February 2025

Superintendent's Message

As we move through February, we are excited to wrap up grant-funded projects in partnership with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, representing significant investments in Fairfield County. You can read more about these grant-funded investments below.

We are also hard at work preparing for DD Awareness Month and the many activities planned to raise awareness in our community during the month of March. Check out the events at the bottom of the newsletter.

During February, Fairfield DD joins our community in celebrating Black History Month. Some may not realize that the Underground Railroad’s history flows through Fairfield County. We recognize and celebrate the trailblazers who impacted Fairfield County in the 1800s, including Scipio and Nelson Smith.

Here’s hoping for warmer weather soon!

David

Rushville and the Underground Railroad

Rushville Home Used as Masonic Lodge and Stop On Underground Railroad

Vibrant Community Connections

Weathering the Storm

Katrina Tipple’s interest in weather began in 2024 when Ohio was hit by back-to-back tornadoes. For many with weather anxiety, these events would trigger an instinct to avoid anything related to storms. However, Katrina’s severe storm anxiety pushed her in the opposite direction. She chose to learn more about the weather, believing that knowledge could help her confront her fears. Katrina not only educates the public about weather patterns and storm safety but also inspires others to face their fears with knowledge.

Katrina’s journey began when she enrolled in courses through Fairfield County’s Emergency Management Agency. It didn’t take long for her to develop a deep interest in meteorology. You can now find her measuring wind speeds, watching the sky for color changes and cloud formations, tracking precipitation, and reporting her findings to the weather service.

“We’ve got ice coming tonight, and I’ll be out there measuring with my ruler,” Katrina says excitedly. Last winter, she couldn’t contain her enthusiasm when a snow squall warning was issued. It was a weather event she had not experienced before, and she was ready to go outside and see it firsthand.

To finish Katrina's story, click here.

Grant Funded Projects Wrap-Up

In the spring of 2024, Fairfield DD was awarded $890,000 in grant funding from DODD, which was invested throughout the county to increase inclusion and accessibility.

Accessible Changing Spaces

Supporting the Center for Independence, the grant was used to build a mobile vehicle, providing accessible space for personal care. It will be available at a variety of community events throughout Fairfield County. There were also 2 universal changing spaces created at Forest Rose School that will be available to those who visit Fairfield DD.

Translated and Accessible Materials

Fairfield DD is committed to connecting with those who may need support. Currently serving more than 16 different languages, grant funding was used to add translation options to the website. Additionally, resources that are provided to families were translated. An accessibility option was also added to the website, allowing for easier viewing for a variety of users.

Accessible Ball Field and Playground

In partnership with Lancaster Parks and Recreation, Lancaster Rotary, and the All-Access Ballpark Fund, grant money was added to funds raised by the group to support the all-accessible sports field and playground that will be built at Miller Park as it is redesigned. The goal is to provide an accessible space for all!

Summer Enrichment Activities

Fairfield DD works to provide summer enrichment opportunities for school-aged students each summer. Grant money extended these opportunities to younger students who aren’t yet in school.

Accessible Public Transit Bus

To support accessible transportation in the county, funds were used to purchase an all-accessible bus, which was added to the Fairfield County Transit Fleet.

Supported Connections in the Community

Grant funds were used to retrofit a space where someone with complex medical needs could live, allowing them to maintain their independence and live in their community.

Assistive Technology Lending Library Additions

Fairfield DD has a lending library of enabling technology that people can borrow to see if it suits their needs before looking to purchase. New tools were purchased that can be borrowed.

Fairfield DD Featured Role

Katie works as an Employment Support Specialist in the Provider and Community Resources department. When Individual Support Coordinators (ISCs) meet with people who want to be more connected to the community or to employment, they connect with Katie, who is a resource for discussion and exploration. She works with the person and the team to learn more about their talents, interests, passions, and strengths. By doing so, Katie empowers people to develop confidence and connections to pursue their goals and passions.

Whether it’s providing options for time management or connecting someone with local resume-building resources, Katie plays a crucial role in fostering independence and helping individuals make meaningful contributions to their community. Katie’s efforts focus on promoting greater independence and ensuring that each person can reach their full potential and lead the fulfilling life of their choice.

Help us celebrate DD Awareness by creating a logo for us to use throughout the month of March on our social media and other DD Awareness materials.

Rules:

- Anyone in Fairfield County may submit a logo

- Fairfield DD must receive your design by end of day on February 24th

- Submission should be original copy, graphic design, or scan or physical copy.

Please send or drop off your original art to the Communications Department at 795 College Ave., Lancaster, Ohio 43130. If using graphic design or scanning your original art, please submit via email.

When sending your design, please include your name, town, email, and phone number.

Mark your calendar: DD Awareness Month

DD Awareness Month is observed every March to raise awareness about the abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities and advocate for a community that sees the value of each person. While this happens all year round at Fairfield DD, we have some special events planned for March. Check them out on our events page!

Events

Upcoming Events

Disability Day of Mourning Gathering

February 28, 2025, 10:00 am

Fairfield County Infirmary Cemetery, 1651 Granville Pike, Lancaster, OH 43130

Gather with us to mourn people with disabilities throughout history who lost their lives at the hands of caregivers to commemorate Disability Day of Mourning. Learn more.

Guest Barista at Square 7 Coffee House

March 4, 2025, 10:00-11:30 am

Art & Clay on Main and Square 7 Coffee House, 150 W. Main St.

Stop by Art & Clay on Main and Square 7 Coffee House to ask us a question and chat while your beverage is being made by the leadership team of Fairfield DD!

Learn more.

Let the Music Sing

March 8, 2025, 11:30 am

McCoy Center for the Arts, 100 E Dublin Granville Rd. New Albany, OH 43054

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sing in a choir? Come see for yourself as we perform Beethoven’s beautiful choral fantasy. Join the New Albany Symphony during their sensory symphony experience. Learn More.

Assistive Technology Resource Fair

March 17, 2025, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

717 College Ave. Lancaster, OH 43130

Fairfield DD will be hosting a day of learning and hands-on exploration featuring numerous vendors who provide assistive technology devices and services throughout Ohio, in addition to remote support services. Learn more.

Celebration of Possibilities

March 26, 2025, 6:00 pm

Crossroads Event Center at 2095 W Fair Ave, Lancaster, OH 43130

Join the Friends of Fairfield DD for the 15th annual Celebration of Possibilities as they highlight the great work of the community. Learn more.

Fairfield DD's mission is to bring about a vibrant community where people lead lives of greater independence and make meaningful contributions.