Community Connections Newsletter | | |
Check out what's new this issue!
- "Courtney Explains It All": The ADA Episode
- Send in a BCBDD Employee Shoutout!
- Butler County Adult Changing Tables are on the Universal Changing Table Map!
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Berachah WOW Carnival
Saturday, August 23 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join the fun-filled end-of-summer celebration carnival at Berachah WOW Ministry's Johns Road Campus located at 1900 Johns Road in Middletown, Ohio! Enjoy games, food, prizes, and more for FREE! If you have any questions, please contact Tim Wilson at Twilson@sunesiscc.com.
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Join the Speak Up Self Advocacy Group!
Tuesday, August 26 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join the advocacy group Speak Up sponsored by the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities! 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. If you have any questions, please contact Courtney Hineman at crhineman@butlerdd.org or Lynn Goodwin at mgoodwin@butlerdd.org.
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Luke5Adventures Reds Game
Tuesday, September 2 at 6:30 p.m.
Join Luke5Adventures for the first-ever Luke5Adventures Reds game on September 2nd as the Reds take on the Blue Jays! Tickets are $20, and there will be MANY accessible seats reserved for those who need them. If your family needs accessible seats, please request enough for your entire group, not just the person requiring accessibility. For more details and to register, visit Luke5Adventures' website!
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2025 Who Dey Dance
Thursday, September 11 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 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!
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2025 Community Recognition Awards
Saturday, September 20 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Are you ready for the 2025 Community Recognition Awards? Now is your chance to register for one of the most memorable events of the year! Help us celebrate the many unsung heroes whose work and advocacy make the world a better place for people with developmental disabilities! This year's awards will take place on Saturday, September 20, from 3-5 p.m. at Berachah Church located at 1900 Johns Road, Middletown, OH 45044. Register to attend the Community Recognition Awards today!
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The 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!
Who?
Parents, caregivers, individuals with developmental disabilities, and siblings are encouraged to attend as a family unit.
How will it work?
Sessions will be hosted by people with a passion for helping individuals and families prepare for the future. Participation is limited to eight families per session. You MUST attend all sessions within the series.
Where?
The Janet Clemmons Center 282 N. Fair Ave., Hamilton, OH 45011. A meal will be provided.
Registration must be completed 1 week before the session begins! Please contact Jenny Mann at jamann@butlerdd.org or 513-785-2813 if you have any questions. Register for the Future is Now November series!
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Hamilton Summer Youth Programming
All Summer Long!
Looking for fun, creative ways to keep your kids engaged this summer? The City of Hamilton, in partnership with 17STRONG, has compiled a brand-new Summer Programming Guide to connect students with exciting activities, camps, and programs happening all across the city during summer break. From laid-back drop-ins to high-energy camps and specialty workshops, there’s something for every age, interest, and schedule. Whether they’re trying something new or diving deeper into a favorite hobby, kids will find welcoming spaces to learn, grow, and make new friends. Check out what you can get your child involved in by visiting the City of Hamilton website!
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Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati Summer Programs
All Summer Long!
The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati's (DSAGC) Summer Programs are here! This summer, the organization put together a wide range of summer programs focused on therapeutic, recreational, educational, and social opportunities for individuals of all ages and stages. These programs are thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of local families with the goal of providing meaningful support and high-quality experiences for our community. DSAGC is offering over 55 new and engaging programs. To register and learn more about DSAGC's summer programs, visit their website!
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"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 full episode now!
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Send in a BCBDD Employee Shoutout!
Join us in celebrating our BRAND NEW social media campaign, "Employee Shoutout Spotlight!" Each month, we will spotlight a BCBDD employee on social media who has received a "shoutout" for their outstanding work from a co-worker, an individual or family we serve, or from a community member! If you would like to send in a shoutout, email Cassie Mattia at cqmattia@butlerdd.org.
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Butler County Adult Changing Tables are on the Universal Changing Table Map!
Thanks to a grant the BCBDD secured, the BCBDD was able to purchase 10 Universal Changing Tables (UCTs) and gifted them to community partners spanning the entire county! For many people the BCBDD supports, these universal changing tables will profoundly impact their ability to spend time in their community with dignity. The following locations have been officially added to the Universal Changing Map: MetroParks of Butler County Fitton Family Y, MidPointe Library System, Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill, and Inspiration Studios. To take a look at the Universal Changing Table map, visit the link! Locations to come will include: City of Oxford, Ohio Administration, The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, and also for participant use, at Easterseals HUB.
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Cincinnati Children's Autism Study
Cincinnati Children's is holding a study to test the effectiveness of an 8-week program teaching children with Autism either social skills or academic skills. Children diagnosed with Autism who are in middle school (grades 6-8) and their caregivers are encouraged to participate. Participants will receive up to $300 and an 8-week intervention program at no cost. To participate, visit www.redcap.link/skillsbuilder.
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MetroParks New Accessibility Guide
MetroParks of Butler County is proud to release its Park Accessibility Guide in July 2025, the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Accessibility Guide provides detailed information about the accessible features of MetroParks, including trails, restrooms, parking areas, shelters, and other facilities. Use this guide to plan your next park visit now!
| | We would never be able to do all that we do without our amazing community! THANK YOU for coming alongside us in support of the individuals and families we serve! | | | | |
