Creating an Impact for a Vibrant Community

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and Fairfield DD is hosting or participating in several community events. Please check out the schedule and join us as we raise awareness across Fairfield County and beyond.  

You are also among the first to see our 2025 Community Impact Report. Rather than spend a lot of time here outlining the impact of Fairfield DD this past year, please check out the report by clicking the image. 

Thank you for partnering with us as we bring about a vibrant community where people lead lives of greater independence and make meaningful contributions. Our success is a shared success with everyone in our community who supports our mission and makes our impact possible! 

Onward!

David

Learning Independence Through Community Experiences

This school year marks the first time Forest Rose’s Senior Room has been able to explore the community every day. Senior Room instructor, Donna Goehring, says the visits have been great for the students to get out and create community connections.

Donna also expressed how important it has been for the community to see that the students are just like everyone else.

The senior room has visited a range of businesses and departments in the community. Some of the students' favorites have been exploring the Lancaster Police Department, enjoying a tour of The Wagnalls Memorial Library, and learning how maple syrup is made at Warner's Maple Syrup.

When asked what the student’s favorite part of the visits was, Donna said it was the hands-on experiences.

“The engagement is a huge part, and it has made them more outgoing. One student’s social skills have seen leaps and bounds,” Donna said. “They have accomplished their academic goals, so this is a chance for them to gain more independence and not stay at their desk all day. The more they go out, the more they will be prepared for after they graduate to be in the community.”

To read more about the senior room trips and their positive impact, and see photos, visit our website.

A House of Many Journeys: The Fairfield County Infirmary

Join us for the premiere of A House of Many Journeys: The Fairfield County Infirmary—a compelling short documentary exploring preservation, access, and the stories that shaped our community.

Created in partnership with Geopro Imaging, Fairfield DD, and Michael Johnson of the Fairfield County Heritage Association, this film highlights the history of the Fairfield County Infirmary and the cemetery behind it. Following the premiere, stay for a live Q&A to hear behind-the-scenes insights and reflections on the project.

The premiere will be at 4:00 pm on February 26, but all the details can be found on our website.

All this month, Fairfield DD is sharing sneak peeks on our social media accounts, and we encourage you to follow along. Click below to see the most recent video.

Partnering for the Future

Know someone thinking about life after high school? It’s never too early to explore options.

Join us for the Transition Resource Expo, hosted by the Fairfield County Workforce Center and Fairfield DD. Students ages 14 and older and their families can connect with local organizations and learn about employment, education, and independence after graduation.

The event will be held at the Fairfield County Workforce Center on Thursday, February 26 at 5:30 p.m. You can learn more and find all the details on the Fairfield DD website.

Save the Date!

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 25, and join us for the 2026 Celebration of Possibilities. This annual event honors individuals and organizations who advance the mission of Fairfield DD. Hosted by the Friends of Fairfield DD, proceeds support community housing and assistive technology for those Fairfield DD serves.



Learn More about the evening.

Meet Todd McCullough, Fairfield DD’s Director of Operations!

Todd describes his role as keeping the systems behind the scenes running so staff can focus on supporting people.

From buildings and safety to technology, fleet, assistive devices, and agency-wide projects, his work focuses on solving problems, reducing barriers, and creating processes that keep everything running smoothly.

“Operations may be behind the scenes, but it directly supports our mission,” Todd shared. “Safe spaces, reliable technology, accessible tools, and strong infrastructure help staff deliver services and support people in living with greater independence. When we do our job well, it makes it easier for everyone else to do theirs.”

Todd says success in operations is often invisible. If staff can enter a building, use their systems, work safely, and go home without thinking about operational challenges—that’s a good day.

Operations isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about planning ahead, managing resources responsibly, and building systems that support people for the long term.

Read Todd’s full interview on our website to learn more about how Operations supports Fairfield DD’s mission.

Innovation in Action

Join us as we celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! From late February through the end of March, we invite you to take part in local events happening throughout our community.

To see the full calendar of events, visit our DD Awareness Month page on our website.

Wear Red Day

February is American Heart Month. The Fairfield DD staff participated in #GoRedDay to help show support for those struggling with heart disease. Together, we can change the story and show support by wearing red to be seen, heard, counted, and make an impact.

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.

Hi, Ho Robin Hood Theater Production

February 19, 2026, 7:00 pm at Crossroads Ministry Center

Rise Up Arts Alliance presents Hi, Ho, Robin Hood! — a lively, family-friendly adventure filled with humor, spirited verse, and delightful songs.

Visit their event page for additional dates, times, and tickets.

Teen Anime Club

February 19, 2026, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm at the Fairfield County District Library, Main Branch. Teens ages 12 -18 are invited to watch anime and eat Japanese snacks! Visit the library's website for more details.

Music & Movement

February 25, 2026, 10:30 am - 11:00 am at the Fairfield County District Library, Northwest Branch

Move and groove with musical rhymes, songs, instruments, and stories designed to foster early literacy, social development, and fine and gross motor skills for kids ages 3-6. No registration is required.

Transition Resource Expo

February 26, 2026, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Fairfield County Workforce Center

Geared toward students ages 14 and up, this event hosts various organizations and agencies to provide resources and answer your questions! Learn more on our website.

Woodcock Walk

March 7, 2026, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm at Coyote Run

What do woodcocks, timberdoodles, and bog suckers have in common? They are goofy names for the same bird! We’ll learn about these ‘bog suckers,’ then head outside in hopes of catching sight or sound of them. Learn more and register on the park's website.

Community Playgroup

March 13, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:00 am at Northwest Branch Library Early Literacy Center

Join us for a fun and creative playtime where your little ones, aged 5 and under, will have a chance to learn, move, and connect in a welcoming environment. Visit their website for more.