October 15, 2025

New This Issue...

Check out what's new this issue!

• Halloween Party
• Discabilities Adaptive Disc Golf Event
• Exercise and Stretch Class
• Budgeting 101: Simple Steps for Success
• "Different Kinds of Minds are the Strength of our Society:" Celebrating the 2025 Community Recognition Awards
• Become an Ohio Tech Advocate
• DD Employment Awareness Month Feature Story: The Heart Behind the Golden Arches

Halloween Party

Friday, October 17, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Join the inclusive Halloween Party for live music, dancing, games, snacks, scares, and fun! The party will be held at Production Services Unlimited, located at 575 Columbus Ave in Lebanon, Ohio. To RSVP, text 513-978-4152.

4th Annual Serve City Trunk or Treat

Thursday, October 16 from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Get ready for some spooky fun at Serve City’s 4th Annual Trunk or Treat! Join the Trunk or Treat celebration in the Serve City parking lot at 622 East Avenue, Hamilton, OH. Families can enjoy a safe and fun evening filled with candy giveaways, music, games, activities, and more! This is a free event for the whole community, so bring the kids, dress up in your best costumes, and celebrate Halloween. Don’t miss out on this family-friendly night of treats and fun!

Holiday Hope 2025

Deadline is Friday, October 17

With fall right around the corner, it’s hard to believe that the holiday season is quickly approaching. This year, we are once again inviting individuals and businesses to help bring holiday cheer to individuals and families with developmental disabilities who might otherwise go without gifts. Would you or your company be interested in sponsoring a family or individual this season? Your generosity can make a meaningful difference in their lives. If you would like to participate, please email Lynn Goodwin at mgoodwin@butlerdd.org by October 17th to indicate the number of individuals or families you would like to sponsor. Details about who you will be helping and when/where to drop off the gifts will be provided at a later time.  

2025 Serving Our Neighbors Gala

Saturday, October 18 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Join the Community Christian Church for an evening of celebration and reflection as they share the amazing work Serve City contributes to the community. Since 2001 and ongoing, Serve City shines as a beacon of hope for Butler County's most vulnerable neighbors, providing assistance in the key areas of housing, hunger, and help. All community members are invited to attend this formal attire gala event to learn more about the positive impact Serve City makes every day. Register for the Gala today!

Abilities First Illuminate Abilities Gala

Saturday, October 18 at 6:00 p.m.

Join Abilities First and friends as they illuminate children of all abilities in southwest Ohio! The Gala includes dinner, an auction, dancing, and networking! The Event Center of Middletown, located at 3907 Central Ave., will be hosting the Gala. Purchase tickets, tables, inquire about sponsorship opportunities, or program advertising by visiting the Abilities First website!

Next Chapter Book Club

Thursday, October 23, and November 13 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Oxford Library, and Monday, October 27, and November 10 and 24 from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Fairfield Lane Library

Next Chapter Book Club is a place for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to read, learn, and make friends! Anyone can participate, whatever their reading or ability level. Thursday sessions will be held at the Oxford Library, and Monday sessions will be held at the Fairfield Lane Library. Participants who require one-on-one support for behavioral or medical needs must be accompanied by a family member or caregiver. Sessions at Fairfield Lane Library require registration!

Exercise and Stretch Class

Meets weekly from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Mondays beginning on Monday, October 27 and ending on Monday, December 1

Get your exercise and stretches in at Easterseals Redwood, located at 2901 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, 45206! This class is designed for individuals with disabilities and will incorporate adaptive exercises. Register now to get your own resistance stretch band by emailing Jenise at Jenise@IndependenceAlliance.org.

Lunch Brunch

Saturday, November 1, from 11:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Miami Oxford students, professors, and individuals from the Oxford community are invited to gather for food, conversation, and games/activities! The lunch brunch will take place in Room 120 at McGuffey Hall, located at 210 E Spring Street in Oxford, Ohio. If you would to join, please contact Scott or Elizabeth at osterfsd@miamioh.edu or 513-375-6530.

The Future is Now

Monday, November 3, and Tuesday, November 4 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The Future is Now is a multi-part series designed to help caregivers and their family members make plans for the future. Throughout this journey of discovery, we will guide families in creating their own letter of intent. A letter of intent is a non-legal document that captures family desires and goals for the future. Creating a letter of intent can help families gain peace of mind that comes with having a plan.

Each session offers an opportunity to learn more about important topics such as hopes, dreams, and worries for the future, expanding personal networks, maximizing public benefits (SSI/SSDI/Social Security, STABLE accounts, and Trusts), future living arrangements, supports for caregivers, and keepers of the dream!

Who?

Parents, caregivers, individuals with developmental disabilities, and siblings are encouraged to attend as a family unit.

How will it work?

Sessions will be hosted by people with a passion for helping individuals and families prepare for the future. Participation is limited to eight families per session. You MUST attend all sessions within the series.

Where?

The Janet Clemmons Center 282 N. Fair Ave., Hamilton, OH 45011. A meal will be provided.

Registration must be completed 1 week before the session begins! Please contact Jenny Mann at jamann@butlerdd.org or 513-785-2813 if you have any questions. Register for the Future is Now November series!

Budgeting 101: Simple Steps for Success

Wednesday, October 22, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

This 90-minute virtual session, developed for individuals with disabilities, will cover the basics of budgeting and saving, including strategies to save without impacting asset-based benefits. Learn how to make a budget, what to do when you have limited resources, and tips to overcome common spending mistakes. Register by emailing Jenise at Jenise@IndependenceAlliance.org.

Urban Air Sensory Friendly Play

First Sunday of the Month from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Join the Urban Air Adventure Park Fairfield Township team for Sensory Friendly Play! This is designed for children with Autism and special needs. During Sensory Play, Urban Air Adventure Park is transformed into a calmer atmosphere for children with special needs and sensory processing difficulties. The cost is $15.99 per child. Urban Air Adventure Park Fairfield Township is located at 3175 Princeton Road.

"Different Kinds of Minds are the Strength of our Society:" Celebrating the 2025 Community Recognition Awards

On Saturday, September 20, Berachah Church in Middletown was filled with celebration as Butler County’s Developmental Disability (DD) advocates came together to honor some of their greatest champions. The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities (BCBDD) 2025 Community Recognition Awards brought together families, providers, volunteers, and self-advocates to shine a light on the often unsung heroes whose work ensures individuals with DD are welcomed, valued, and included...

Read all about the 2025 Community Recognition Awards and see photos from the event!

Become an Ohio Tech Advocate

In January 2021, the Ohio Tech Ambassador Network launched a program to shed light on how Supportive Technology can enhance the lives and foster independence for people with developmental disabilities. Five Ohioans using Supportive Technology in their own lives served as role models through virtual peer-to-peer mentoring events held statewide from February to May of 2021. The program was so successful that it has been extended to run through June 2025 and now includes 14 Tech Ambassadors! To learn more and become a Tech Advocate, visit the website!

DD Employment Awareness Month Feature Story: The Heart Behind the Golden Arches

We are very excited to bring to you another featured story in celebration of DD Employment Awareness Month! If you’ve ever walked into the Boymel Drive McDonald’s in Fairfield, Ohio, on a busy weekend and been greeted with a cheerful “Good morning!" there’s a good chance you’ve met Todd Frasher. Todd joined the McDonald’s team in July 2022 as a Guest Experience Leader, a title that couldn’t be more fitting. With a warm smile, unmatched kindness, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, Todd brings positivity to everyone he meets. Continue Reading Todd's story!

The ASL App

The ASL App is about teaching people conversational ASL! Packed with 2,500+ signs and phrases, easy navigation and features, with different signers, The ASL App is designed to make learning easy, accessible, and fun. Start signing today! 

Autism Connections Events and Resources

Are you looking for autism-related resources? Do you have questions about a new diagnosis? Do you know what questions to ask? Contact the Autism Connections Autism Helpline at 513-561-2300 ext. 101 for guidance, assistance, and understanding. You may also ask your questions by emailing info@autismcincy.org. Check out upcoming programs and other community events on the Autism Connections website calendar!