills and made 14 beds for local children in need. The organizations plan to partner again for a future event.

WCBDD welcomes the opportunity to participate in community events, volunteer opportunities, and more. To request WCBDD to participate in a community event, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or Community Relations Coordinator Adam Jones at adam.jones@warrencountydd.org.

For more information about WCBDD, visit warrencountydd.org . For more information about Skids Reimagined, visit rcclebanon.com. For more information about SHP, visit shpbeds.org.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

WCBDD hosting “Things That Go!” event

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 13:30:31 GMT

Date: July 29, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) - Join the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) on August 17 to explore local vehicles, assistive technology, and remote supports at our annual “Things That Go!” event.

The free community event is similar to a touch-a-truck event and encourages people of all ages and abilities to learn about unique vehicles and the people who operate them. “Things That Go!” will include law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, a tractor, an ice cream truck, a school bus, and more.

This year's event will also offer an indoor opportunity for assistive technology vendors and remote support services to showcase their products and services, including SafeinHome and THS Remote Support Services.

The event will include a preview of WCBDD’s Smart Technology Studio , which will provide a hands-on experience for individuals to explore assistive technology. One piece of assistive technology included in the smart studio will be a combined smart washer and dryer that can pre-measure laundry detergent, be controlled with a smartphone, and send text message reminders when the laundry is ready.

The annual event will take place at the Warren C. Young Center (WCYC) at 810 Drake Rd. in Lebanon, Ohio, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon. The free event is open to all community members.

To participate in the event or request more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or Community Relations Coordinator Adam Jones at adam.jones@warrencountydd.org.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and support to over 2,400 individuals with disabilities and their families, through Early Intervention, Community Resources, Employment Services, Social, Recreational, Residential, Service Coordination, and other programs.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Warren County Special Olympics athletes win big at Summer Games

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 19:28:14 GMT

Date: July 9, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) - Special Olympics athletes from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) won 19 medals after competing in the Ohio Summer Games.

Athletes participated at regionals to qualify for the Ohio Summer Games in May. On June 28, 2024, athletes traveled to Columbus, Ohio, for the state championship. 12 Warren County athletes competed in track or bowling, including:

Zach Bailey, 40, of Franklin, competed in bowling.
Kelly Crabtree, 37, of Mason, competed in the women’s shot put and 100-meter dash. She received one gold and one silver medal, respectively.
Oliver Frisch, 14, of Morrow, competed in the 100-meter dash, softball throw, and was a member of the 4 x 100 relay team. He won two silver medals, one in the 100-meter dash and one in the softball throw.
Troy Hengle, 16, of Maineville, competed in the 100-meter dash, shot put, and was the anchor in the relay team. He won one bronze medal in the 100-meter dash and one silver medal in shot put.
Juliya Hopfensperger, 18, of Lebanon, competed in bowling and won a silver medal.
Carson Hutzel, 27, of Mason, competed in the 100-meter dash, softball throw, and was a member of the 4 x 100 relay team. He won one gold medal for the 100-meter dash and one silver medal for the softball throw.
Julie Konrad, 56, of Lebanon, competed in the women’s softball throw and the 100-meter dash walk event. She won one bronze medal and one silver medal, respectively.
Mark Messner, 36, of Lebanon, competed in the 100-meter dash and shot put. He won one silver and one bronze medal, respectively.
Jakob Rosenthal, 22, of Morrow, competed in the 100-meter dash, shot put, and was a member of the relay team. He won two gold medals, one for the 100-meter dash and one for shot put.
Tim Schwartz, 61, of Lebanon, competed in bowling and won a silver medal.
Eric Smucker, 33, of Morrow, competed in bowling and won a gold medal.
Isabel “Izzy” Thornock, 10, of Mason, competed in the 100-meter dash and softball throw. She won a gold medal in both events.

Congratulations to all Special Olympics athletes! Special Olympics athletes appeared on the Lebanon City Show to discuss their accomplishments.

About the 2024 Ohio Summer Games

Special Olympics Ohio hosts five state competitions and numerous qualifying events each year.

The 2024 Ohio Summer Games was held at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and welcomed over 2,700 athletes and 850 coaches. All programs are free for registered athletes. For more information on Special Olympics Ohio, visit https://sooh.org/.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

WCBDD looking for vehicles to feature in “Things That Go!” event

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 10:00:24 GMT

Date: June 24, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities is looking for vehicles to feature in the 2024 “Things That Go!” event.

The free community event is similar to a touch-a-truck event and encourages people of all ages and abilities to learn about vehicles from local businesses, including police cars, fire trucks, tractors, commercial vehicles, maintenance equipment, and more.

This year’s event will also offer an indoor opportunity for technology vendors and businesses to showcase their products and services.

Participating in this event will allow organizations to engage with the community, raise awareness of services, network with other local businesses, and support a family-friendly event in the community.

To participate in the event or request more information, please contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or Community Relations Coordinator Adam Jones at adam.jones@warrencountydd.org .

The annual event will take place at the Warren C. Young Center (WCYC) at 810 Drake Rd. in Lebanon, Ohio, on Saturday, August 17 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Our community events help us to increase visibility of our agency and promote community integration for the individuals we serve.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

WCBDD artists featured at Lebanon Festival of the Arts

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 09:45:00 GMT

Date: June 7, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) - Artists served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) displayed their artwork at the Lebanon Festival of the Arts on June 1, 2024.

The inaugural arts festival celebrated local artists and featured fine art, photography, theater, music, dance, and other forms of art.

Over 50 pieces of art were submitted by artists with developmental disabilities, including pottery, drawings, photography, poetry and more. The art was displayed at Moldy Cheese Antiques and The Shady Dame in downtown Lebanon.

David Werner is an award-winning local photographer who submitted a photo of polar bears playing together.
Claire Ginn crafted a handmade pot.
Maggie “Mags” Satterthwaite submitted drawings of animals.
Kelley Castle submitted a piece of poetry titled, “My Natural Passion.”
Sienna Van Schoyck created several pieces of hand-built slab-work pottery.
Members of the Next Chapter Book created collage artwork.

Our community events help us to increase visibility of our agency and promote community integration for the individuals we serve. Thank you, Moldy Cheese Antiques, The Shady Dame and the Lebanon Festival of the Arts for including WCBDD in the community!

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

RSVP for a FREE Kings Island day

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:19:42 GMT

Date: June 4, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Warren County, OH) - Are you ready for a day of rollercoasters and blue ice cream?

On August 11, we are excited to offer a free day at Kings Island for individuals enrolled in WCBDD services. Participants enrolled in services who RSVP by July 26 will be eligible for free admission to the park.

Complete the registration to reserve your spot.

Family members, providers or WCBDD staff members who want to attend can purchase tickets for $41 with parking included. For more information or to buy tickets, contact:

Bill Caplinger at William.Caplinger@warrencountydd.org
Adam Jones at Adam.Jones@warrencountydd.org
or Robert Abbott at Robert.Abbott@warrencountydd.org

Children under the age of 3 do not need a park ticket for entry.

Thank you, Robert Abbott and Cronin Chrysler Dodge for the opportunity to enjoy a day at Kings Island!

Sponsor an individual

To sponsor an individual’s trip to Kings Island, contact Adam Jones at Adam.Jones@warrencountydd.org.

For more information, contact Adam Jones at Adam.Jones@warrencountydd.org or (513) 806-3941.

WCBDD graduates celebrate success

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Thu, 23 May 2024 15:37:33 GMT

Date: May 23, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities is excited to congratulate some of our 2024 graduates who will be moving on to higher education or employment.

Breckin Arneson is graduating from Springboro High School and is heading to Auburn University in Alabama to study in the EAGLES program, a college program for students with intellectual disabilities.

Arneson will be one of 10 incoming freshman students. The classes will focus on job and independent living skills. He will live in a dorm room and participate in university activities.

Nathan Iten is graduating from Mason High School. He will attend summer camp and the Transition Living Classroom (TLC) program to develop and practice employability skills at supported work sites, while also developing independent living skills.

Althea Delos Reyes is graduating from Mason High School. After graduating, she will be attending the Butler Tech Project LIFE Program to gain skills for future employment, daily living, and community participation.

Alex Sanchez-Ramirez is graduating from Mason High School. After graduation, he hopes to find a job using the skills he learned in high school.

Eliana Shaw is graduating from Project SEARCH through the Warren County Career Center. She looks forward to working a job she likes and making money to live independently.

Ben Vincent is graduating from Project SEARCH through Xavier University. He is excited to begin working for Mason City Schools in the Student Nutrition Department. He also looks forward to the Mason Challenger Baseball season.

Vincent would like to thank, “all the teachers, aides, and job coaches that have helped me over the years learn the skills I needed to get a job in the community after graduation.”

Congratulations to all 2024 graduates!

WCBDD trains Mason employees how to support people with disabilities

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Tue, 14 May 2024 10:00:11 GMT

Date: May 14, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Mason, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) is hosting training sessions for Mason city employees on how to support individuals with disabilities.

During the community training sessions, WCBDD staff explain what a developmental disability is, how to support individuals with a disability in an emergency situation, and how to use person-first language. The training aims to foster understanding and destigmatize disability.

About 150 Mason city employees, including fire fighters, police officers, and members of the parks and recreation department, have signed up to attend one of three community training sessions. The first session took place on May 6, 2024.

WCBDD Provider Development Coordinators Lindsay Graves and Angela Mason led the training session. Mason stressed the importance of creating an inclusive environment for people of all abilities.

“We want to make sure that [people with disabilities are] able to do things that people without disabilities are able to do,” Mason said. “It may look a little different. They may need some assistance. They may need some adaptive equipment. But we want to make sure that they are included in anything that you or I could do.”

Graves highlighted the function of a Carter Kits Sensory Bag, a resource that may help someone with a disability remain comfortable during emergency situations. These bags include tools like a weighted blanket, sunglasses, noise-reducing headphones, and sensory toys that may help to reduce anxiety.

Throughout the presentation, one factor remained consistent- it is important to treat people with disabilities with the same respect, understanding, and dignity as everyone else.

To request a community training for your organization, contact Angela Mason at angela.mason@warrencountydd.org.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

WCBDD looking for artists to feature at Lebanon art festival

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Fri, 03 May 2024 13:45:15 GMT

Date: May 3, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) is looking for local artists to display their art at the Lebanon Festival of the Arts.

The Lebanon Festival of the Arts will celebrate local artists and feature fine art, photography, theater, music, dance, and other forms of art.

WCBDD is looking for art submissions to display at Moldy Cheese Antiques and The Shady Dame in downtown Lebanon. Qualified artists must be eligible to receive services from WCBDD.

To submit art for consideration, fill out the art submission survey or drop off your art at the WCBDD Banta Center at 410 S East St. in Lebanon. Please include your name and contact information.

Art submissions are due no later than May 24, 2024. The Lebanon Festival of the Arts will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 1, 2024.

Craft Night

WCBDD will host a free craft night at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 6, 2024, at the Warren C. Young Center. Attendees are encouraged to create art to be featured in the WCBDD display at the art festival.

The craft night is open to individuals 14 years and older who receive services from WCBDD. Providers are asked to be present for supervision.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Local boy with autism found voice through service animal

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Date: April 30, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) - When a Warren County boy asked for a service animal, Dallas Pierce, 12, received a loyal companion, an accessibility tool, and a pivotal turning point in finding his voice.

The 6th grader at Berry Intermediate School was diagnosed with autism at four years old. He worked with a speech therapist to increase his speech, but made limited progress.

Pierce underwent a remarkable transformation when his family began fundraising for a service animal through 4 Paws for Ability, a non-profit organization that breeds, raises, trains, and places service dogs with children and veterans who have disabilities.

With the help of his family and Minuteman Press, Pierce raised $17,000 for his service dog, Sprinkle. More importantly, Pierce’s speech improved so much during his fundraising efforts, that his speech therapist exclaimed, “[I’ve] never seen anything like this!”

Finding a voice

Pierce’s mom, Savanna Kim, said Sprinkle also found her voice with Pierce’s help. While in training, Sprinkle did not bark to alert. That quirk made her perfect as an autism support animal (or, as Kim calls her, “a Service Princess.”)

However, when Sprinkle and Pierce were training together, Pierce hung upside down on the monkey bars, causing Sprinkle to alert for the first time. Today, Sprinkle is ready to bark whenever she senses danger.

“Both of them found their voice through each other,” Kim said.

The “Service Princess” is a part of the family

Sprinkle attends school with Pierce and helps with his anxiety and confidence. She is always by his side to provide comfort, companionship and a listening ear. In return, she only asks for belly rubs.

Two years after receiving Sprinkle, Pierce no longer goes to speech therapy. He is also catching up in school and is becoming more independent.

“Before he had a service dog and he was just non-verbal little Dallas, there’s no way he could have stayed home alone," Kim said. "I would have been worried sick. But since he got his dog, he talks to everybody. He’ll message us or call us and talk to us when he sees us. And it also makes me feel safe knowing that when he’s staying home alone, he’s not really home alone.”

Sprinkle also cares for Pierce’s siblings, comforting them after a horror movie or providing a warm belly to lay on.

Although they didn’t know it at first, Sprinkle was the missing piece needed to complete Pierce’s family.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Sheetz donates to Warren County Special Olympics

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 10:00:12 GMT

Date: April 25, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Springboro, OH) - Warren County Special Olympics received a $2,500 donation when Sheetz held a charitable grand opening ceremony at its first convenience store in Warren County on April 17, 2024.

Sheetz Public Relations Manager Nick Ruffner said Sheetz celebrates new store openings by inviting local Special Olympics athletes to speak at the grand opening and collect a donation to the Special Olympics Program.

Kelley Castle, 25, is an individual served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) who participates in Special Olympics basketball and floor hockey. She said she helps her community, “by showing what Special Olympics is all about.”

“I have wanted a good, fun athletic challenge at my skill level,” Castle said. “Special Olympics helped me find the athletic challenge I was looking for.”

David Werner, 39, is an individual served by WCBDD who participates in equestrianism, swimming, and disc golf. He has participated in Special Olympics for over 10 years.

“Special Olympics helped me become confident in myself,” Werner said.

Paul Fellinger, Regional Director of Special Olympics Ohio Southwest, said 20,000 athletes participated in Special Olympics last year in Ohio with the help of sponsors and volunteers.

“There’s a lot of Sheetz opening in the state of Ohio and it’s special for us, it’s special for Special Olympics, because of what our partnership means,” Fellinger said. “Why this relationship with Sheetz is so important is that not a single athlete pays a single dime to practice or compete at the local, regional, or state level.”

Ruffner encouraged Sheetz customers to donate to Special Olympics Ohio at the register. The new Sheetz store is located at 35 Tahlequah Trl. in Springboro, Ohio.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Artists served by WCBDD participate in Art and Soul Gallery

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 14:10:40 GMT

Date: April 18, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) - Two individuals who are served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities will have artwork displayed at the Art and Soul Art Gallery this month.

The annual exhibit at Dayton Metro Library gives artists with developmental disabilities the opportunity to showcase and sell their artwork.

Aaron Bowman, 39, has been passionate about painting for about 10 years. His paintings often include animals, nature, and extraterrestrials, although he paints various subjects.

He is known for using bright colors to create art that would be an ideal statement piece in someone's home.

For this year’s Art and Soul gallery, Bowman submitted a painting of a peacock with bold colors.

Bowman said he is looking forward to attending the gallery to look at the art and to speak with people who appreciate his painting.

To blossoming artists, he encourages everyone to, “Try your best.”

David Werner, 39, is a photographer and nature enthusiast who captures surreal wildlife pictures. This year, he is presenting three photos at the art gallery.

The photos feature a barred owl, a fire pink wildflower, and a pink lady's slipper wildflower. Werner said all the photos required proper timing- capturing the owl photo took patience, while the wildflower photos required knowledge of seasonal wildflowers. All three photos were captured at Ohio parks.

“You go to the same place multiple times, but each time you see something different,” Werner said. “You might get a picture of a flower that’s not ready to pop, but then you come back next week and they’re all blooming. That’s always cool.”

Werner said it’s an honor to have his photos selected for the gallery.

The public gallery will be open during the month of April. The awards show will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Dayton Metro Library. Over $1,000 in cash awards are presented each year to participating artists.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Maggie celebrates her slice of success at LaRosa's Pizzeria

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:44:22 GMT

Date: April 9, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) - An individual who receives services from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) is celebrating her 5th job anniversary next month.

Maggie “Mags” Satterthwaite, 24, will celebrate her 5th year at LaRosa’s Pizzeria on May 13, 2024. She works the cash register, seats customers, and makes salads, but her favorite part of the job is making people smile.

“It’s just a fun environment to work in…I don’t plan on going anywhere else. I just love it so much.” Satterthwaite said. “My team members and the management, they think I’m a great part of the team.”

LaRosa’s General Manager William Marshall said Satterthwaite is known for her thoughtful and kind demeanor. Customers know her by name and she loves to welcome everyone into the restaurant.

“She's a great person. She gets along with everybody. She tries 110%, not just 100%,” Marshall said. “People love her…She tries her hardest every day.”

Satterthwaite recently began hosting at LaRosa’s, which Marshall said took confidence and practice to learn the system. She continues to learn and grow at the job where she said fellow employees feel like family.

Satterthwaite participated in several programs prior to working at LaRosa’s to learn new skills and explore different career opportunities, including:

● Working at Otterbein SeniorLife nursing home through the WCBDD Community Employment Program.

● Attending Careers with Peers, a WCBDD professional networking group for enrolled individuals who are career-focused. Members of this council are either employed in the community, seeking employment, interested in learning more about employment, or students who plan to work after high school.

● Attending Project SEARCH, a program through the Warren County Career Center that aims to secure competitive employment for people with disabilities.

● Attending Career X, a program to encourage career exploration and teach employability skills to students with disabilities.

Participating in local programs supported Satterthwaite in building the self-confidence and job skills necessary to work at LaRosa’s.

WCBDD Service Coordinator Rebecca Bryant said Satterthwaite is thankful for the services she has received through WCBDD, including Individualized Education Services (IES), Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS), and Adult Day Support (ADS).

“Maggie is awesome. She is always positive and always willing to give it her all,” Bryant said. “Maggie is just a super fun and sweet person who pushes herself to do better every day. It has been a joy getting to work with Maggie these last five years.”

Satterthwaite is an active member in the community known for her role in the WCBDD Voices Speaking Out self-advocacy group, the We Thrive Together Advisory Board, and as the #1 fan of the Mason Comets Baseball Team.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

New board member joins Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 17:13:10 GMT

Date: March 20, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) – The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities is thrilled to welcome Lebanon Resident David Sparby as the newest member of the board.

Sparby is a Minnesota native who moved to Ohio at 18 years old. He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with two degrees in Political Science and Government and International Relations and Affairs, along with five minors. He works as a Senior Healthcare Recruiter at Genie Healthcare.

WCBDD Superintendent Megan Manuel said Sparby is the first board member in Warren County to be eligible for services. Sparby looks forward to working with the board to act as a voice of change from within the organization.

“It’s amazing that I’m going to be able to talk, understand, and then input how to progress within the DD from the perspective of someone who actually uses the service,” Sparby said. “I appreciate the opportunity to be here to show my experience and, hopefully, continue to make a difference.”

David Sparby was sworn in for his first four-year term at the Jan. 29 board meeting. Vice President Joel King and Secretary Lynn Bissell were also sworn in for their second four-year terms. All three members were sworn in by Board President Laurie Lupinetti.

All board meetings are open to the public and typically take place at 6 p.m. on the fourth Monday of every month at 42 King Way in Lebanon. The next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on April 22, 2024.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Fostering independence: WCBDD secures grant to create supportive technology studio

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 17:06:13 GMT

Date: March 20, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) was awarded a grant to create a studio that will introduce smart technology to the individuals we serve.

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities offers an annual Innovative Technology Solutions grant to entities that aim to address existing gaps, promote the integration of technology, and enhance support options for Ohioans with developmental disabilities.

WCBDD Superintendent Megan Manuel said the board received a $25,000 grant to create a Supportive Technology Studio, a space resembling a modern studio apartment featuring assistive technology to help individuals live independently.

“We very much appreciate the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities awarding the WCBDD this $25,000 grant,” Manuel said. “This will allow us to provide the people we serve the opportunity to experience assistive technology that could help them lead more independent lives safely.”

The Supportive Technology Studio, which is scheduled to be completed this summer, will include:

● An iGuardStove, a safety tool that uses motion sensing to turn off the stove when no one is in the kitchen.

● A combined smart washer and dryer that can pre-measure laundry detergent, be controlled with a smartphone, and send text message reminders when the laundry is ready.

● A medication dispenser to give medication reminders to individuals and their caregivers.

● An Amazon Alexa to perform tasks, give reminders, and help with executive functioning.

● A tablet to facilitate communication.

● Adaptive gaming equipment to allow individuals with physical disabilities to play video games.

Kellie Hampton, WCBDD Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator, said the Supportive Technology Studio will give individuals hands-on experience with technology to, “explore what’s possible.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the technology’s functionality, the potential benefits, and its role in fostering independence.

For individuals who cannot visit the studio, WCBDD plans to create “Go-Bags,” that will contain portable assistive technology so that individuals can trial the technology at home.

The Supportive Technology Studio will also offer individuals a chance to practice using assistive technology and gain independence prior to using it in their own homes. With the use of simulated remote supports, teams will be able to observe and gradually fade in-person assistance with the use of assistive technology in the studio. Hampton looks forward to supporting all individuals served by WCBDD in exploring, identifying, and obtaining assistive technology solutions tailored to meet their needs.

With a shortage of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Hampton stressed the significance of exploring assistive technology and remote supports options as alternatives to increase a person’s autonomy, independence and quality of life.

About Hampton

As the Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator, Hampton explores technological solutions that promote independence and enhance the quality of life for those we serve.

Before working at WCBDD, Hampton earned a degree in Special Education from The Ohio State University and spent 12 years as an Intervention Specialist, where she worked extensively with assistive technology.

Hampton received a firsthand introduction to disability services when her daughter received support through the Help Me Grow program.

For more information about the Innovative Technology Solutions grant, remote supports, or assistive technology, contact Kellie Hampton at kellie.hampton@warrencountydd.org or (513) 256-3246.

WCBDD Self-Advocacy group speaks with policymakers

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 19:42:40 GMT

Date: March 15, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Columbus, OH) - The Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group visited the Ohio Statehouse to advocate for the rights and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities on March 12, 2024.

Every March, the Developmental Disability Advocacy and Awareness Day event encourages advocates and policymakers to visit the statehouse and discuss issues important to Ohioans with disabilities.

Ten advocates from Warren County attended the sold-out event and spoke with state representatives about their personal experience and struggles with a variety of impactful issues, including marriage and transportation.

Many individuals with developmental disabilities receive social security benefits to help them afford basic necessities. However, when two individuals get married and their joint earnings increase, the couple is at risk of losing benefits, meaning many couples with developmental disabilities do not get legally married.

The advocates also discussed how individuals with developmental disabilities lack sufficient access to reliable, accessible, and safe modes of public and private transportation.

The advocates confidently addressed these issues and more to Ohio State Representative Scott Lipps, who forwarded their challenges to Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Kim Hauck and Ohio Senator Steve Wilson. The advocates aimed to educate Ohio leaders about how state government services and policies can be improved, expanded, or strengthened on behalf of people with disabilities.

Before meeting with policy makers, the advocates watched as several presenters spoke of their personal experiences with disability, the importance of county boards of developmental disabilities, self-advocacy, and finding your personal pathway.

Although Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was unable to attend the event, he made an appearance through a pre-recorded video where he encouraged attendees to consider how your school, workplace, or community could be more inclusive.

“We must continue to work to make Ohio a more inclusive state,” DeWine said. “We will continue to create opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live up to their God-given potential. Our communities are better when people with developmental disabilities are included.”

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Miami Valley Gaming donates to Warren County Special Olympics

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:06:41 GMT

Date: March 8, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) - Miami Valley Gaming donated over $7,000 to Warren County Special Olympics, aiming to make a meaningful contribution to the local community.

Craig Robinson, Miami Valley Gaming president and general manager, said Miami Valley Gaming patrons were given the option to donate their change to Warren County Special Olympics between December 14, 2023 and January 10, 2024. The charitable effort raised $7,094.74.

“Everyone deserves the chance and opportunity to be the best that they can be,” Robinson said. “Without exceptional organizations like Special Olympics and Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities, there would be too many people that could not find a way to excel or be productive in today’s environment.”

Robinson’s personal and professional connections to the Special Olympics Program inspired the charitable effort. Robinson said the Miami Valley Gaming team has several members who participate in Special Olympics. He also sits on the United Way Board with WCBDD Superintendent Megan Manuel, who advocated for the needs of the Special Olympics Program.

In addition to the donation from Miami Valley Gaming, WCBDD received several other donations to go toward Warren County Special Olympics, including:

● $3,000 from the Ohio Knights of Columbus: St Mary's of the Assumption Chapter located in Springboro.

● $1,500 from Parent and Acclimate Provider Sharon Werner

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities sends a sincere thank you to every community member who has contributed and donated a combined almost $12,000 to the local Special Olympics Program.

The Special Olympics spring season begins with floor hockey on March 26, track and field on March 27, and bowling on April 7.

For more information about Warren County Special Olympics, contact Rhonda Schutte at rhonda.schutte@warrencountydd.org or (513) 806-3809.

Warren County residents discuss life with a disability and Star Trek at Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month event

Megan.becker@warrencountydd.org (Megan Becker) — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 14:06:47 GMT

Date: March 7, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 cell Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) - Speakers discussed self-determination, life with a disability, and finding inspiration in Star Trek at the 2024 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) Open House.

The open house was hosted on March 5, 2024, at the Warren C. Young Center in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. WCBDD Superintendent Megan Manuel said DD Awareness Month started in 1987 to provide the encouragement and opportunities people need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential. 37 years later, she said the same goals hold true.

This year’s open house was dedicated to Jamie Miles, Warren County resident, individual served by WCBDD, and a Star Trek fan. Jamie passed away in 2022, leaving a legacy of compassion, confidence, and resilience.

Presenter Glenda Miles, Jamie Miles’ mother, described how Jamie’s fascination with Star Trek translated into his life goals. Born with congenital rubella syndrome, Glenda was told by doctors that her baby would die before turning one year old. Jamie “audaciously” defied expectations and lived a life full of Star Trek conventions, learning new languages (some real, some alien), listening to Loverboy and Taylor Swift, volunteering, and spreading joy.

Jamie was deeply inspired by the Star Trek motto, “Make It So,” and lived by the saying by following his dreams, embracing support, taking risks and proudly being himself. Jamie inspired the WCBDD to center the open house event around the motto and his love for Star Trek.

“He was confident in his abilities and his identity. He was encouraged to seek out new life- another way to say follow your dreams,” Glenda said. “He was provided support to be his authentic and complex self. He felt safety. He felt appreciated. He felt belonging.”

Glenda said WCBDD made a tremendous impact on Jamie’s life by offering progressive leadership and respectful services.

Presenter David Sparby, WCBDD’s newest board member, described the self-determination needed to walk again after a life-changing spinal cord injury, proving that it’s, “Possible to do the impossible.”

Despite graduating from college with two majors and five minors, Sparby struggled to find a job post-graduation until he found an employer who would look past his disability. He spoke about the importance of judging a person for who they are, not by their appearances.

“I think that's an important thing for Disability Awareness Month is that we can reach out to people and educate them. Just because you may look different doesn't mean that you are any different than anyone else,” Sparby said. “We're all unique in our own way.”

Sparby said WCBDD helped him to achieve his dreams, inspiring him to participate on the board and act as a voice of change from within the organization.

Claire Ginn shared her experience with receiving services from WCBDD, from getting a job as an advocacy assistant at WCBDD to marrying her high school sweetheart.

Warren County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Joseph Kirby and Warren County Commissioner Shannon Jones spoke and proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

“I think it’s important that all of us take a few minutes to recognize, not only how important the work is that you all do, but how important it is as a community that we work together so that those with disabilities lead fulsome lives- lives that are self-directed so that everyone in our community reaches full potential,” Jones said.

Over 150 people attended the two open house events. WCBDD organized a raffle drawing, giving away six gift baskets and raising over $1,000 for the Warren County Special Olympics Program.

As the evening concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of commitment to advocating for inclusivity and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities will continue efforts to create a more accessible and inclusive community for all.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Free Egg Hunt for children with disabilities to be held March 23rd in Springboro

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:06:37 GMT

Date: March 6, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Adam Jones Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) – The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities will host a free egg hunt for children with disabilities on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Miracle League Field in Springboro, located at 1605 S. Main Street. Arts and crafts activities will be offered to participants beginning at 1:30 p.m., and the Egg Hunt will commence promptly at 2:15 p.m. The event welcomes children ages 17 and under with developmental disabilities, as well as their siblings.

Up to 1,500 eggs filled with toys, candy, and prize tickets will be scattered about the Miracle League Field. Participants are encouraged to bring a basket to collect eggs, and a camera to capture memories. The Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance to pose for photos and hand out prizes. The Miracle League Field is accessible for individuals who use walkers or wheelchairs.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports more than 2,400 individuals with disabilities and their families, through Early Intervention, Community Resources, Employment Services, Social, Recreational, Service Coordination, and other programs.

For more information, contact Adam Jones at 513-806-3941 or email at adam.jones@warrencountydd.org .The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Board of disabilities uses ARPA funds to enhance accessibility in Warren County

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:42:20 GMT

Date: February 26, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Adam Jones Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) – Warren County is one of sixty-seven counties that will benefit from the $14.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds distributed by Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) Director, Kim Hauck. The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) requested and was granted approximately $51,467. The funds will be used to enhance infrastructure at a local park, as well as to purchase adult changing tables for public spaces.

“These investments are truly going to make a difference for people with developmental disabilities and their families by giving them more access to the communities where they live, DeWine stated in a news release. “People with developmental disabilities deserve opportunities, a reliable workforce, and an accessible state to live, learn, work, and succeed in.”

At Makino Park in Mason, accessibility and inclusivity stand at the forefront. The 35-acre park boasts a vibrant playground, an FCC mini pitch soccer field, a sheltered area, and accessible restrooms. Two adaptive ball fields (currently being built,) will be the park’s latest addition.

Due to a partnership between Makino Park and WCBDD, the adaptive fields will soon include eight sufficiently spaced dugout benches. The benches will offer athletes who use mobility devices the opportunity to choose where they want to sit without physical or visual obstructions. Also included in the plans are four ADA-compliant picnic tables, and one motorized device charging station. All items will be covered under the ARPA funds granted to WCBDD, and will be installed by November 1, 2024.

“We are very happy that we are once again able to partner with the City of Mason and Makino Park by funding specific features that will make the park even more accessible for people with disabilities,” said WCBDD Superintendent, Megan Manuel.

Additionally, the ARPA funds will cover a total of seven adult changing tables of four different sizes. As Warren County is home to a multitude of community events and festivals, adult changing tables will be integral in providing reasonable accommodations to community members with disabilities. “This will eliminate a barrier that some people have faced by not having the bathroom accommodations they may need,” Manuel explained. “We look forward to partnering with local groups and organizations in order to loan the adult changing tables for events and activities that allow people with disabilities the opportunity to participate.”

WCBDD to host Open Houses in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:19:35 GMT

Date: February 7, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Adam Jones Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) - On March 5, 2024, the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) will host two Open Houses in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The Open Houses, held in Lebanon, will educate the community about ways individuals with disabilities can benefit from community integration, as well as the services, supports, and resources available at WCBDD. Inspired by Star Trek, this year’s theme is “Make it So to Boldly Go” and will showcase stories of individuals who used courage, self-determination, and an action plan to embark on their desired destination.

The first Open House will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., and the second will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Warren C. Young Center, located at 801 Drake Rd. Both Open Houses will include a proclamation declared by a Warren County official, which will be presented to WCBDD Superintendent, Megan Manuel, as well as an enrolled individual.

The evening format follows the same schedule as the afternoon event, with addition of a performance by the Voices of Warren County, a choral group consisting of adults receiving services from WCBDD. At 7:00 p.m., guests will be invited to the gymnasium for the Business and Provider Fair where a variety of local businesses and service providers will display their products and services offered. The fair will run from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Concluding the evening, will be a raffle drawing for gift baskets, held at 7:45 p.m. Proceeds from the raffle ticket sales will benefit the Warren County Special Olympics Program.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (March), is a statewide campaign to raise public awareness about people with developmental disabilities. Through this effort, the public will better understand the barriers individuals with disabilities face, and the ways in which they overcome such barriers, to lead more fulfilling lives.

For more information, or if you would like to donate, contact Adam Jones at (513) 806-3941 or e-mail adam.jones@warrencountydd.org

Warren County will take an icy "plunge" for Special Olympics Ohio on February 3rd

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 17:39:16 GMT

Date: January 11, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Adam Jones Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) – Community members in Ohio are gearing up to be “Freezin’ for a Reason” as Special Olympics Ohio launches its annual Polar Plunge. Polar Plunges are nationally recognized fundraisers that challenge community members to jump into frigid mid-winter waters in support of Ohio’s 20,000 Special Olympics athletes. From the end of January to the middle of March, seven plunges will be held throughout the state. A local Polar Plunge will be held at Caesar Creek Lake on Saturday, February 3, 2024, where Warren County community members will take an icy plunge in the name of inclusion.

Last year, Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) Superintendent and Chair of the Special Olympics Ohio Board, Megan Manuel, served as one of the top fundraisers at the Caesar Creek Polar Plunge. Special Olympics basketball team, the Warren County Wildcats were named as the top fundraising group. Both Manuel and the Wildcats were significant contributors to the $44.1K raised. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Ohio’s efforts in providing athletes the opportunity to develop fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

The Caesar Creek Polar Plunge will be held at Caesar Creek State Park located at 8570 OH-73 in Waynesville, Ohio. Registration begins at 11:00 a.m., followed by a short program and awards ceremony. The Plunge begins at 1:00 p.m.

To register for the Caesar Creek Polar Plunge, visit https://give.sooh.org/event/2024-caesar-creek-polar-plunge/e530433

WCBDD awards State Representative Lipps for his advocacy efforts in the DD field

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 16:14:21 GMT

Date: October 31, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Adam Jones Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) – On October 18, 2023, State Representative Scott Lipps was recognized by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) as the recipient of the “Dave Farmer Award”. Presented by WCBDD Superintendent, Megan Manuel, Representative Lipps accepted his award at WCBDD’s annual In-Service located in Lebanon, where he was honored for his advocacy efforts in the DD field.

The “Dave Farmer Award” was created in 2012 when a beloved WCBDD employee, passed away unexpectedly. Known to many as a dedicated family man and a role model for young men, Dave Farmer was also a strong leader, and an advocate for individuals with disabilities. The purpose of the “Dave Farmer Award” is to recognize someone who has emulated Dave’s qualities through selfless acts and dedication to people with developmental disabilities. Such acts of selflessness and dedication to those with disabilities, Representative Lipps more than fits the bill.

Representative Lipps has devoted much of his life to public service and philanthropy. He has participated in many philanthropic organizations including Rotary, Optimist Club, Farm Bureau, the Masons, and Shriners. His public service career boasts sixteen years on Franklin City Council, eight of which he served as mayor, and he is currently serving his fourth term as State Representative, a position he has held since 2017. Throughout his terms, Representative Lipps has remained transparent in his priority of advocacy for people with developmental disabilities, including those working in the DD field.

During the FY2020-21 state budget process, Representative Lipps was a vocal advocate for raising the wages of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), and coordinated efforts between Ohio Assembly members to put additional state funds behind the DSP wage increase. These efforts resulted in a $2 wage increase that went above and beyond the originally introduced budget. Thanks to Representative Lipps’ continuous persistence, the last two state biennial budgets for FY2022-23 and FY2024-25, have reached historic levels regarding the funds allotted for people with developmental disabilities. Representative Lipps has also been heavily involved in state discussions on sub-minimum wage. While he considers both sides of the argument, Representative Lipps remains laser-focused on doing what is right for people with developmental disabilities.

In addition to earning the “Dave Farmer Award,” Representative Lipps was named the recipient of the 2019 “Legislature of the Year Award” by the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (OACB). Additionally, Representative Lipps has maintained an over twenty-year friendship with a gentleman enrolled in WCBDD services, proving that the compassion and devotion he has for individuals with disabilities, is no mere lip service.

Employee with disabilities praises her supportive employer, TJ Maxx

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 15:32:17 GMT

Date: October 12, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Adam Jones Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) – Thirty-three-year-old Lauren Robertson has received services from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) since 2008. Lauren has lived on her own for the past two years in a beautiful condo in Mason where she enjoys cooking, watching Law & Order, and painting in her sunroom. She has also been employed with TJ Maxx since 2017, and will be celebrating her six-year anniversary this month. Lauren takes great pride in her independence, as well as sustaining her employment with TJ Maxx, an employer she attributes to building her confidence.

“They show you how to do stuff and figure out a way for you to do it easier,” Lauren shared. As she relaxes on her sunroom porch, Lauren proudly lists her work responsibilities as a Backroom Associate for the South Lebanon TJ Maxx. Lauren’s responsibilities include unboxing and organizing merchandise and clothing, including purses and shoes. Additionally, Lauren is responsible for placing sensors on items to prevent theft, and covering employee breaks in the fitting rooms. “The TJ Maxx staff is very supportive and check on you throughout the day,” Lauren added.

Lauren secured her employment with TJ Maxx by utilizing Job Development services through WCBDD, a service funded partly by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). Job Development is a beneficial service that pairs a job seeker with an Employment Developer, who will then assist the job seeker in obtaining employment. The Employment Developer will meet with the job seeker on a regular basis not only to search and apply for jobs, but also to prepare for job interviews. Additionally, the Employment Developer can serve as an advocate to the job seeker when discussing reasonable accommodations with employers. It was because of this service that TJ Maxx became aware of how best to support Lauren in the event she were to have a seizure on the job. “The managers are really understanding because they know I have health problems,” Lauren explained. “They genuinely care and treat people with respect.”

TJ Maxx Store Manager, Glen Blessing has worked with Lauren for the past year and has taken notice of the impact Lauren has on the TJ Maxx team. “Lauren is always positive! Her positive attitude impacts the rest of the people she works with. That adds so much value,” expressed Blessing. “I can always tell she’s proud and happy to be working here each day she comes in,” Blessing continued. “She’s always willing to be a contributor to whatever we are trying to do, she’s eager to learn new things, and she is a great example of her commitment to her work schedule. She has a great commitment to her job.”

When asked how she would advise businesses in working with employees with disabilities, Lauren suggested that businesses should first identify the employee’s abilities, then provide simple step-by-step instructions on how to complete their task. Lastly, Lauren recommended the employer pair a co-worker with the employee to serve as a mentor, which can build their confidence. Blessing advised that employers should “be willing to challenge people to find out what their limitations are.” “Never put anyone in a box,” encouraged Blessing. “I’ve learned that when you put limitations on people before you really know them, you actually discover they can do more than you thought they were capable of doing.”

Today, Lauren continues to be grateful to TJ Maxx for their support, and hopes to learn new jobs so that they may depend on her even more in the future. In the meantime, Lauren will continue to grow her list of recipes in her hand-made recipe book, and further develop her professional growth. Last July, Lauren attended her first Careers with Peers Council, a professional networking group of individuals with disabilities served by WCBDD. The group met at Two Cities Pizza and discussed the importance of networking, building professional relationships, and how best to communicate with supervisors, a skill that Lauren now appears to have down pat.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions and accomplishments of workers with disabilities, and highlight the importance and benefits of inclusive workplaces.

Board of disabilities "Family Fun Day" festival to be held September 9th in Springboro

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 19:07:57 GMT

Date: September 5, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Adam Jones Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) – The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) will hold its 14 ^th annual “Family Fun Day” festival on Saturday, September 9, 2023. This free outreach event is open to the public, and is intended to raise community awareness of individuals with disabilities, while also having fun!

Individuals, friends, and families of all ages and abilities will be greeted and welcomed by WCBDD staff and community volunteers. Attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of activities including: a dunk tank, games, karaoke, face painting, caricature art, crafts, food and beverages, and a few animal friends provided by Warren County PetPALS. Additionally, the Special Neat Treats ice cream truck will have tasty cold treats available. All food, beverage, and entertainment will be free to those in attendance.

“Family Fun Day” will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be held at the Miracle League Field located at 1605 S. Main Street in Springboro, Ohio.

The Miracle League of Greater Dayton provides people with special needs the chance to play organized team baseball. The field enables athletes with wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, or mobility issues, to play free of obstacles.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and support to over 2,300 individuals with disabilities and their families, through Early Intervention, Community Resources, Employment Services, Social, Recreational, Residential, Service Coordination, and other programs.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator, Adam Jones at adam.jones@warrencountydd.org or call (513) 806-3941

Board of disabilities to hold free vehicle expo on August 19th

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 14:27:17 GMT

Date: August 8, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Adam Jones Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) will hold its annual “Things That Go” event on Saturday, August 19, 2023. The event is free to the community, and will showcase a variety of community, commercial, and specialty vehicles. From police cars and fire trucks, to school buses, an ice cream truck, and more, adults and children alike will have the opportunity to explore each featured vehicle, as well as learn more about the businesses and individuals who operate them.

“This is such a great event every year,” said WCBDD Superintendent, Megan Manuel. “Seeing the excitement on faces when they get to step into some of these vehicles for the first time and having members of our community interacting with each other is just wonderful!”

“Things That Go” will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will be held at the Warren C. Young Center, located at 801 Drake Road, in Lebanon, Ohio.

Following “Things That Go,” there will be a Jeep Show held down the street at Billie’s Burgers from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Organized by the Jeep Lifestyle Group, the Jeep Show will showcase extravagantly customized Jeeps, with all money raised going toward the Warren County Special Olympics program.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports to over 2,300 individuals with disabilities and their families, through Early Intervention, Community Resources, Employment Services, Social, Recreational, Residential, Service Coordination, and other programs.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator, Adam Jones at adam.jones@warrencountydd.org or call (513) 806-3941

Providers, our new portal is now live!

John.phelps@warrencountydd.org (John Phelps) — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 17:33:55 GMT

Free Choice of Provider Portal Click Here!

This software allows certified providers to view and respond to referrals for individuals in a given County who need services. In order to access this information, you must be interested in providing services in said County AND certified by the State Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) as a waiver provider whose certification is in good standing.

Individuals and families searching for information about certified providers are directed to DODD's official provider listing at http://dodd.ohio.gov/Pages/default.aspx and to the Provider Guide Plus website https://providerguideplus.com .

For more information on the Warren County Free Choice of Provider Portal, please contact melissa.thompson@warrencountydd.org

Community Egg Hunt for children with disabilities to be held April 1st in Springboro

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 14:31:55 GMT

Date: March 21, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Adam Jones Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Springboro, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities will host a community egg hunt for children with disabilities on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at the Miracle League Field in Springboro, located at 1605 S. Main Street. Arts and crafts activities will be offered to participants beginning at 1:30 p.m., and the Egg Hunt will commence promptly at 2:15 p.m. The event welcomes children ages 18 and under with developmental disabilities, as well as their siblings.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports more than 2,300 individuals with disabilities and their families, through Early Intervention, Community Resources, Employment Services, Social, Recreational, Service Coordination, and other programs.

For more information, contact Adam Jones at 513-806-3941 or email at adam.jones@warrencountydd.org .

WCBDD Superintendent is elected to Chair of Special Olympics Ohio Board

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:45:03 GMT

Date: February 13, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street

(Lebanon, OH) – Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) Superintendent, Megan Manuel, was recently elected Chair of the Special Olympics Ohio Board of Directors for the 2023-2024 term. Special Olympics Ohio is part of the global inclusion movement using sports, health education, and leadership programs to empower people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition in 19 different sports for nearly 22,000 children and adults.

Manuel, who has served as WCBDD Superintendent for the past 14 years, was initially appointed to the Special Olympics Ohio Board in June of 2018. Manuel served as Board Secretary in 2019, until she was elected as Vice Chair in 2020. A total of 19 members serve on the board with a variety of experience and expertise. Manuel’s experience includes assistant basketball coaching and serving as a unified golf partner (in Marion, Ohio) for Special Olympics.

A long-time supporter of the Special Olympics mission, Manuel follows in the footsteps of her late father, Jerry Manuel, who passionately served as a member and past Chair of the Special Olympics Ohio Board. Manuel recently demonstrated her support as a top fundraiser for the Warren County Team at the annual Special Olympics Ohio Caesar Creek Polar Plunge. Polar Plunges are nationally recognized fundraisers that challenge community members to jump into frigid mid-winter waters. Several Polar Plunges were held throughout the state, with the local Warren County plunge taking place at Caesar Creek Lake.

In addition to Manuel’s fundraising efforts, Special Olympics basketball team, the Warren County Wildcats were named as one of the top fundraising groups. Both Manuel and the Wildcats were significant contributors to the $44.1K raised at this year’s Caesar Creek Polar Plunge. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Ohio’s efforts in providing athletes, the opportunity to develop fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

Each year more than 11,000 people donate their time, talent, and energy to volunteer for Special Olympics Ohio events. To learn about volunteer opportunities with Special Olympics Ohio, go to www.sooh.org .

WCBDD holiday drive-thru brings joy to enrolled children and their families

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 13:10:10 GMT

Date: December 15, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

WCBDD holiday drive-thru brings joy to enrolled children and their families

(Lebanon, OH) -- The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) Early Childhood Division recently held a holiday “drive-thru”, as a way to safely connect with enrolled children and their families. The drive-thru entitled: Breakfast from Santa’s Elves, took place at the entrance of the Milo H. Banta Center, and invited families of children birth to age six to visit with WCBDD staff while remaining in their vehicles.

Families entering the drive-thru were eagerly greeted by youth group members from the Camp Lebanon Retreat Center, then warmly welcomed with coffee, juice, and donuts served by WCBDD staff members.

As families enjoyed their breakfast, they were serenaded with holiday tunes sung by the Voices of Warren County, a choir group comprised of individuals enrolled in WCBDD services.

The Breakfast from Santa’s Elves drive-thru received favorable feedback from the families in attendance, referring to the event as a “great time.”

In addition to providing holiday cheer, each child was gifted a stuffed furry friend, compliments of the Milford PetSmart, and a story book for the family to share.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and support to more than 2,000 individuals with disabilities and their families, through Early Intervention, Community Resources, Employment Services, Social, Recreational, Residential, Service Coordination, and other programs.

Lebanon Rotary donates $5K to Warren County Children Services Christmas Program

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 13:16:23 GMT

Date: December 8, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

Lebanon Rotary donates $5K to Warren County Children Services Christmas Program

(Lebanon, OH) – Christmas came early for Warren County Children Services, as $5,000 was recently donated towards its annual Christmas Program. The funds donated will be utilized to purchase gifts and essential items for children in need in Warren County. The donation, (a giant check), was gifted and presented by members of the Lebanon Rotary Club at their November 18, 2021 club meeting.

Rotary is an international service organization in which people unite to take action to create lasting change. The 1.2 million worldwide members are part of 35,000 clubs, and the Lebanon club consists of 56 business, professional, and community leaders.

“Rotary is a service club dedicated to each community in which we are a part of,” said Lebanon Rotary President, Greg Davis. “Our goal is to raise money within the community and then give it to a need,” Davis added. The Lebanon Rotary Club has been serving its community for over 100 years by raising funds through community events such as its annual Pancake Breakfast and the Lebanon Country Music Festival.

Recent Rotary service projects include: Christmas food baskets for local families, scholarships to graduating seniors, supporting the Countryside YMCA Summer Camp, and now, contributing to the Warren County Children Services Christmas Program.

Upon receiving the Rotary’s donation, Children Services staff member, Cara Harrison said, “I literally almost cried – it brought tears to my eyes.” Harrison is a Compliance Case Worker and also serves as one of the organizers of the Christmas Program. Due to the many sponsorships from members of the community, and the monetary generosity from groups like the Lebanon Rotary, almost 700 children in need will receive gifts this Christmas.

If you would like to donate to the Warren County Children Services Program, or would like more information, please contact Cara Harrison at (513) 479-0623 or email cara.harrison@jfs.ohio.gov.

If you would like to join the Lebanon Rotary Club, or would like more information, please contact Greg Davis at (513) 404-4506 or email greg.davis@shpbeds.org

WCBDD celebrates Direct Support Professionals with 4th annual Appreciation Dinner

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 11:29:57 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

Date: October 3, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

WCBDD celebrates Direct Support Professionals with 4th annual Appreciation Dinner

(Lebanon, OH) – The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) recently held its 4th annual Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) Appreciation Dinner to honor and celebrate the many contributions made by DSPs towards enhancing the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

DSPs assist people with developmental disabilities in leading lives that are more independent, productive, and integrated, thereby enabling them to fully participate in their communities.

“The work of the DSP does not go unnoticed,” said WCBDD Provider Development Coordinator, Lindsay Graves. “The work they do needs to be celebrated,” she added.

Graves is one of two WCBDD employees whose primary responsibility is to ensure DSPs are supported and equipped with the resources necessary to support those they serve. Such responsibilities include training, certification, recruitment, billing, and the annual DSP Appreciation Dinner, referred to by Graves as one of the best parts of her job.

Over 100 DSPs attended the rock-and-roll themed appreciation dinner, entitled: “DSPs Rock,” organized by Graves and her colleague, Angela Brinker. The evening boasted rock star decorations, a selfie station, agency swag, gift card door prizes, and dinner and dessert prepared by Shoelaces Catering. Additionally, both WCBDD Superintendent, Megan Manuel, and Ohio Provider Resources Association (OPRA) Operation Director, Scott Marks, offered sentiments on the integral role DSPs play in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

September 11 – 17, 2022, marked Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week. Throughout the week WCBDD extended its gratitude and acknowledgement toward DSPs, topped off with the DSP Appreciation Dinner. “I love honoring and recognizing the DSPs in Warren County and hope that they felt seen not only this week, but each and every day,” beamed Graves. “Warren County DSPs really do rock!”

Jeep Lifestyle group brings over 30 jeeps to board of disabilities’ Trunk-or-Treat

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 11:29:56 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

Date: October 3, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

Jeep Lifestyle group brings over 30 jeeps to board of disabilities’ Trunk-or-Treat

(Lebanon, OH) – The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) was thrilled to host its 7th annual Trunk-or-Treat on October 24, 2022. Held in the Warren C. Young Center parking lot, the event showcased a wide variety of vehicles, extravagantly decorated by agency staff, local providers, and members of the community. Included in the assortment of vehicles, were approximately 35 customized and themed Jeeps, compliments of the Jeep Lifestyle group.

The Jeep Lifestyle is a Facebook group for Jeep owners and enthusiasts to connect with each other and share upcoming Jeep events. “That’s when plans to get together are made,” said group member, Karen Corwin. “It’s really a community. Most of us attend several car shows through the year, and tons of special events like this one,” Corwin added.

The group learned of WCBDD’s Trunk-or-Treat event while interacting with an enrolled individual and her provider at a local hamburger establishment. “She instantly fell in love with the Jeepers,” Corwin chuckled. “She and her provider mentioned to us about bringing the Jeeps to the event because she believed her friends there would love the Jeeps too.” Shortly after, Jeep Lifestyle member John Pierson, also known as Clown of Clowns-House Graphics, reached out to WCBDD on behalf of the group, and reserved their spots for the event.

“We attend a lot of events throughout the year, but very few do we leave with hearts as full as we did the other night,” gushed Corwin. “Watching their faces light up when they see the jeeps is every reason we create themes for our Jeeps, and decorate them like we do.” Corwin added, “With so much negativity in this world, it’s just nice to be somewhere we can make people smile and watch them love our Jeeps as much as we do!”

The 7th annual Trunk-or-Treat was enjoyed by nearly 500 guests.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and support to over 2,000 individuals with disabilities and their families, through Early Intervention, Employment Services, Social, Recreational, Residential, Service Coordination, and other programs.

Board of disabilities “Family Fun Day” festival to be held September 17th in Springboro

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 15:07:42 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

Date: September 7, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

“Family Fun Day” festival to be held September 17th in Springboro

(Lebanon, OH) – The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) will hold its 13th annual “Family Fun Day” festival on Saturday, September 17, 2022. This free outreach event is open to the public, and is intended to raise community awareness of individuals with disabilities, while also having fun!

Individuals, friends, and families of all ages and abilities will be greeted and welcomed by county board staff and community volunteers. Attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of activities including: a dunk tank, games, line-dancing, face painting, caricature art, crafts, food and beverages, and a special magic show. Additionally, the Special Neat Treats ice cream truck will have tasty cold treats available for purchase.

“Family Fun Day” will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be held at the Miracle League Field located at 1605 S. Main Street in Springboro, Ohio.

“This will be our 13th annual Family Fun Day , and it is a great way to close out the summer, said Megan Manuel, WCBDD Superintendent. “It’s a fun day to play, eat, dance, and just enjoy yourself, so we hope you will come out and join us!”

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and support to over 2,000 individuals with disabilities through Early Intervention, Community Resources, Employment Services, Social, Recreational, Residential, Service Coordination, and other programs.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator, Adam Jones at adam.jones@warrencountydd.org or call (513) 806-3941

Board of disabilities to hold free vehicle expo on August 20th

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 15:07:42 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

Date: August 11, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

Board of disabilities to hold free vehicle expo on August 20th

(Lebanon, OH) – The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) will hold its annual “Things That Go” event on Saturday, August 20, 2022. The event is free to the community, and will showcase a variety of community, commercial, and specialty vehicles. From police cars and fire trucks, to school buses, tractors, an ice cream truck, and more, adults and children alike will have the opportunity to explore each featured vehicle, as well as learn more about the businesses and individuals who operate them.

“This event is a big hit every year,” said WCBDD Superintendent, Megan Manuel. “Both kids and adults like to look around and climb in to some of these vehicles that they may have seen from a distance before, but have never been able to look at so closely until now!”

“Things That Go” will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will be held at the Warren C. Young Center, located at 801 Drake Road, in Lebanon, Ohio.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and support to over 2,000 individuals with disabilities and their families, through Early Intervention, Community Resources, Employment Services, Social, Recreational, Residential, Service Coordination, and other programs.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator, Adam Jones at adam.jones@warrencountydd.org or call (513) 806-3941

WCBDD welcomes Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Director, Kim Hauck

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 15:07:42 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

Date: June 22, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

WCBDD welcomes Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Director, Kim Hauck

(Lebanon, OH) – On Friday, June 10, 2022, the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) was privileged to receive a visit from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) Director, Kim Hauck. Held in the Warren C. Young Center auditorium, Director Hauck was warmly welcomed by the WCBDD leadership team, board members, advocacy group, and Superintendent, Megan Manuel.

Each division provided a presentation discussing work highlights, as well as ways in which creativity and innovation were used to maintain and improve services and supports for enrolled individuals during the pandemic. Such highlights included: continued community involvement by the self-advocacy group; ongoing employment supports to individuals served; a shift to virtual programming in Early Intervention; consistent weekly check-ins by SSA staff with individuals served; an on-site vaccine clinic, in cooperation with the Warren County Health District; COVID-Response Tablet Program; and increased provider support, which included free trainings, background checks and personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as reimbursements for “unusual and/or extraordinary costs.”

“It was wonderful to have Director Hauck meet with our administrative team, board members, and self-advocates, said Superintendent, Megan Manuel. “We were happy to get the chance to talk with her, and we were proud to share with her some of our recent accomplishments, Manuel added. “Since she lives in Warren County, we wanted to make sure she knew about all the great things happening in her home county!”

In addition to agency highlights, the members of the roundtable discussed the new Ohio ISP and current challenges of our system and individuals served, including the on-going staffing crisis and transportation. The group also discussed the importance of technology, and how it can work to support people with disabilities.

Board of disabilities to host “Tech Day” on June 29th

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 11:29:55 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

Date: June 14, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

Board of disabilities to host “Tech Day” on June 29th

(Lebanon, OH) – On June 29, 2022, the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) will host “Tech Day”; a series of informative presentations from companies who specialize in technology solutions for individuals with disabilities. Those in attendance will learn about the variety of ways in which Remote Support, Assistive Technology, and Provider Software Technology can improve the lives of individuals with disabilities, and those who support them.

“With the staffing crisis we are facing right now, technology has become more important than ever,” said WCBDD Support Services Manager, Melissa Stall. “There is so much that technology can assist with to supplement the great work that in-person direct support professionals do.”

Stall continues, “It is important for providers, families and county board staff to know the different opportunities available to help the people we serve. Tech Day will have many different vendors available to discuss the options they might be able to assist with.”

“Tech Day” will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Warren C. Young Center, located at 801 Drake Road in Lebanon, and is open to providers, county board staff, and individuals with disabilities and their families.

Community Egg Hunt for children with disabilities: a hoppin' good time

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 11:44:00 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

Date: April 4, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

Community Egg Hunt for children with disabilities: a hoppin’ good time

(Lebanon, OH) -- The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) held its annual community egg hunt for children with disabilities on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at the Miracle League Field in Springboro.

As families arrived, they were warmly greeted by WCBDD staff members. Children entering the event were immediately dazzled by large prize tables that boasted nearly 200 different eyecatching prizes. While anxiously waiting for the egg hunt to begin, children were provided the opportunity to create sand art and decorate bunny masks.

1,500 eggs filled with toys, candy, and prize tickets sprinkled the Miracle League Field in a sea of rainbow colors. Children participating in the egg hunt were released by age group out onto the field to collect their eggs. In a matter of minutes, the field was completely bare.

Described as a “great event” and “so much fun,” the WCBDD community egg hunt was gratefully enjoyed by the over 100 children and their families in attendance.

In addition to providing a hoppin’ good time, each family was offered the chance to get their picture taken with a very friendly and very fluffy Easter Bunny.

“It was so exciting to be able to hold this event again this year after a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic,” said Megan Manuel, WCBDD Superintendent. “It was great to be able to see the children and their families back out there smiling, collecting eggs, and having a fun time!”

Community Egg Hunt for children with disabilities to be help April 9th in Springboro

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 11:49:04 GMT

Date: March 25, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

Community Egg Hunt for children with disabilities to be held April 9th in Springboro

(Lebanon, OH) – The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities will host a community egg hunt for children with disabilities on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at the Miracle League Field in Springboro, located at 1605 S. Main Street. Arts and crafts activities will be offered to participants beginning at 1:30 p.m., and the Egg Hunt will commence promptly at 2:15 p.m. The event welcomes children ages 18 and under with developmental disabilities, as well as their siblings.

Up to 1,500 eggs filled with toys and prize tickets will be scattered about the Miracle League Field. Participants are encouraged to bring a basket to collect eggs, and a camera to capture memories. The Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance to pose for photos and hand out prizes. The Miracle League Field is accessible for individuals who use walkers or wheelchairs.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports more than 2,000 individuals with disabilities and their families, through Early Intervention, Community Resources, Employment Services, Social, Recreational, Service Coordination, and other programs. For more information, contact Adam Jones at 513-806-3941 or email at adam.jones@warrencountydd.org.

WCBDD celebrates Development Disabilities Awareness Month with Open Houses

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 13:01:43 GMT

Date: February 22, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

WCBDD celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with Open Houses

(Lebanon, OH) - On March 15, 2022, the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) will host two Open Houses in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The Open Houses, held in Lebanon, will offer the community the opportunity to learn more about the agency’s services and supports provided to individuals with disabilities. Inspired by the Cincinnati Bengals, this year’s theme is “Why not us? It is us” and will showcase stories of individuals served by sharing their goals, fumbles, touchdowns, and wins.

WCBDD is currently welcoming donations to include in the gift baskets that will be raffled off at the end of the evening Open House. Proceeds from the raffle ticket sales will benefit the WCBDD Special Olympics Program.

For more information, or if you would like to donate, contact Adam Jones at (513) 806-3941 or e-mail adam.jones@warrencountydd.org of disabilities and health district join forces to “save lives” in Warren County

Advocacy group of adults with disabilities conducts donation drive for families in need

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 13:04:12 GMT

Date: February 4, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

Advocacy group of adults with disabilities conducts donation drive for families in need

(Lebanon, OH) – Voices Speaking Out is a self-advocacy group comprised of adults receiving services from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD). Members meet monthly with the purpose of advocating independence and inclusion for those with disabilities. In addition to advocacy, the group actively seeks out ways to give back to their community. Throughout the month of February, Voices Speaking Out will be conducting a collection drive in an effort to assist families in need.

From now until March 1st, the following personal care and food items will be collected: paper towels, tissue paper, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, body wash, liquid hand soap, hand sanitizer, diapers & baby wipes, peanut butter, canned soup, canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned stew, canned fish, canned beans, and pasta. Donations can be dropped off between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at the WCBDD Warren C. Young Center located at 801 Drake Road, in Lebanon.

For more information, contact WCBDD Advocacy Assistant, Rachel Rice at Rachel.rice@warrencountydd.org or call (513) 401-4017.

WCBDD employee earns leadership award from MLK Community Coalition

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 13:07:45 GMT

Date: January 21, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

WCBDD employee earns leadership award from MLK Community Coalition

(Lebanon, OH) – On January 17, 2022, Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) employee, Ellen Hudson, was recognized by Lebanon’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Coalition as a recipient of the “Adult Community Leader Award.” Hudson was announced as a winner during the 37th MLK Day Virtual Celebration, where she was honored for her contributions to the community through her work with the Voices of Warren County, a choir comprised of adults with disabilities.

The MLK Community Coalition of Lebanon is an organization that focuses on building an inclusive network of individuals in order to strengthen and empower the community. Each year, the Coalition recognizes and awards people whose contributions promote social justice, diversity, and inclusion, thereby emulating the vision of Dr. King. The “Adult Community Leader Award” is presented to individuals who demonstrate a strong and growing commitment to service, as well as a sustained effort in advocating equal opportunities for all.

Throughout her career, Hudson has devoted many hours in developing and nurturing the choir. She continuously seeks out different opportunities to showcase the choir in order to share its diverse talents with the community. This determination was best illustrated when the Voices of Warren County competed in the World Choir Games, an international choir festival held every two years on different continents. Thanks to Hudson, the choir had the opportunity to perform at the 2012 World Choir Games, located in downtown Cincinnati.

In addition to the choir, Hudson serves as the Advocacy Coordinator to the WCBDD Voices Speaking Out self-advocacy group. The group meets monthly to promote independence and inclusion for people with disabilities, and engages in multiple service projects throughout the year. Hudson is also a co-facilitator for the Next Chapter Book Club, a nationwide program that offers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a fun and engaging way to participate in their communities through reading.

Known for her mentorship and humility, Hudson is described as a quiet leader and advocate for those still finding their voice. She is a champion of the people, who very much exemplifies what it means to be a community leader.

“Ellen cares so much about the people we serve and providing them with opportunities to be involved in their communities,” expressed WCBDD Superintendent, Megan Manuel. “I’m so pleased that Ellen was honored with this well-deserved award,” Manuel added. “She is a wonderful employee and a tremendous asset to our agency and to people with developmental disabilities.”

Upon receiving recognition for her recent accolade, Hudson (true to character), humbly said, “I am honored, and I love my job!”

Teen with disabilities works as a "script reader" for McCluskey Chevrolet

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 12:21:40 GMT

Date: October 22, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

Teen with disabilities works as a “script reader” for McCluskey Chevrolet

(Lebanon, OH) – Kyle Mounce, age 17, receives services from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD). He is a student at Lebanon High School and has interests in music, entertainment, and broadcasting. Kyle’s aspiration in life is to one day host his own talk show. This past summer, Kyle took one step forward towards his life goal. Through a family connection, Kyle was hired as an on-camera “script reader” for McCluskey Chevrolet, a position he secured by auditioning.

Kyle’s uncle, Joel Chandler works in the McCluskey Chevrolet media department. Chandler introduced Kyle to department manager, Greg Bennett. “I liked what I saw right away,” Bennett commented. After viewing Kyle’s audition, Bennett reached out to company owner, Keith McCluskey, to request approval to hire Kyle. The request was granted.

As an employee (and face) of McCluskey Chevrolet, Kyle is responsible for reading car descriptions off a teleprompter, which are then edited by Chandler, and uploaded onto the dealership’s YouTube channel. “Kyle is doing a great job, and we have gotten positive feedback for his on-camera work,” said Chandler. Kyle films up to forty scripts per week. When asked if he ever gets nervous in front of the camera, Kyle proudly said, “You have to have the self confidence and perseverance to get in front of the camera.”

This is not the first time Kyle has been seen on camera. At age 13, Kyle was the featured soloist in a music video produced by the “Everybody is a Star Foundation”, a production company based in California. A year later, his singing ability earned him an interview spot on Q102 Radio. A year later, Kyle sang the National Anthem in front of thousands at a Cincinnati Reds game. Though Kyle’s confidence and ease on camera is evident, that does not discount the work he has put in to get there.

During the 2019-2020 school year, Kyle participated in a bi-weekly Job Class, offered by the WCBDD Transition Program. The program provides students with the necessary tools to transition from school to the adult world. Time spent in this program enables students to enhance their social and employment skills, as well as critical thinking and decision-making abilities.

“They have given me skills that I need for when I become an adult like my parents, and what to do and what not do, and what employers are looking for when you are going into the work place,” commented Kyle. Additionally, the program has helped Kyle improve his eye contact and listening skills.

Kyle continues to grow his skills at McCluskey Chevrolet thanks to the support from his uncle. Each week, Chandler educates Kyle on different studio equipment in order to prepare him for the broadcasting industry. “I want to show him how to edit,” said Chandler, then added, “Kyle keeps shining more, and the more you put upon him to grow, the more he’s grown.”

Board of disabilities swear in new board member

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 12:25:07 GMT

Date: September 10, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

Board of disabilities swears in new board member

(Lebanon, OH) – On Tuesday, August 31, 2021, the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) welcomed Bill DeLord as its newest board member. DeLord who had previously served on the board several years ago, was sworn in by Warren County Probate Judge Joseph Kirby, accompanied by Superintendent, Megan Manuel.

“Previously serving on this board was one of the most rewarding and fulfilling jobs I have had in my career,” DeLord stated.

With an extensive background in the automotive industry, DeLord purchased his General Motors dealership in 1993. A few years later, he built and managed the existing facility on Columbus Avenue located in Lebanon. After 25 years in operation, DeLord sold his dealership to Jake Sweeney, has since retired, and now enjoys spending time with his wife of 30 years and his three daughters.

“Dealing with developmental disabilities within my own family has made me come to appreciate the compassion and caring that is so desperately needed by the individuals we serve. I am excited and humbled to be able to be a part of this board again.”

Board members of the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities serve four-year terms, and may serve no more than three consecutive terms. All board meetings are open to the public, and typically take place on the third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the WCBDD Administrative Offices located at 42 Kings Way, Lebanon. The next meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on September 20, 2021.

WCBDD to hold "Things That Go" on August 28th

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 12:27:22 GMT

Date: August 12, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

WCBDD to hold “Things That Go” on August 28th

(Lebanon, OH) – On Saturday, August 28, 2021, the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) will host “Things That Go”, a free community event that will showcase a variety of community and commercial vehicles. From fire trucks, police vehicles, and heavy equipment, to school busses, tractors, and more, adults and children alike will have the opportunity to explore each featured vehicle, as well as learn more about the businesses and individuals who operate them.

“I am excited that we are able to once again hold this fun agency event”, said WCBDD Superintendent, Megan Manuel. “Since this will be held outdoors, and the vehicles will be spread out in our parking lot, we think this will be a safe, enjoyable event!”

“Things That Go” will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will be held at the Warren C. Young Center, located at 801 Drake Road, in Lebanon, Ohio.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and support to over 2,000 individuals with disabilities and their families, through Early Intervention, Community Resources, Employment Services, Social, Recreational, Residential, Service Coordination, and other programs.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator, Adam Jones at adam.jones@warrencountydd.org or call (513) 806-3941

Warren County law enforcement shines light on Special olympics Ohio with Torch Run

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 12:31:13 GMT

Date: June 30, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

Warren County law enforcement shines light on Special Olympics Ohio with Torch Run

(Lebanon, OH) –On June 16, 2021, Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) united with members of the community to cheer on Warren County Law Enforcement as they participated in an informal Torch Run in honor of Special Olympics Ohio. Special Olympics Ohio is part of a global inclusion movement that uses sports, health education, and leadership programs to empower people with intellectual disabilities.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) partners Special Olympics Ohio with law enforcement agencies across the state and invites them to bike, run, and walk in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics. Traditionally, the torch, also known as “The Flame of Hope”, is carried through Ohio, until it reaches The Ohio State University for the Opening Ceremonies of the State Summer Games.

Reprising his role as last year’s coordinator of the Torch Run, was Chief Deputy Barry Riley of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. An avid supporter of the LETR mission and emboldened by a good challenge, Chief Deputy Riley recruited his participants with a hearty, “Let’s destroy the fundraising goal!”, a challenge that would later come to fruition.

“I am very thankful for the ongoing support of law enforcement in Warren County,” said Megan Manuel, Superintendent of WCBDD. Manuel, who also serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Special Olympics Ohio Board of Directors added, “Every year they step up to participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, and they did so again this year. Even though this event was a little different due to the pandemic, Warren County law enforcement exceeded their fundraising goal. We are so appreciative of all they do to support Special Olympics athletes in Warren County and throughout the state of Ohio!”

The Special Olympics State Summer Games event was canceled this year, and instead, evolved into “Summer Games Reimagined”, a month-long celebration that provides Special Olympics athletes the opportunity to participate in virtual and in-person events in their communities. Offerings in Warren County included virtual Olympic Bingo, softball, floor hockey, and tennis. Athletes were also offered “Art in the Park”, an event hosted by WCBDD in Harmon Park that invited athletes to paint their own full-sized birdhouse, participate in a dance class, and enjoy a delicious Olympic-themed treat.

New Website helps Warren County adolescents with disabilities prepare for adulthood

Wed, 19 May 2021 12:38:46 GMT

Date: May 19, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

New website helps Warren County adolescents with disabilities prepare for adulthood

(Lebanon, OH) – Since 2017, The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD), Warren County Educational Service Center (WCESC), Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), have worked together to provide families, agencies, educators, and businesses with transition tools to better prepare and support individuals with disabilities. Recently, the team was pleased to announce the launch of the Warren County Transition Network website, intended to help Warren County adolescents navigate their transition to adulthood.

Utilizing grant monies through the Ohio Center of Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), the website is the product of Multi Agency Planning (MAP), a collaborative process through Employment First. After hours of planning and consulting with educators, parents, agency personnel, and community businesses, the team is hopeful the website’s resources will provide students and families with an accessible way to identify their needs and set goals towards a brighter future.

The main objective when creating the website, was to ensure it was accessible and easy to navigate. “We wanted to make it user-friendly,” said Brittany Conner, Transition Manager for WCBDD. “Some students really are doing this on their own.”

To create a user-friendly navigational experience, the website incorporates four different visual icons to assist users in identifying with what topics the website links can help. Topics include: Community, Education, Employment, and Living. By clicking each icon, users are directed to a variety of links that provide information pertaining to the corresponding icon topic.

Another helpful feature of the website is a series of checklists for parents and students to follow depending on age level. “At school meetings, there is a lot of stuff to remember. We wanted to provide checklists so they could make sure they were on track,” added Conner. By selecting the student’s age, the user is provided with a list of suggested activities to consider completing as they transition into adulthood.

“This is an overwhelming process for parents, and it can be scary,” said Amanda Pennix, Transition Supervisor for Warren County ESC. “When school services end, it’s a huge change for everyone involved. Our hope with this website is to make this a smoother transition for everyone.” Pennix, Conner, and the rest of the collaborative team are optimistic the website resources will empower families, and remind them that they are not alone.

The Warren County Transition Network website is a live document and will be updated as new information is received. For more information, visit https://www.warrencountytransitionnetwork.com/ or contact Amanda Pennix, Transition Supervisor for the Warren County Educational Service Center at Amanda.pennix@warrencountyesc.com

Board of disabilities welcomes newest board memeber

Wed, 05 May 2021 12:40:54 GMT

Date: May 5, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

Board of disabilities welcomes newest board member

(Lebanon, OH) – Lebanon resident, Bryan Marsh is thrilled to be serving as the newest board member of the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD). Marsh was sworn in by Warren County Probate Judge Joseph Kirby, and attended his first board meeting in March.

With a background in business, Marsh has served in a variety of sales and sales management roles over the course of his career. While attending Miami University, Marsh met his wife Jennifer, who now teaches French at Lebanon Junior High and High School. They have been residents of Lebanon for 25 years, and have two children.

“We live in a vibrant and caring community. Our family feels fortunate to be surrounded by so many incredible members of this organization who have helped our family over the years,” expressed Marsh. “I have been so impressed with everyone that I have met in this organization. It is evident that there is a great deal of passion and commitment to helping and serving others, which is inspiring to me,” Marsh added.

“This is my chance to serve as an advocate for many individuals and their families who rely on the many programs we offer. I look forward to learning quickly and helping in any way I can to continue building upon the excellent foundation that is in place.”

Board members of the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities serve four-year terms, and may serve no more than three consecutive terms. All board meetings are open to the public, and take place at 6:00 p.m. on the third Monday of every month via Zoom. The next meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on May 17, 2021

WCBDD celebrates DD Awareness Month with "Eggstravaganza" Reverse Parade

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 12:44:37 GMT

Date: April 12, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

WCBDD celebrates DD Awareness Month with “Eggstravaganza” Reverse Parade

(Lebanon, OH) – On March 29th, 2021 the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) hosted the “Extra Essential Eggstravaganza” reverse parade as a way to safely engage the community and celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

The event was enthusiastically attended and invited enrolled individuals and their families to receive a special goodie basket delivered directly to their vehicles, providing an opportunity to take selfies with two charismatic Easter bunnies. Upon receiving a goodie basket, vehicles drove through the parking lot of the Warren C. Young Center and participated in a “honk parade” as agency staff, providers, and enrolled individuals waved hand-made signs celebrating this year’s DD Awareness Month theme, “Essential: We Matter!”

The planning and coordination efforts of the “Eggstravaganza” were met with praise from many who expressed their gratitude and appreciation, including one family who referred to the event as “a bright light during this difficult COVID time.” Thanks to the time, dedication, and heart of agency staff, providers, and volunteers, approximately 203 goodie baskets were gifted.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and support to over 2,000 individuals with disabilities and their families, through Early Intervention, Community Resources, Employment Services, Social, Recreational, Residential, Service Coordination, and other programs.

Warren County man's self-determination earns state recongnition

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 13:47:29 GMT

Date: February 22, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

Warren County man’s self-determination earns state recognition

(Lebanon, OH) – Aaron Bowman receives services from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD). He is employed at Chuck E. Cheese, where he has enjoyed a 15 year career as their mouse mascot. He is also a recent recipient of the ESDY Award, presented by the Ohio Self Determination Association (OSDA).

OSDA is a statewide non-profit organization that empowers individuals with disabilities to decide the trajectory of their lives through the practice of self-determination. Each year, the organization celebrates and awards those who have not only excelled in establishing the direction of their lives, but have encouraged others to do the same.

No stranger to self-determination, Aaron is a proud member of Voices Speaking Out, a WCBDD sponsored group that promotes independence and inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities. Aaron was nominated by WCBDD Advocacy Coordinator, Ellen Hudson, who detailed the “countless ways” Aaron demonstrated self-determination.

In the nomination, Hudson describes Aaron as an “outstanding mentor and leader, who was initially shy and timid when first joining Voices Speaking Out.” She adds that Aaron has since gained amazing confidence. Now a respected leader among the group, “Aaron serves as the elected Sergeant at Arms, due to his dedication to responsibility and attention to detail.”

Hudson continues to illustrate Aaron’s self-determination by citing specific examples. Last winter, Aaron routinely visited a group member who was critically ill and hospitalized. In addition to providing the member’s spouse with both monetary and spiritual support, Aaron gathered family members of other critically ill patients of the hospital, for comfort and prayer.

On another occasion, Aaron’s self-determination enabled “quick-thinking under stress” when a peer was threatening to end his own life. A potentially tragic outcome was quickly avoided, thanks to Aaron’s swift action to alert the appropriate authorities.

Though he exemplifies the principles of self-determination, Aaron remains a humble member of the group. Hudson shares that despite the encouragement from others to run for the President of Voices Speaking Out, Aaron shyly declines saying, “I don’t want to hurt the feelings of others running for office.”

Aaron was presented his award at last month’s virtual board meeting where his self-determination was recognized by Dana Charlton, Executive Director of the Ohio Self Determination Association.

Board of disabilities and health district join forces to "save lives" in Warren County

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 13:50:28 GMT

Date: January 28, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

Board of disabilities and health district join forces to “save lives” in Warren County

(Lebanon, OH) – On January 25th, 2021, the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) was pleased to host a vaccination clinic to individuals eligible for Phase 1-B of Ohio’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program. A total of 300 individuals identified as eligible in Warren County were immediately notified by county board staff and given the option to schedule an appointment.

Held in the gymnasium of the Warren C. Young Center, approximately 223 individuals received their first dosage of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, administered by the capable hands of the Warren County Health District (WCHD) team. Upon vaccination, individuals were then seated and closely monitored by staff in an effort to detect any adverse effects.

“We were so happy to collaborate with the Warren County Health District in order to distribute vaccines to the people we serve who also have a severe congenital, developmental, or early onset medical disorder” said WCBDD Superintendent, Megan Manuel. “Because the people included in this group have a higher risk of death from COVID, this opportunity was so important, literally saving lives.”

The combined forces of the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Warren County Health District were met with gratitude and relief from members of the community who described the vaccination clinic as “seamless” and “well organized”. Another community member added, “Lives are being saved in that gym today”.

Manuel concludes, “It was an amazing sight to see, and I was proud to be a part of it. We really appreciate Governor DeWine and DODD Director Davis for prioritizing people in this group!”

The second dose of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine will be administered at the Warren C. Young Center on Monday, February 15th, 2021, Presidents’ Day.

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Date: April 30, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Megan Becker Community Relations Coordinator (859) 653-7445 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 410 S. East Street