Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services Reflections Newsletter
Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services Reflections Newsletter, September 2012
John Martin visits Cincinnati for Employment First panel discussion
 Tony Blasingame, Mark Kayes and DIrector John Martin
    Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Director John Martin was in Hamilton County last week to learn how to best implement Governor Kasich's Employment First Initiative for people with disabilities. 
   The initiative's purpose is to expand and integrate community employment opportunities for working age Ohioans with developmental disabilities. 
   Tony and Mark, employed by Kaiser Pickles and LaRosa's Pizzeria respectively, were on hand to share their experiences working in the community, along with their families and supervisors. 
Disability Employment Awareness Month

     It's Disability Employment Awareness Month! This national campaign raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of employees with disabilities to America's work force. Read more by clicking here. 

 

Rost School PTA Fall Fling!
     Join Margaret B. Rost School PTA for the annual Fall Fling fundraiser!
    Catered by Ron's Roost, order a chicken dinner for carry-out or dine in and pick it up on on October 25 between 5 and 7 p.m.
     You must order ahead, so click here to download the order form and send to Rost School.
Voter Registration
Are you registered to vote? The last day to register is October 9. Some advocates recently made a video about the importance of voting and how to vote if you have a disability. 
 
From the Superintendent
Click here to read Superintendent Alice Pavey's most recent column to the community, concerning agency efficiencies and cost-cutting.  
 
1520 Madison Rd
Cincinnati, Ohio 45230
513-559-6653
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New Website!

We are getting a new website! 

 

Launching in October, the site will feature easier to navigate information, a clean look and a whole separate site just for providers!

 

 

 

Open House 

at our new Queensgate office

Thursday, October 4, 2012

3:30 to 6 p.m.

801 W 8th St

Cincinnati, Ohio 45203

 

  

Meet Courttney    
Courttney in front of his latest masterpiece,  
Cincinnati is Germantown USA, which took him ten months to complete
       Courttney Cooper has worked for 13 years at the Walnut Hills Kroger, and 14 years at York Street Cafe. While he loves his jobs, his favorite thing to do is art. 
      Four days a week after work, Courttney goes to Visionaries and Voices (V+V), an art studio for people with disabilities. 
     Well-known for his large scale, detailed drawings of the city from memory, Courttney also enjoys drawing superheroes, fish, and cars. 
     He started drawing with encouragement from his high school art teacher and at work at York Street Cafe. He often gave patrons his pictures. The owner was so impressed with Courttney's talent, she held a show for him at the restaurant, and Courttney's been drawing ever since.  
    In July, he was honored to have his art, mostly his Cincinnati map drawings, displayed at a three person show in Chicago at Western Exhibitions Gallery. He attended the opening with friends, and spent the weekend enjoying the city, seeing Millennium Park, listening to music and going to the aquarium. 
     "The owner of the gallery is from Cincinnati," said Matt Distel, V+ V Executive Director. "He was so impressed with Courttney's art he wanted to show the people of Chicago."
    In addition, Courttney teaches art to high school students at Seven Hills School and Madison Junior and Senior High; and girl scout troops who come to the studio.  
     "Courttney's life is very full," said studio coordinator Jan Hermans, "He is a union member with Kroger, carries health insurance and is very busy, obviously!" 
      Courttney hopes to continue making art and collaborating with other artists, in addition to working full-time.
       "V+V is great," he said, "I love coming here."