|
We’re proud to share the many exciting developments happening at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities (BCBDD). With the support of a grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), we have made strategic, meaningful investments to improve accessibility, inclusion, and opportunity for people with developmental disabilities throughout our community.
In this issue, you’ll learn how we’re helping break down barriers in public spaces by installing universal changing tables in high-traffic locations across the county—making Butler County more welcoming for all. We'll be celebrating with all our location-partners at a ribbon cutting in July.
We’re also celebrating the incredible people behind the work. BCBDD was honored—for the second year in a row—as a Greater Cincinnati Top Workplace, thanks to the voices of our dedicated staff. As superintendent, I'm incredibly proud to lead a team of dedicated, hard-working staff who value teamwork and excellent service delivery.
While we celebrate our accomplishments, we always work toward continued improvement. One such method is through continued education like in the case of Erica Thomas. A developmental specialist in our Early Intervention department, Erica recently earned the highest level of Ohio’s Professional Early Childhood Inclusion Credential, enhancing her ability to serve families through Early Intervention with even greater expertise.
We're proud of what we've accomplished and we're thrilled to play an active part in this great county.
Lee Ann Emmons | Superintendent
Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities
www.butlerdd.org | 513-785-2807| laemmons@butlerdd.org
| | |
BCBDD receives Greater Cincinnati Top Workplace for the second year in a row!
On Wednesday, May 21, the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities (BCBDD) was selected once again as a Greater Cincinnati Top Workplace by the Cincinnati Enquirer. The Enquirer and Cincinnati.com selected only 122 top workplaces out of the 2,519 organizations that were asked to survey their employees. Selections were based on employee feedback through third-party employee satisfaction surveys. The BCBDD received the Top Workplaces honor in 2024 as well.
“Being selected as a Top Workplace just confirms what we already know to be true; we have dedicated and committed employees who help us to create a work culture that we can all be proud of,” said Lee Ann Emmons, Superintendent.
Read more...
| |
Changing Tables
In 2024, the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities (BCBDD) was awarded over $600,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and has strategically invested those dollars to improve access, inclusion, and opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Butler County. The project’s final efforts are now coming to fruition.
Expanding Accessibility with Universal Changing Tables
Approximately $150,000 of the grant was dedicated to the purchase and installation of universal changing tables—also known as adult changing tables—which are vital for many individuals with disabilities to fully access public spaces. According to the Universal Changing Table Map, Butler County previously had no public facilities equipped with these essential resources. BCBDD has now purchased 11 universal changing tables to be installed at accessible, high-traffic community locations including:
- Spooky Nook Sports, Hamilton
- Fitton Family YMCA, Hamilton
- MidPointe Library, West Chester
- VOA Park, West Chester
Additional sites across the county will be announced as installation is completed.
Each location will be listed on a national map featuring all publicly accessible universal changing tables. That can be found here.
Continue reading...
| |
BCBDD Developmental Specialist II Earns Level 3 Professional Early Childhood Inclusion Credential
Recently, Erica Thomas, a Developmental Specialist II with 10 years of dedicated service to the organization, successfully obtained the Level 3 Professional Early Childhood Inclusion Credential (PECIC). The PECIC is a key component of the Ohio Promise initiative, which aims to Promote Resources, Opportunities, and Meaningful Inclusion through Support and Education (PROMISE). This credential was developed by the Ohio State Leadership Team on Early Childhood, a collaborative group of state agency and organization professionals. It works to improve early childhood education programs in Ohio by identifying and implementing high-quality inclusion indicators.
Read more...
| |
Advocacy in Action with Courtney Hineman & Cassie Mattia
BCBDD Community Outreach Advocate Courtney Hineman has made it her professional and personal mission to advocate for inclusion in the developmental disability (DD) community. In April, Courtney took her advocacy on the road to Washington, D.C., to attend the Disability Policy Seminar and Advocacy Day.
Read more about Courtney's advocacy trip...
| |  | Lynn Goodwin Receives John Clover Off-Campus Advisor of the Year Award | |
Community Connections Coordinator, Lynn Goodwin, was the recipient of the John Clover Off-Campus Advisor of the Year Award at the Miami University Student Life Center Engagement, Activities, and Leadership awards ceremony on Sunday. Over 600 student organizations were represented at the awards ceremony!
Read more about Lynn...
| | |
Loveland Magazine: Courtney Explains It All With DJ Cowboy Jason Yockey
The 3rd episode of Courtney Explains It All features Jason Yockey, a business owner and a fantastic self-advocate! Jason started his very own DJ business and so far, has seen a lot of success! Since he started about three years ago, Jason has DJ’d multiple events inlcuding two weddings, a yearly campground event, about once a month at Empowered, and Fairfield Junior High’s 8th-grade dance.
Watch Courtney's interview with Jason...
| | | | Direct Support Professional of the Month | | |
Before becoming a DSP, Osman worked with machines and on computers. Now, Osman has worked as a DSP for over 13 years and said that deciding to become a DSP was like divine intervention.
“I believe I was destined to make a difference in the lives of the individuals I serve,” Osman said.... "I have been working for ResCare for over 13 years. What I love the most about working for ResCare is that they make me feel empowered and put me in a position to be successful in every aspect of my job."
Continue reading about Osman Conteh, DSP of the month for April...
| | |
Sydney has worked for Unbound Living Inc. for 10 months and was recently made House Manager.
Sydney loves her job for so many reasons, but says that one of her favorite parts of her job is that every day is so different.
“I have been so lucky to get to meet so many talented, unique, and wonderful individuals,” Sydney said. “From our group picnics to time spent one-on-one, not a moment goes by wasted."
Continue reading about Sydney Roness, DSP of the month for May...
| | |
Nadine began her journey as a DSP in 2006 and eventually in 2022, decided to open her agency, Bien-Etre Home Care.
"I have worked as a DSP for years," Nadine said. "Caring for others is something that I have always done. Growing up, I was the oldest of 7, and once my mom had her last child, she became very ill; my father had to work, so the responsibility for caring for my siblings was on me. This prepared me for being a DSP! I love everything about what I do. From talking and listening to my clients, to doing activities, to transporting them to their doctor appointments, I just want to make sure I advocate for them every step of the way!"
Continue reading about Nadine Tchinang, DSP of the month for June...
| | Employee Spotlight of the Month | |
April: Amy Holland
“I love my job, and I am so glad I found my place at the BCBDD,” Amy said. “I have many favorite parts about my job, but I would say the absolute best part is talking with families and helping them get connected with the Family Support Services Program and other resources.”
Since joining the BCBDD team, Amy has made it a priority to help any employee when they are in need, going as far as volunteering her time at BCBDD events and other volunteer organizations as often as possible.
Continue reading about Amy Holland, April Employee Spotlight...
| | | |
New Roots Oxford
Tuesday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Join co-developers EmpowerMe Living and Inclusive Housing Resources on Tuesday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Butler County Board of DD for an information session about our new neuro-inclusive affordable housing project in Oxford, Ohio! New Roots Oxford will feature universally designed and accessible homes ranging from 400 to 800 square feet for purchase to income-qualifying individuals. Four of the homes will be reserved for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and preference will be given to their caregivers for the remaining homes. Register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visit the link!
| | | | |
Provider Office Hours
Thursday, July 10 from 10 - 11 a.m.
Tuesday, July 22 from 1 - 2 p.m. and
The Butler County Board of DD will be holding trainings/office hours for currently certified providers at the Janet Clemmons Center. All sessions will take place in Conference Room A. Sessions held on Tuesdays will focus on MUIs and other general questions, and Thursdays will focus on documentation and compliance. Learn more about our Provider Office Hours.
| | | | |
Speak Up Self Advocates Group
Tuesday, July 22 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.
Learn more.
| | | | |
Ribbon Cutting – Celebrating Universal Changing Tables
Tuesday, July 29 at 1:00 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate expansion of access throughout Butler County with the unveiling of universal changing tables in key locations installed throughout the county!
Learn more.
| | | | |
Dress For Success Event
Wednesday, August 6 from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Dress For Success Cincinnati will be visiting the Janet Clemmons Center (JCC), located at 282 N Fair Ave. in Hamilton, again this year! Dress For Success provides assistance to women in need of appropriate clothing to interview for a job. To participate in the BCBDD Dress For Success Cincinnati event, please fill out the Style Kit Form, which will help volunteers who will work with you to choose an interview outfit, and allow the Styling Manager to prepare tailored styling kits personalized to suit your needs! The event will take place from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Please meet at the Dress For Success Van that will be located in the JCC parking lot when you arrive! Please contact Elizabeth Grove if you have any questions at ewgrove@butlerdd.org or 513-785-2877.
| | | | |
Who Dey Dance
Thursday, September 11 from 6 - 8 p.m.
Wear your favorite football gear and dance the night away with the GE Band at our Annual Who Dey Dance! The dance will take place at Redeemer Church, located at 3431 Hamilton Middletown Road, Hamilton, Ohio 45011. Light snacks and drinks will be provided! The entrance cost will be $1 per person at the door. Please register by Friday, September 5 on our website!
| | | | | |
