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The Dispatch
Monthly Newsletter
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News from the Interim Superintendent | Service & Support Administration | |
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Having 3 months under my belt, serving as the Interim Superintendent, I can honestly say that I am loving it!
I am thoroughly enjoying working with some familiar faces, as well as meeting new staff. I must admit, however, that my favorite part of the job is seeing the students at Good Samaritan School.
They really do brighten my day. It’s also been fun to see some of the adults we serve that I have known for a very long time. To see them go from Early Intervention, to preschool and school age, to eventually working and living in the community brings me so much joy. This is the very essence of the Defiance County Board of DD and Good Samaritan School. It reminds me of the slogan used a few years back for DD Awareness month- “Always There”.
The staff and the teachers are always there to provide whatever services and supports that are needed. Although I am only serving in the interim, I feel very fortunate to be apart of this great team.
Deb Guilford
Interim Superintendent
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Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests | |
- At the beginning of your session, your PSP will ask what you’ve tried with your child since the last visit. They are looking for what worked and what did not work. This will help in making a plan for this session.
- Your provider will help you practice new skills during your visit that target your child’s goals.
- During a home visit your provider will model strategies for you to use to support your child’s development.
- You will discuss questions about today’s visits and what was tried that worked and what did not work.
- Your provider will share information with you to help you figure out best strategies to meet your child’s goals.
- You and your provider will come up with a plan of what to work on until your next visit and schedule your next visit.
- You and your provider will work together so your child’s needs are addressed between visits, not just during home visits.
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Starting March 31st, the Transition, Vocational, and Intermediate classes will begin to work on track and field at the Defiance City Schools facilities. These activities will lead up to the Defiance County Special Olympics events in May.
Preschool teachers have started completing the Spring Early Learning Assessment for all preschool students. School age teachers finished administering the Ohio’s Alternate Assessment to students grades 3-8 and 10. The testing window is open from February 15, 2022 – April 15, 2022.
Reminders
- Monday, April 4th will be a two-hour delay for a teacher in service.
- We will be off Friday, April 15th and Monday, April 18th for Easter break.
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Good Samaritan School
Menus
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Service and Support Administration | |
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Courageous Community Services
2022 Outstanding Self-Advocate
Colleen Hammons
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2022 Outstanding Self-Advocate Award Recipient Recognized
Tiffany Clayton, SSA
| Colleen Hammons is widely known as a friend, advocate, and confident. Her kind heart and ability to inspire and empower others makes her a true advocate in many arenas. The Defiance County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to have Colleen as the President of the Defiance County Self-Advocacy Group. In this group of individuals, she leads others to develop, learn, and live in a world where any dream is possible with hard work and dedication. She is committed to not only her own growth but the advancement of others; she is a devoted mentor. | |
Back in 2015, Colleen, with the support of others, helped create the Defiance County Self-Advocacy Group right out of her kitchen. Colleen is a woman driven by her faith and is known for her kindness towards others. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Colleen implemented the Tel-A-Friend Program. This was an idea brought on by her time at the Defiance County Senior Services Program. | |
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As the pandemic grew, Colleen reached out to her Service and Support Administrator and wanted to find a way to help others like her. After a few conversations, they came up with the Tel-A-Friend Program where Colleen would call other individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who were stuck at home due to the restrictions that were put in place. She would pray for them and inspire them to overcome the difficult times. Colleen is still calling individuals today, as she has formed friendships with many through this program.
Continuing on in Colleen's acts of service, she felt called to write down what she calls "Colleen's Collection of Inspiration Faith, Prayers, Nursery Rhymes, Bedtime Stories, & Faith". She states in this book, "It is her hope that whoever reads this book finds inspiration and joy."
It is a common theme that those who meet and get to know Colleen all say that she truly is an inspiration. She has an incredible memory; she advocates for herself and others; she looks at each day with a sense of renewed faith; and she believes that with hard work and determination that she is capable of achieving anything she sets her mind to.
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The Defiance County Board of Developmental Disabilities is excited to inform everyone that Courageous Community Services has announced that Colleen is i the 2022 recipient of the Outstanding Self-Advocate Award. This award is given to an individual with a disability who is involved in activities that has enhanced their own life along with the lives of other individuals who have a disability. "I feel honored to have been chosen to represent Self-Advocates and I will do it to the best of my ability.", stated Collen when asked about how she felt when being chosen for this honor. She will receive her award at the Courageous Community Services Black and White Gala on April 22nd at Parkway Place in Maumee, Ohio amongst other award recipients and an audience of her peers a | |
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The Ohio Department of Aging is conducting a survey to help us better understand what matters most to older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, and their families/caregivers. The feedback and opinions gathered with this survey will be used to inform the creation of Ohio’s 2023-2026 State Plan on Aging. This four-year state plan will guide programs and services across the state.
This survey allows you to answer anonymously and consists of easy-to-answer, multiple-choice questions. It should take you only 10-15 minutes to complete.
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Capabilities Charitable Fund | |
Capabilities Charitable Fund is once again awarding mini Grants!
They are offering grant opportunities to individuals with disabilities across Ohio, ages 14+ years, to help them achieve their community employment goals!
The grants can be used for, but not limited to, accessing transportation, interview clothing, tools needed for work, professional services to help someone find employment, assistive technology, etc.
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Check Out Our Online Event Calendar!
The Defiance County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DCBDD) Event Calendar lists information about activities, programs, and special events for individuals with developmental disabilities happening at our agency and in the community. Please scroll to the bottom of this page for links to other important calendars.
Some meetings, workshops, events and activities are sponsored and hosted by organizations other than the DCBDD. The DCBDD is not responsible for the content and operations of these events, programs, or organizations.
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Defiance County
Self-Advocacy Meeting
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Keep up to date with us on Social Media! | |
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