September 2025

Picture of Man Smiling David Uhl Superintendent in a blue suit with a grey background

One of Fairfield DD’s values is collaboration. We experience the greatest success as individuals, organizations, and communities when we partner together toward a common goal.

Many organizations in Fairfield County share the goal of supporting people as they live more independently in the community. The Educational Service Center of Fairfield County (ESC) is one such organization. The ESC’s core mission is “to work with school leaders to ensure students in our community receive a high-quality education that will prepare them for success in life.”

Fairfield DD is proud to announce a new partnership with the Fairfield County ESC, aimed at strengthening educational opportunities for students right here in our community. As part of this initiative, Fairfield DD has secured and updated a space at the River Valley Mall. The ESC took it from there and transformed the space into a welcoming and functional classroom environment. The Future Forward Transition Class is now meeting in the space and preparing to lead more independent lives after high school.

Locating the Future Forward Class at River Valley Mall provides several work experience opportunities for students. Additionally, the ESC can now repurpose classroom space in Fairfield County to support an increased number of students.

The need for specialized education in Fairfield County continues to rise. ESC classrooms are full, and there is no empty space in Fairfield County. Community conversation and analysis led Fairfield DD to include this partnership and collaboration in its current strategic plan. Together, Fairfield DD and the Fairfield County ESC are working to address the educational needs of students, right here in our communities.

The Fairfield DD/ Fairfield ESC partnership is an important step forward as we work to ensure students can be educated and involved in the communities where they live.

Community Connections

Take a Virtual Tour of Our Smart Tech Room!

Fairfield DD is excited to introduce a new way to explore our Smart Tech Room virtually! Thanks to the generous support and expertise of Geopro Imaging, you can now take a 3D virtual tour of the space from the comfort of your computer or phone.

Geopro Imaging not only partnered with us on this project—they played a key role in bringing it to life. Their team provided the technical know-how and imaging services that made this immersive experience possible.

🌟 What You’ll Discover on the Tour:

Explore a variety of assistive technology devices available for demo or loan
Watch short, informative videos created by our team
Learn how specific tools can support people on their journey toward greater independence

We hope this virtual experience makes it easier for staff, families, and community members to learn about assistive technology and inspires more people to connect with technology. Click below to start exploring in 3D or visit our website to learn more or schedule an in-person tour!

Start Exploring Today

Fulfilling Lives

Small Actions, Big Impacts

On Friday, September 19, Fairfield DD hosted its annual All-Staff Professional Development Day. This fall’s theme focused on how small actions and everyday interactions can create meaningful change in the lives of the people we support.

Team members heard keynote speaker Jon Petz share stories about the power of connection. Three families also described how the staff’s small gestures helped their loved ones gain independence.

Click the video below to hear from Amberleigh as she shares her family’s journey and discover how small efforts can make a lasting difference.

Featured Position

Meet Beanie – Forest Rose’s New Therapy Puppy!

Starting a new school year can be tough. Waking up early, riding the bus, meeting new teachers, and making new friends can make anyone feel a little nervous.

But at Forest Rose School, students are greeted by a special new friend each morning—Beanie, our therapy puppy in training!

Bean is only 7 months old, but he’s already doing a great job helping students feel calm and happy. He loves getting pets and smiles as he says hello in the morning, visits during recess, and even joins a few staff meetings!

His gentle and friendly personality helps everyone, kids and adults, start the day with a smile and a little less stress.

We’re so glad to have Beanie as part of our Forest Rose family!

Around Fairfield DD

Collaborating for Community Integration

In August, Fairfield DD hosted training focused on enhancing community integration through Adult Day Support services. The event was sparked by conversations between Kristi Patrick and Pam Whiteley, who saw a need to build a shared understanding of how to support meaningful community connections.

Representatives from 8 provider agencies, DODD, and Fairfield DD came together to learn, share, and collaborate. Since then, the conversation has continued—and providers are actively networking to strengthen this support.

Fairfield DD Joins Community Care Day

Fairfield DD staff members joined nearly 300 volunteers from across the county for Community Care Day, hosted by the United Way of Fairfield County.

Our team spent the day serving at Lutheran Social Services, helping with everything from cleaning to sorting and organizing donations. The staff there were incredibly grateful to have some of those lingering projects checked off their to-do list, freeing them up to better focus on their mission.

Rotary donates books to Forest Rose Library

Penny Wasem served as president of the Lancaster Rotary Club from 2009 to 2010. She had a desire to donate a book every week in honor of the person who came to speak to the club. This tradition was carried on through every president for 15 years.

Over that time, nearly 750 books were donated to the Forest Rose Library. Penny's idea and vision literally helped FRS build the fantastic library that it has today. Fairfield DD is eternally grateful to Penny and the Rotary Club of Lancaster for their contributions and commitment to Forest Rose School.

Being Prepared

September is Emergency Preparedness Month, and Fairfield County's Emergency Management Agency is helping keep everyone informed with Alert Fairfield.

Local flooding, chemical spills, and boil advisories are examples of important updates that a regular weather app might miss. Alert Fairfield delivers this information directly to you by text or phone call.

👉 Sign up today: fairfieldema.com/alerts

Community Events

Did you know Fairfield DD maintains a list of local events happening in our community? It also includes links to other local activity calendars.

Local Events Calendar

Upcoming Events

Early Intervention Fall Family Gathering

October 1, 2025, 10:00am -12:00pm or 4:00pm - 6:00pm Van Buren Acres

Join the Fairfield DD Early Intervention staff and other Early Intervention families for a fun time at Van Buren Acres. Learn more.

Choosing the Right Phone and Plan for You

October 3, 2025, 11:00am - 12:00pm Fairfield County District Library

Join your Guiding Ohio Online Technology trainer for a discussion on mobile phone purchasing, including how to choose the right smartphone and how to read phone service plans. Learn More.

175th Fairfield County Fair

October 5 - 11, 2025 Fairfield County Fairgrounds

The goal of the Fairfield County Fair is to provide a family-oriented event with fun for all ages. Come check out a great county fair and see why people continue to come back year after year! Learn More.

Habitat for Humanity Home Workshops

October 9, 2025, 3:30pm - 6:30pm Wagnalls Memorial Library

Join the workshop to learn basic drywall skills, electrical skills or both! The drywall repair begins at 3:30 and, the electrical begins at 5:00. Learn More.