Community Connections Newsletter | |
Check out what's new in this issue!
- Free Adaptive Golf Clinic
- Walking on Sunshine Summer Dance
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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 free of charge 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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Financial Planning Session
Friday, May 8, from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
In conjunction with KeyBank, Ken Anderson Alliance is hosting an informational session at Cincinnati Public Radio, located at 2117 Dana Ave. in Cincinnati, Ohio, designed specifically for parents and families of individuals with disabilities. The session will focus on the ABCs of Special Needs Planning, Trusts, and Medicaid. Presenters from Key Private Bank, the Law Offices of Burke & Pecquet, and The Disability Foundation will provide direction on navigating government benefits and understanding legal and financial tools. The session is FREE and open to the public. Space is limited, so RSVP!
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Free Adaptive Golf Clinic
Friday, May 15, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
In partnership with The Bridge Adaptive Sports & Recreation, specially trained golf professionals will offer hands-on instruction and adaptive clubs, aids, and equipment for participants to try at Meadow Links Golf Course & Academy at Winton Woods, 10999 Mill Road, Cincinnati, OH. The clinic welcomes people with physical disabilities (walking or using a wheelchair) of all experience levels, plus physical and recreational therapists, rehabilitation professionals, golf instructors, caregivers, family members, and anyone interested in adaptive golf techniques. Lunch will be provided immediately after the clinic. To reserve a spot or request more information, call R.J. Rosenberg Orthopedic Lab at (513) 221-7200.
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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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Run With Me: Cincy
On Tuesdays, until 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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Walking on Sunshine Summer Dance
Thursday, May 28, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us for our summer dance! Register by May 22. This event is limited to a capacity of 200. Please keep in mind, this is an outdoor event. Dress appropriately!
This event is subject to cancellation due to weather. Watch our Facebook page for updates. The dance will take place at the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields at 4850 Groh Lane in Fairfield, Ohio. Register for the dance!
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Rachel and Friends' Art Show
Friday, June 5, from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Rachel Andrew will be hosting her very own FIRST art show at Pendleton Art Studios Middletown, located at 1005 Central Ave. in Middletown, Ohio, on the 2nd floor! The art show will feature Rachel and Friends' artwork along with live music, karaoke, and light refreshments. To purchase Rachel's artwork, visit Inspiration Studios (Inside Out Studios) website or visit their shop located at 140 High Street in Hamilton, Ohio.
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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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Middletown Arts Center Sensory Friendly Saturday
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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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://greatmiami.younglife.org.
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Speak Up Self Advocacy Group
Next meeting is on Tuesday, May 26, 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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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! | | | | |
