Community Connections Newsletter | |
Check out what's new in this issue!
- Trenton Community Park Easter Egg Hunt
- Supporting Families, Connecting Communities Seminar
- Fairfield South PTC Carnival
- Wear BLUE for Autism Acceptance Month
- Tonya Engel Memorial Playground Dedicated as an Inclusive Space for All Children
- Free Educational Support for Students With IEPs
- Say This, Not That All-New Video
- Recruiting Families to Join Ohio Newborn Screening Family Advisory Committees
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Town Hall Meeting - Understanding Our Finances
Wednesday, April 1, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a town hall meeting where we discuss our fiscal emergency, what we’ve done so far to reduce expenses, and why we’ve placed a levy on the May ballot. This is your chance to learn about what led us to this point and ask questions. The Town Hall Meeting will be held at the MidPointe Library West Chester, located at 9363 Centre Pointe Drive, in West Chester, Ohio.
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Trenton Community Park Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4, at 10:15 a.m.
Families are invited to celebrate the season at the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt at Trenton Community Park, located at 440 Dell Drive in Trenton, Ohio. The morning will kick off with activities beginning at 10:15 a.m., followed by the egg hunt at 11:00 a.m. This free, family-friendly event will feature a variety of fun for all ages, including prizes, face painting, a puppet show, and a bounce house. It’s a great opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy a festive spring morning. There will also be a Super Kids section for children in wheelchairs or for those who need a calmer, slower-paced area to find eggs! The event is sponsored by Trenton GracePointe Nazarene.
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Community Art Class
Wednesday, April 8, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Make a heartfelt, handmade gift just in time for Mother’s Day at InsideOut Studio's Community Art Class! Participants will create a fused-glass jewelry tray, along with one pair of earrings and one pendant (which can be made into a necklace or a pin). Participants can choose from the templates and colors provided, or choose their own design if they feel comfortable and have joined us for a class previously. The art class will be held at InsideOut Studio, located at 140 High Street in Hamilton, Ohio. Sign up now!
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Supporting Families, Connecting Communities Seminar
Friday, April 10, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Arc of Ohio, in partnership with Southwest Ohio Parent Mentors, is hosting a one-day conference to help families navigate school-age resources and supports for students with developmental disabilities. The event will take place at HCESC, located at 11083 Hamilton Ave. in Cincinnati, Ohio, and will feature expert speakers, resource vendors, and onsite support from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). Registration is $10 for families and $99 for professionals. Lunch is included. Additionally, you will receive Pepper Stetler’s book, “A Measure of Intelligence,” when you register! Register today!
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PigAbilities Meetups
Every Sunday in April, from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., the next Meetup is on Sunday, April 12
Join Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services and Queen City Running Club for PigAbilities Meetups to prepare for The Flying Pig's PigAbilities race on Saturday, May 2! PigAbilities is a one-mile event that allows participants and their supporters to run, walk, or roll at their own pace and cross the official Flying Pig Marathon Finish Swine. Meetups take place from 2–3 p.m. on Sundays in March and April at accessible locations with distances ranging from 0.25 to 1 mile. Open to everyone! These meetups provide water. The Meetup schedule is as follows:
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April 12, LeBlond Rec Center, 2335 Riverside Drive
- April 19, Theodore M. Berry Friendship Park, 1135 Riverside Drive
- April 26, LeBlond Rec Center, 2335 Riverside Drive
Contact Ann Myres if you have any questions at ann.myres@hamiltonddsohio.gov.
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Run With Me: Cincy
On Tuesdays, April 14 - May 19, from 6:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Run with Me: Cincy is a nonprofit, parent-led group based in Cincinnati, OH, that focuses on providing a safe, enclosed running space for kiddos with disabilities to exercise, form friendships, and build community. This year's running sessions will take place at the Lakota West Freshman running track located at 5050 Tylersville Road in West Chester, Ohio. To register to run or volunteer, visit the Run With Me: Cincy website!
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Sensory Friendly Movie: The Lion King
Thursday, April 16, at 10:15 a.m.
Join us for our Sensory Friendly Movie event featuring The Lion King at the Fitton Arts Center located at 101 S Monument Ave. in Hamilton, Ohio! We’ll turn up the lights and lower the volume so participants can enjoy the movie theater experience without feeling overstimulated. Doors open at 9:45 a.m. No food or drinks are allowed in the theater. All ages are welcome to attend! Please RSVP to Jenny Mann at jamann@butlerdd.org by Monday, April 13.
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Middletown Arts Center Sensory Friendly Saturday
Saturday, April 18, and June 27 from 10:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Visit the Middletown Arts Center for Sensory-Friendly Saturdays! Enjoy a warm, welcoming, and inclusive space where individuals of all ages and abilities can explore art in a way that feels comfortable, calm, and fun. Stroll through relaxing art galleries, take part in hands-on creative activities, enjoy guided art projects, and meet the Art Center's friendly therapy dogs. These sensory-friendly events are completely FREE for the community. To RSVP, call 513-424-2417 or reach out via email at katyrose@middletownartscenter.com.
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Reach Me Lunch and Learn
Thursday, April 23, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
REACH ME is hosting a Lunch and Learn at their hub, offering a relaxed opportunity for community members to connect while learning about the importance of oral hygiene. A special guest from Kemper Pond Dental will share practical tips and simple strategies to help keep teeth healthy, all while attendees enjoy refreshments and a meal together. The event will take place at 1325 E. Kemper Rd., Suite 104, Cincinnati, Ohio and is a great chance to learn, ask questions, and engage with others in the community. Register for the event!
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Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship Grounds Program
Class B is Monday, April 27 - Monday, May 18, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship (CTRH) is offering a Grounds Program for adults and children with epilepsy this spring. The program teaches foundational horsemanship skills through hands-on activities such as grooming and tacking while helping participants learn about horse behavior and body language in a fun, supportive environment. Through engaging group activities, participants build confidence, responsibility, and a meaningful connection with the horses. Two class sessions will be offered from 1–2 p.m., with Class A running March 30–April 20 and Class B running April 27–May 18 at CTRH, located at 1342 US HWY 50 in Milford, Ohio. Please note that this program focuses on ground-based horsemanship and does not include mounted riding. For more information, contact Laurie Smith at Laurie.Smith@CTRHOhio.org
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Fairfield South PTC Carnival
Friday, May 1, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Please attend the Annual Fairfield South PTC Carnival! This is one of the most exciting events put on for students and families! To make this event a success, the PTC needs a large number of volunteers. The PTC is looking for businesses, organizations, and non-profit organizations to help us run our simple Carnival games. Flyers and other info can be handed out while you run the game! If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the form in the link: https://forms.gle/GrPEJ4DyXpVZRxF2A. Please email ffsouthptc@gmail.com with any questions.
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Best Buddies Friendship Walk
Saturday, May 2, check-in at 10:30 a.m. and opening ceremonies at 11:15 a.m.
The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading event in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)! This year's Cincinnati Best Buddies Friendship Walk will be held once again at Marcum Park in Downtown Hamilton, Ohio. Once registered for the walk, you’ll gain access to your personal fundraising page that you can personalize and keep track of your fundraising efforts. Individuals who raise $50 or more will receive an exclusive event t-shirt on walk day! Snacks and drinks will be provided for free to all registered walkers and volunteers at the event. Check-in for the walk begins at 10:30 a.m., with opening ceremonies beginning shortly after at 11:15 a.m. To create a team, register for the walk as an individual, donate, or become a sponsor, visit the Best Buddies Friendship Walk website: https://www.bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/cincinnati/.
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Annual DD Fairfield Optimist Fishing Derby
Saturday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The Annual DD Fairfield Optimist Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 194 Joe Nuxhall Way, Fairfield, Ohio! All bait, food, and drinks will be provided. Please bring a fishing rod. If you don’t have one, one will be provided. Please bring your own lawn chair. Register by Friday, May 1, 2026, on our website: https://www.butlerdd.org/events/annual-dd-fairfield-optimist-fishing-derby/.
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Young Adult Hangout
Saturday, May 16, from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
REACH ME is hosting a Young Adult Hangout at the Fairfield Lane Library! This fun, welcoming event is designed for young adults to mix, mingle, and make new friends in a relaxed community setting. Attendees can enjoy games, refreshments, and plenty of opportunities to connect with others while building meaningful friendships. Tickets are $10. To get your ticket now, visit the event page!
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Hamilton Optimist Club Annual DD Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 13, from 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
The Hamilton Optimist Club Annual DD Fishing Derby will be held at 567 Beissinger Rd. in Hamilton, Ohio, once again this year! All bait, drinks, and lunch (pizza) will be provided. Please bring a fishing rod if you are participating. If you do not have a fishing rod, it can be provided. Pizza will be served for lunch, but if something different is needed due to health reasons, please let Terry Baker know in advance at troscoeb1959@gmail.com. All participants receive a prize for participating! Please arrive early to register on the day of the derby!
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We Thrive Together Virtual Events Calendar
We Thrive Together holds over 300 virtual events each month to keep people connected! From virtual Line Dancing to Taco Tuesday to Speed Friends, We Thrive Together has a virtual event for everyone to join! To look at We Thrive Together's virtual event calendar, visit their website!
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Wear BLUE for Autism Acceptance Month!
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and we’re inviting the community to join us in showing support, celebrating inclusion, and amplifying the voices of individuals with Autism! Throughout the month, we encourage everyone to wear blue and share a photo along with a short quote answering the question: “Why is Autism Acceptance Month important to you?” Photos and quotes will be featured all month long on BCBDD’s social media pages! Help us make April a month of connection, education, and advocacy! Please send all photos and quotes to Cassie Mattia at cqmattia@butlerdd.org.
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Young Life Capernaum Hamilton and Middletown 2026 Event Schedules
Event Schedules go through May
Young Life is a non-denominational Christian organization, and Capernaum is its outreach ministry for students with disabilities. Staff and trained volunteer leaders help those who join the organization discover and enjoy acceptance, adventure, and fun through lasting friendships that develop from club meetings and camp trips! Capernaum is open to students with disabilities ages 13-22 from Hamilton and Middletown's local schools. All Middletown Capernaum events will be held at First Baptist Church, located at 4500 Riverview Ave. in Middletown, and all Hamilton Capernaum events will be held at Bethel Community Church, located at 2015 NW Washington Blvd. in Hamilton. View the event schedules by visiting the website link: https://easterncincinnati.younglife.org/.
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Speak Up Self Advocacy Group
Next meeting is on Tuesday, April 28, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join the BCBDD advocacy group, Speak Up! Everyone can be a self-advocate! Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at the Janet Clemmons Center and focus on ways to advocate for yourself and your community. Want to learn more about Speak Up? Read the story about how Speak Up started and how you can get involved! Stay up to date on all things Speak Up by following the Speak Up Self Advocacy page on Facebook. If you have questions, contact Courtney Hineman at crhineman@butlerdd.org. You may also contact Lynn Goodwin at mgoodwin@butlerdd.org.
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Tonya Engel Memorial Playground Dedicated as an Inclusive Space for ALL Children
Today marks the first day of Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate neurodiversity, promote inclusion, and continue building communities where everyone belongs!
This spirit of acceptance was on full display in Morgan Township, OH, on March 21, as the Tonya Engel Memorial Playground was officially dedicated. Designed with accessibility at its core, this beautiful new space ensures children of all abilities can play side by side.
From inclusive equipment to thoughtful features that support sensory needs, this playground is more than a place to play; it’s a reminder of what true inclusion looks like!
Read the full story and learn how this incredible project came to life!
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Free Educational Support for Students With IEPs
Learning Aid Ohio is helping students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) succeed by offering free, supplemental tutoring support. The program connects eligible Ohio families with qualified tutors who provide personalized, in-person instruction aligned with each student’s unique needs. The summer semester runs from May 16 through September 11, giving students additional support during the summer months. Families can easily apply, choose a tutor, and schedule sessions that work for them. To qualify, students must have an IEP, live in Ohio, and meet income guidelines. Learn more or apply at www.learningaidohio.org.
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Say This, Not That All-New Video
Words matter more than we sometimes realize! In honor of Autism Awareness Month, we’re sharing a quick “Say This, Not That” video featuring Community Outreach Advocate, Courtney Hineman! In this video, Courtney helps show how we can all be more mindful,
respectful, and inclusive in the way we talk about and to people with developmental disabilities. Small language changes can make a big difference in creating a more welcoming community for everyone. Take a moment to watch, learn, and help us spread
awareness!
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Recruiting Families to Join Ohio Newborn Screening Family Advisory Committees
Families across Ohio have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact through the Newborn Screening Family Advisory Committee. This initiative invites parents and caregivers whose child has received a positive newborn screening result to share their experiences and help improve systems of care for future families. Participants will collaborate with healthcare professionals and policymakers to strengthen newborn screening programs, provide valuable feedback on educational materials, and support other families navigating similar journeys. The committee offers orientation and training, along with convenient one-hour virtual meetings held quarterly through 2028. Eligible participants include those whose child has been diagnosed with conditions such as genetic disorders, sickle cell disease, congenital heart defects, or hearing disorders through newborn screening since 2016. For more information, contact OhioNBSFamilies@cchmc.org. If you would like to join, visit https://redcap.research.cchmc.org/surveys/?s=YJFREJ7PHDDCJFKP.
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Uber Offers Self-Booking Options for Individuals With Disabilities
Uber is launching self-booking options so riders with disabilities can arrange transportation on their own, even if a health care provider or disability service organization pays for it! Another incredible feature that Uber is providing is Uber Caregiver, which allows individuals with disabilities to designate a caregiver who can arrange, pay for, and monitor rides for them. Learn all about the new accessibility Uber updates by visiting Disability Scoop!
| | We would never be able to do all that we do without our amazing community! THANK YOU for coming alongside us in support of the individuals and families we serve! | | | | |
