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This past quarter has brought both moments of celebration and times of challenge.
In July, we reached an incredible milestone for Butler County with the unveiling of eight publicly accessible universal changing tables—the first in our county’s history. We’re incredibly grateful to our location partners and for the grant funding that made this effort possible.
September brought Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Appreciation Week, when we celebrated the amazing people and agencies who make a difference every day in the lives of those with developmental disabilities. We wrapped up that celebration at our Community Recognition Awards, where over 450 registrants honored more than 100 award winners. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Temple Grandin, shared thoughtful praise for Butler County’s leadership in early intervention and employment programs—affirming what we already know: we’re doing meaningful, impactful work together.
At the same time, we’re facing some tough financial realities. For the first time since passing a levy in 2004, our projections show that by the first quarter of 2027, our financial obligations will exceed our local tax collections. Because of this, the Board has declared a state of fiscal emergency.
We’re taking careful steps—reducing expenses, reviewing programs, and preparing to place a levy issue on the May 2026 ballot to ensure we can continue providing the services our community depends on. We’re working diligently to limit disruptions to services and supports. We value transparency and will keep you informed every step of the way.
If you have questions or thoughts to share, please reach out to us at info@butlerdd.org. We’ll respond within three business days.
Lee Ann Emmons | Superintendent
Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities
www.butlerdd.org | 513-785-2807| laemmons@butlerdd.org
| | | Understanding our finances | | |
On Thursday, September 11, the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities (BCBDD, the Board) passed a resolution declaring the Board to be in a state of fiscal emergency due to the fact that our projected expenses will far exceed our local tax collection for the first quarter of 2027.
It’s important to understand three key factors: How we did we get here? What are we doing now? And what do we need to do? Click here to continue reading.
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Barbie Brockmeyer's Journey in Animal Advocacy
Barbie Brockmeyer’s love for animals began at an early age, often filling her childhood dreams with visions of one day turning that passion into a purpose. Fast forward several years, and Barbie has done just that. Today, Barbie is an Adoption Specialist at Joyful Pets, a member of the program committee for 4Paws, a featured contributor in AKC Magazine, and is currently studying to become a certified canine behavior consultant.
Why did this care and love for animals begin? Who inspired Barbie to advocate for the little creatures she grew so fond of? For Barbie, it all goes back to her roots.
Read more...
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"Different kinds of minds are the strength of our society:" Celebrating the 2025 Community Recognition Awards
On Saturday, September 20, Berachah Church in Middletown was filled with celebration as Butler County’s Developmental Disability (DD) advocates came together to honor some of their greatest champions. The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities (BCBDD) 2025 Community Recognition Awards brought together families, providers, volunteers, and self-advocates to shine a light on the often unsung heroes whose work ensures individuals with DD are welcomed, valued, and included.
Read more...
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2025 DSP Appreciation Week
Although DSP Appreciation Week flew by this year, we still managed to have so many special moments with our local DSPs and Providers! This year, we did several things for our local DSPs to not only show our appreciation for what they do for the developmental disability community, but to reward them for the passion they bring to what they do every single day.
Continue reading...
Check out our DSP Appreciation celebratory story featuring all the BCBDD DSPs of the Month recipients for 2025!
Continue reading...
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Shoutout to the Individuals we Serve Doing BIG Things in the Community!
Congratulations to all of the individuals that we serve who have been accomplishing so much in the community, at their places of work, and in their everyday lives! We have been receiving so many stories about those we serve achieving their ultimate goals and how they have been contributing to the Butler County community. We are so proud of all of you and can't wait to see what the future holds for all of you! If you know an individual in the Butler County area that we serve at the BCBDD who deserves a shoutout, please email Cassie Mattia at cqmattia@butlerdd.org.
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Opinion: Personal Thank You This Week And Always
September 7 through 13 is DSP Appreciation Week, and so I wanted to express my gratitude for my Direct Support Professionals. My name is Courtney Hineman. I am the Community Outreach Advocate for the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. I co-lead our self-advocacy group, attend, and present at different community events. I host a vlog called Courtney Explains It All where I interview other people with disabilities and talk about important issues like accessibility, employment, and inclusion.
Continue Reading...
Tune into BCBDD Community Outreach Advocate Courtney Hineman’s first episode of her Check in With Courtney series! This series will feature 60, 90, and 120 second videos that explore exactly what Courtney has been up to with her advocacy efforts. Courtney’s first episode dives into the Butler County Board of DD self-advocacy Speak UP group.
Watch the episode...
| | | Courtney Explains it All: The ADA Episode | |
In the latest vlog episode of Courtney Explains It All, Courtney sits down with Dan Darkow, Director of Miami University’s Miller Center for Student Disability Services, to discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). During the interview, Dan touches on his experience with the ADA and how others can advocate for a more inclusive world.
Watch the episode...
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Ribbon Cutting Unveils Butler County's First Universal Changing Table
Only 3 days after the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we celebrated another milestone for accessibility in Butler County with the unveiling of universal changing tables distributed at key locations throughout the county.
Continue Reading...
| | | Employee Shoutout Spotlight | | |
Teresa's co-workers, Kellie Kist and Michelle Reed, said:
"We want to give Teresa a shoutout to make sure she knows how much she is appreciated by her co-workers. Teresa never hesitates to jump in and assist when she is asked for help with something. She is always thorough and takes her time to make sure she is assisting you with exactly what you need, but also takes the time to make sure that you are understanding the total process. Teresa is very knowledgeable and is happy to share her knowledge. Teresa cares about the people we serve and wants to help make sure that we are all providing the best supports we can to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve!"
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SSA Lead Katie Yount said:
“Over the past few months (since April), our team has been down several SSAs, and there has been a lot of work needing to be covered. Debbie agreed to complete a revision to the plan for one individual to go to Inspiration Studios' new wellness program. They liked her so much, they called and asked for her help with adding HPC to their daughter's plan. Debbie asked me if another SSA had been assigned, and when she learned no one had been assigned yet, without being asked, she said, ‘I'll take care of it.’ She truly is a team player!”
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Provider Office Hours
Thursday, October 9, from 10 - 11 a.m.
Tuesday, October 21, 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.
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Holiday Hope 2025
Deadline is Friday, October 17
It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is quickly approaching. This year, we are once again inviting individuals and businesses to help bring holiday cheer to individuals and families with developmental disabilities who might otherwise go without gifts. Would you or your company be interested in sponsoring a family or individual this season? Your generosity can make a meaningful difference in their lives. If you would like to participate, please email Lynn Goodwin at mgoodwin@butlerdd.org by October 17th to indicate the number of individuals or families you would like to sponsor. Details about who you will be helping and when/where to drop off the gifts will be provided at a later time.
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Speak Up Self Advocates Group
Tuesday, October 28, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Join our advocacy group, Speak Up! Everyone can be a self-advocate! Meetings occur once a month at the Janet Clemmons Center and are focused on ways to advocate for yourself and your community.
Learn more.
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Future is Now
Monday, November 3, and Tuesday, November 4, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Future is Now is a multi-part series designed to help caregivers and their family members make plans for the future. Throughout this journey of discovery, we will guide families in creating their own letter of intent. A letter of intent is a non-legal document that captures family desires and goals for the future. Creating a letter of intent can help families gain peace of mind that comes with having a plan.
Each session offers an opportunity to learn more about important topics such as hopes, dreams, and worries for the future, expanding personal networks, maximizing public benefits (SSI/SSDI/Social Security, STABLE accounts, and Trusts), future living arrangements, supports for caregivers, and keepers of the dream!
Learn more and register today.
| | | Save the Date: Details Coming Soon.... | | |
Sensory Friendly Movie
Thursday, December 4 at 9:30 a.m.
Join us for a sensory-friendly screening at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts.
At a sensory-friendly screening, we'll turn up the lights and turn down the volume so you can enjoy the movie theater setting in a space that's sensory-friendly. Feel free to move, stand, or walk around as needed. Talking, vocalizing, or other forms of self-expression are welcome. Stay tuned for what movie will be showing and other event details on our social media and our Community Connections Newsletter!
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Breakfast With Santa
Saturday, December 6, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
The holidays will be here before you know it, which means it's time for the BCBDD Pancake Breakfast with Santa! Enjoy a FREE pancake breakfast for kids of all ages at the Fairfield Optimist Club located at 194 Joe Nuxhall Way. Adults with disabilities are welcome to come! Stay tuned for registration details on our social media and Community Connections Newsletter!
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