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Hello! We hope you've been enjoying your fall. As we head into the last quarter of the year, we're proud of the great work we've done so far this year and we're looking forward to continual improvement in the new year.
This year, we updated our mission statement to "Actively partnering with people to access their world." You can learn more about that here.
Updating the mission statement made sense, it was a concept we were already focused on: now our language matches our efforts.
So how have we lived that mission? In a number of ways!
- We used ARPA Grant funds to create opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to attend concerts, baseball games, skating parties, bowling, and more!
- We also used some of that grant to fund the purchase of universal changing tables to be placed strategically throughout the county. We'll have more news about those locations soon!
- Finally, we're using some of those funds to increase access through translation of our materials to many other languages so that no one is faced with the barrier of language.
- Our Service and Support Administrators continue to do amazing work with the people on their caseload! They partner with the people they support by learning what each person wants in life and then taking the necessary steps to help make that possible. Sometimes, that looks like helping a person find a job they love. Sometimes, it's getting their drivers license. Sometimes, it's getting married!
- Our Developmental Specialists continue to do amazing work with babies and their parents - finding creative solutions in order to help these little ones continue to develop and meet goals.
- Our Family Focus team creates access by coaching family members, caregivers, and support professionals in natural environments such as the home or community to promote independence while improving social skills, communication, and self-regulation
The list goes on... Simply put, we're thrilled that our language now reflects our efforts and in recalling the work we've done over this past year, we can certainly be proud of the ways we've partnered with people to access the world.
Lee Ann Emmons | Superintendent
Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities
www.butlerdd.org | 513-785-2807| laemmons@butlerdd.org
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A Recap of the 2024 Community Recognition Awards
On Thursday, September 19 we celebrated those within the Butler County community that go above and beyond every day for those with developmental disabilities. The carnival themed event took place at the Butler County Fairgrounds with nearly 250 members of the community in attendance! Those that attended enjoyed carnival themed decor and entertainment including a juggler, face painting, two carnival themed photo booths, and carnival style food! DSPs were honored with 2 specially made gifts while Community Impact Award winners also received a gift along with a Nothing Bundt Cake. The major award winners, the keynote speaker, T.J Monroe, National Anthem singers, The Cunningham Sisters, the Superintendent, Lee Ann Emmons, and Emcee Tyler Bradshaw, were interviewed live by PR Coordinator, Cassie Mattia so that those that couldn't make it to the ceremony could experience all the fun from home! The awards ceremony featured Emcee Tyler Bradshaw, a heartwarming story by T.J Monroe, a magical moment honoring Community Impact winners, and 6 major award video presentations including a surprise Lifetime Achievement Award given to T.J Monroe.
Tune into all of the major award winner videos:
Thank you to our sponsors MetroParks of Butler County, Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries, Let Your Soul Shine Photography, The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, Special Olympics Ohio-Butler County, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Inclusive Housing Resources, Inspiration Studios, and 360 Total Care! A big thank you to Lala's Inflation Creation, All the Ingredients by Leah Moss, Cincinnati Circus Company, Live Spin Cotton Candy, and all of the BCBDD "circus crew" volunteers! For those who could not attend our award this year, we hope to see you in 2025!
Walk through our Community Recognition Awards!
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Journal News: Pilot program helping Butler County kids learn important safety issues
Kids with developmental disabilities are learning valuable skills through a Hamilton Safety Town pilot program.
In a joint effort, the Hamilton Police Department, the Greater Hamilton Safety Council, and the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities have established a Safety Town specifically for the agency’s youngest clients.
Read more about Safety Town...
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Loveland Magazine: Debut Edition: "Courtney Explains It All"
In my debut broadcast of “Courtney Explains it All” I talk about what inclusion means for those with a developmental disability and what we can all do together to make life more manageable and equitable. “Courtney Explains It All” is a vlog on LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV that will feature my insight on different topics, issues, and interviews focused on the developmental disability community.
Watch Courtney's vlog episode...
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Journal News: Couple with Down syndrome celebrates wedding anniversary
Eileen O’Grady still remembers the day her son discussed proposing to his girlfriend of four years. Shawn O’Grady told his mother he loved Heather, and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. But she knew this was no ordinary love story, if there is such a thing. Shawn and Heather have Down syndrome. “It was a big leap of faith,” Shawn’s mother said. “I mean, we knew there would be challenges, but it was worth it.”
Read more about Shawn and Heather....
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WVXU: New accessible apartments ready for people with disabilities in Butler County
Holly's Edge is actually two four-apartment complexes — one in Middletown and the other in Trenton. The Trenton location is already leased. The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities is going through applications now for the Middletown site. Rick Taylor, chairperson of Inclusive Housing Resources' board, says developments like these are important because there's a lack of affordable housing that's also accessible.
Read more about Holly's Edge...
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WXVU: Tips to make accessible travel more accessible
Planning a Labor Day vacation, day trip, or simple excursion takes a lot more work when you need to think about more than just throwing some sunscreen in a bag and jumping in the car. The U.S. has become a lot more accessible in the more than 30 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act went into effect, but there are ever-changing challenges. "There's some apps that are rolling out that are starting to gain traction in terms of accessibility," says Patricia Dawson with the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Learn more about accessible travel....
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Journal News: Breast Cancer Survivor Celebrates Survival and Life
Lee Ann Emmons was more susceptible to breast cancer given her family history and a genetic mutation, but it was still a shock when a doctor said the words. “You have cancer.” Emmons, who turned 50 this month, was hired to be the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities superintendent on May 1, some three years after she left the agency to run the University of Cincinnati’s Intellectual and Developmental Disability Education Center. And just more than three years after she began her cancer journey during the pandemic.
Read more about Lee Ann...
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October: Mildrate Abun
“My inspiration to become a DSP stems from my childhood experience with people with developmental disabilities,” Mildrate said...My dad (of blessed memory) made these individuals his friends. He would invite them to our house to spend time and dine with us. This is how I learned the importance of helping those in need. I would share my lunch money, food, and clothes with these individuals sometimes. Those early experiences ignited my passion for helping others, which eventually led to my pursuit for this career.
Read more about Mildrate Abun, October DSP of the Month...
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August: Steven Smith
BCBDD Service and Support Administrator II, Holle Metz said she met Steven in a provider interview with an individual on her caseload named Paul. Holle says Paul knew right away that he wanted to work with Steven. “I could see how much they hit it off in the first five minutes,” Holle said. “Since January, Steven has really taken Paul under his wing and helped him develop confidence, build community relationships, and explore new interests."
Read more about Steven Smith, August DSP of the Month...
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July: Khristina Thompson-Gant
Lamonda Dye, Founder and CEO of Reach Me Inc., said Khristina’s dedication is unwavering and that without Khristina there is no Reach Me Inc.! “Khris came to our program at a time that we really needed her,” Lamonda said. “Our program was new and lacked organization. I shared my vision with her, and she latched on and ran with it! Khris not only believes in our mission and vision she breaths it."
Read more about Khristina Thompson-Gant, July DSP of the Month...
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July: Courtney Hineman
Since Courtney has begun working at the BCBDD she has touched the lives of many individuals, including the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine, David Miller. "I can see that her work qualities include being able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing," David said. "She has confidence in her abilities, which is also essential when working with others in a constructive way."
Read all about Courtney...
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August: Bree Lanham
Bree’s work on getting AAC devices implemented into the BCBDD EI program has made a huge difference in Kasey Davis’ life, whose son Connor is using an AAC device to model language.
“Having access to the device has been amazing for our family,” said Kasey. “It’s allowed our son to explore expressive communication in new ways we didn’t think was possible. Although we are still learning the different apps, he’s picking it up quickly and is engaged when using it."
Read all about Bree...
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September: Cassie Ring Murray
Community Connection Coordinator, Lynn Goodwin said Cassie goes above and beyond for the individuals on her caseload.
“Cassie is kind and compassionate and you can tell she truly loves what she does every day,” Lynn said. “The individuals and families on her caseload along with all of us at Butler County DD are blessed to have her!”
Read all about Cassie Ring Murray...
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October: Jesse Smith
"I have worked with Jesse for over a year, and she has shown professionalism and patience in some tough situations," BCBDD SSA Supervisor, Dena Freeman said. "She always has a positive attitude and is fiercely passionate about those that she works with. She is a great member of our team and steps up to help with anything that is needed."
Read all about Jesse...
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#DSPAppreciationWeek
This year's DSP Appreciation Week was a huge success! We celebrated our local DSPs in more ways than one! Throughout the entire week staff volunteered to deliver cookies to every Butler County Day Habilitation Program! In addition to the cookie deliveries, BCBDD staff took the time to write personalized thank you cards to the DSPs that go above and beyond every day! Superintendent Lee Emmons made a goal to send 150 thank you cards out during DSP Appreciation Week as that's how many staff members work at BCBDD, and we ended up sending out 236 thank you cards! We also held our Annual Honk-A-Thon on High Street in front of Inspiration Studios. Staff members and those that we serve at Inspiration Studios held up signs all along High Street encouraging passersby to honk their horns in celebration of DSPs! To get the Butler County community even more involved with DSP Appreciation Week, we gave out yard signs and hung-up banners throughout out Butler County encouraging the community to "Thank A Caregiver!" Lastly, at our Annual Community Recognition Awards we recognized DSPs in both a "magical" and memorable way during the awards ceremony and also gave out DSP Appreciation cooler and insulated color changing cups to all DSPs in attendance!
Watch our FB Live from the Annual Honk-A-Thon!
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Provider Office Hours
November 7, November 21, and December 3 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The Butler County Board of DD will holding 4 trainings/office hours for providers at the Janet Clemmons Center. All sessions will take place in Conference Room A.
- Session 1 Topic: Billing
- Session 2 Topic: Documentation
- Session 3 Topic: Billing
Contact providerhelpdesk@butlerdd.org or 513-785-4680 with any questions.
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Speed Friends
Wednesday, November 13 from 6 - 8 p.m.
At Speed Friends, you will have a chance to meet many possible fiends. Each round, you will be chatting with someone new to see if there is a spark. This format will allow you to expand your social circle. This will be on Zoom.
For adults 18 and up.
Click this link to register for speed friends.
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Board Meeting
Thursday, November 14 from 6 - 8 p.m.
Janet Clemmons Center
282 N. Fair Avenue
Hamilton, OH 45011
Click here to learn more.
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The Future is Now
Tuesday, November 12 from 9:00 - 3:30 p.m.
and Thursday, November 14 from 9:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Create a plan for your loved one so their care continues when you are no longer able to provide it. It's never too early to start!
Click here to learn more about The Future is Now.
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Speak Up Self Advocates Group
Tuesday, November 26 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
If you're 16 and older, we encourage you to join our advocacy group, Speak Up. Members meet monthly. This month, we'll learn all about housing.
Click here to learn more.
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Pancake Breakfast With Santa
Saturday, December 7 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Enjoy a FREE Pancake Breakfast for kids of all ages at the Fairfield Optimist Club! Adults with disabilities are welcome to come! Seating will occur every 30 minutes. Space is limited so RSVP now. To register contact Lynn Goodwin at mgoodwin@butlerdd.org or call 513-785-2881. Registration deadline is Monday, November 18.
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