March 2025

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. To raise awareness about inclusion and the support available to people, Fairfield DD has been involved in numerous activities throughout Fairfield County.  We observed Disability Day of Mourning, read a book about inclusion to hundreds of third graders across Fairfield County, and hosted an Assistive Technology Fair. We also presented to numerous government and civic organizations. 

Did you know:

• Fairfield DD supported more than 2,400 people in 2024 and currently provides 1,900 people with ongoing service and support. This is a 60% increase over the past 10 years. By 2030, Fairfield DD projects it will support nearly 3,200 people with disabilities in Fairfield County.

• Fairfield DD supports people in all stages of life. Our childhood programs, like Early Intervention, Forest Rose School, and Transition Coordination, are the fastest-growing areas.

• Fairfield DD coordinates and funds services for people with disabilities. 77% of our annual revenue comes from voter-approved property tax levies to provide and fund services. 

• Fairfield DD is on the ballot for the May 6^th Primary and is requesting a 5-year renewal of the current 1.85 mill levy, which is set to expire at the end of 2025. This levy accounts for around 1/3 of Fairfield DD’s operating revenue. If passed, the levy will not increase Fairfield County property owner taxes. It is being renewed on 2015 property tax valuations. Fairfield County property taxpayers will pay the same amount they have been paying with no increase. 

Fairfield County is growing. The need for services is growing. Fairfield DD is committed to building a community that recognizes the value of every person—a vibrant community where people lead lives of greater independence and make meaningful contributions.

Enjoy the warmer weather!

David

DD Awareness Month

Marci's Keepin' it Cookin' Join Fairfield DD for this free self-advocacy event with Marci Straughter. Learn Marci's secret recipes to finding a good provider and being a self-advocate, as she talks about her journey to living independently and helping to create a vibrant community.

Reading to 3rd Graders Across Fairfield County

Fairfield DD team members kicked off DD Awareness Month by visiting 62 third-grade classrooms across the county and reading No Elephants Allowed, a book that encourages students to see the value in every person.

Disability Day of Mourning

Community members and Fairfield DD team members gathered at the Fairfield County Infirmary Cemetery last Friday to pay tribute to individuals with disabilities who tragically lost their lives due to the actions of their caregivers.

Assistive Technology Resource Fair

Fairfield DD hosted an Assistive Technology Resource Fair with more than 28 vendors on site. The 170 attendees had a chance to try out technology and hear from experts in breakout sessions.

Community Connections

Terry has become well-known in our community due to his dedication to helping others. Whether through his roles at the Fairfield Center for Independence, assisting with local events, or coaching Little League baseball, Terry works to create a vibrant community.

As an assistant Little League baseball coach with Kiwanis, Terry works with children aged 8–12. Drawing on his extensive baseball knowledge, he helps players develop their skills while also analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of opposing teams to guide his team to victory. Outside of coaching, Terry is an avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Guardians and enjoys attending Columbus Clippers games.

Terry is also the co-host of the Fairfield Center for Independence podcast “Independence Rules," where he shares insights on gaining independence and discusses the various activities he is involved in. He frequently utilizes the library to research podcast topics and improve his podcasting skills.

At the Fairfield Center for Independence, Terry leads morning affirmations, fostering confidence and encouragement. He guides others by saying affirmations like, "May I trust I’m enough" and invites everyone to repeat the words, helping them build confidence for the day.

Terry is out and about at a variety of events.  The next event on his calendar is Friends of Fairfield DD's Celebration of Possibilities, where he will serve as the award presenter. Terry will join community leaders in honoring members of the community who illustrate the mission of Fairfield DD and work to create a more vibrant community.

Through his efforts, Terry exemplifies how small acts of kindness, offering a helping hand, and getting involved can create a vibrant community where people can live lives of greater independence and make meaningful contributions. 

On this episode of Fulfilling Lives, we sat down with team members from the Fairfield Center for Independence to talk about the new PACE Unit and its impact on the community.

Cribs for Kids - Free Safe Sleep Kits

The Fairfield County Health Department is a contact site for the Cribs for Kids/Safe Sleep Program, which aims to decrease Ohio’s infant mortality rate by ensuring infants have a safe sleep environment and families are educated about safe sleep practices.

Contact the Fairfield County Health Department at 1550 Sheridan Drive St., 100, Lancaster, Ohio 43130, or by phone at 740-652-2800, or learn more about the program and requirements here.

Around Fairfield DD

Square 7 Earns Gold Medal

Square 7 Coffee House was recently awarded the 2024 Food Safety Gold Medal by the Fairfield County Health Department. This award acknowledges the team's dedication to creating a brand of excellence. Congratulations to the Art and Clay/Square 7 Coffee House Team!

2022-2024 Strategic Plan Wrap-Up

The Fairfield DD Strategic Plan for 2022-2024 has come to an end, and we’re excited to share the progress made on each initiative.

As you review the updates, we welcome your feedback to help us keep improving and advancing our mission.

Lori and Sarah, from the Assistive Technology team, help people find and use technology to be more independent. They provide advice, assessments, setup, training, and ongoing support. These services are available to anyone receiving Fairfield DD services who may benefit from technology.

Assistive technology can help with communication, using computers, work tasks, daily activities, staying organized, having fun, reading, writing, and more. The team also helps people and their families explore remote support services, where caregivers assist from a distance using technology.

Referrals for a technology assessment come from Individual Support Coordinators (ISC), early intervention staff, or schools. These assessments happen in different places like homes, schools, job sites, and day programs to find the best solutions.

The team offers tours of the SMART Tech space to show different technology options. Fairfield DD also has a lending library with 181 devices people can borrow before deciding to buy. They provide training, work with schools, host resource fairs, and teach others how technology can help people be more independent.

Artist: Jensen, age 9 Lithopolis, OH

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