On January 15, 2024, Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) employee, the late Olivia Forrester, was posthumously recognized by Lebanon's Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Coalition as a recipient of the "Adult Community Leader Award." Forrester passed away last September and was announced as a winner during the 39th Annual MLK Day Celebration, where she was honored for her community contributions in activism, advocacy, and awareness.

Raised in Knockemstiff, Ohio, Olivia Forrester graduated from Paint Valley High School, where she shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first female wrestler on an all-male wrestling team. Even then was Forrester's proclivity for fighting inequities and removing barriers evident. These principles would only persist and prosper over time.

Forrester earned an associate's degree in liberal arts from Sinclair Community College in 2020, and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Ohio University in 2021. Prior to this, she served in various nursing homes as a Home Health Aide, and later became the caregiver for her aunt. In 2022, Forrester accepted a position as a Service Coordinator with the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD). As a Service Coordinator, she assisted individuals with developmental disabilities in identifying their needs, then connecting them with the resources and services available to meet those needs.

It is apparent from her chosen line of work that Forrester was a born activist. She strongly supported equal rights for all, advocated for social justice, and proudly served as a member of the MLK Community Coalition. Forrester was heavily involved in her community, and raised environmental awareness by planning and organizing events and fundraisers for the MLK Lebanon Earth Day. Additionally, she organized and raised funds to ensure Caesar Creek became accessible for the Earth Day 5K, and was the creator and driving force behind the Stand-Up-To-Hate 5K fundraiser. From her passionate words, to even more passionate actions, there is no doubt that Forrester's leadership has made a lasting impression on the Lebanon community.

The MLK Community Coalition of Lebanon is an organization that focuses on building an inclusive network of individuals in order to strengthen and empower the community. Each year, the Coalition recognizes and awards people whose contributions promote social justice, diversity, and inclusion, thereby emulating the vision of Dr. King. The "Adult Community Leader Award" is presented to individuals who demonstrate a strong and growing commitment to service, as well as a sustained effort in advocating equal opportunities for all.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) was awarded a grant to create a studio that will introduce smart technology to the individuals we serve.

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities offers an annual Innovative Technology Solutions grant to entities that aim to address existing gaps, promote the integration of technology, and enhance support options for Ohioans with developmental disabilities.

WCBDD Superintendent Megan Manuel said the board received a $25,000 grant to create a Supportive Technology Studio, a space resembling a modern studio apartment featuring assistive technology to help individuals live independently.

“We very much appreciate the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities awarding the WCBDD this $25,000 grant,” Manuel said. “This will allow us to provide the people we serve the opportunity to experience assistive technology that could help them lead more independent lives safely.”

The Supportive Technology Studio, which is scheduled to be completed this summer, will include:

●      An iGuardStove, a safety tool that uses motion sensing to turn off the stove when no one is in the kitchen.

●      A combined smart washer and dryer that can pre-measure laundry detergent, be controlled with a smartphone, and send text message reminders when the laundry is ready.

●      A medication dispenser to give medication reminders to individuals and their caregivers.

●      An Amazon Alexa to perform tasks, give reminders, and help with executive functioning.

●      A tablet to facilitate communication.

●      Adaptive gaming equipment to allow individuals with physical disabilities to play video games.

Kellie Hampton, WCBDD Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator, said the Supportive Technology Studio will give individuals hands-on experience with technology to, “explore what’s possible.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the technology’s functionality, the potential benefits, and its role in fostering independence.

For individuals who cannot visit the studio, WCBDD plans to create “Go-Bags,” that will contain portable assistive technology so that individuals can trial the technology at home.

The Supportive Technology Studio will also offer individuals a chance to practice using assistive technology and gain independence prior to using it in their own homes. With the use of simulated remote supports, teams will be able to observe and gradually fade in-person assistance with the use of assistive technology in the studio. Hampton looks forward to supporting all individuals served by WCBDD in exploring, identifying, and obtaining assistive technology solutions tailored to meet their needs.

With a shortage of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Hampton stressed the significance of exploring assistive technology and remote supports options as alternatives to increase a person’s autonomy, independence and quality of life. 

About Hampton

As the Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator, Hampton explores technological solutions that promote independence and enhance the quality of life for those we serve.

Before working at WCBDD, Hampton earned a degree in Special Education from The Ohio State University and spent 12 years as an Intervention Specialist, where she worked extensively with assistive technology.

Hampton received a firsthand introduction to disability services when her daughter received support through the Help Me Grow program.

Warren County is one of 67 counties that will benefit from the $14.9 million in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds distributed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) Director Kim Hauck. The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) requested and was granted $51,467. The funds will be used to enhance infrastructure at a local park, as well as purchase adult changing tables for public spaces.

“These investments are truly going to make a difference for people with developmental disabilities and their families by giving them more access to the communities where they live, DeWine stated in a news release. “People with developmental disabilities deserve opportunities, a reliable workforce, and an accessible state to live, learn, work, and succeed in.”

At Makino Park in Mason, accessibility and inclusivity stand at the forefront. The 35-acre park boasts a vibrant playground, an FCC mini pitch soccer field, a sheltered area, and accessible restrooms. Two adaptive ball fields (currently being built) will be the park’s latest addition.

Due to a partnership between Makino Park and WCBDD, the adaptive fields will soon include eight sufficiently spaced dugout benches. The benches will offer athletes who use mobility devices the opportunity to choose where they want to sit without physical or visual obstructions. Also included in the plans are four ADA-compliant picnic tables and one motorized device charging station. All items will be covered under the ARPA funds granted to WCBDD and will be installed by Nov. 1, 2024.

“We are very happy that we are once again able to partner with the City of Mason and Makino Park by funding specific features that will make the park even more accessible for people with disabilities,” said WCBDD Superintendent Megan Manuel.

Additionally, the ARPA funds will cover a total of seven adult changing tables of four different sizes. As Warren County is home to a multitude of community events and festivals, adult changing tables will be integral in providing reasonable accommodations to community members with disabilities.

“This will eliminate a barrier that some people have faced by not having the bathroom accommodations they need,” Manuel explained. “We look forward to partnering with local groups and organizations in order to loan the adult changing tables for events and activities that allow people with disabilities the opportunity to participate.”

Speakers discussed self-determination, life with a disability, and finding inspiration in Star Trek at the 2024 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) Open House. The open house was hosted on March 5, 2024, at the Warren C. Young Center in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. WCBDD Superintendent Megan Manuel said DD Awareness Month started in 1987 to provide the encouragement and opportunities people need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential. 37 years later, she said the same goals hold true. 

This year’s open house was dedicated to Jamie Miles, Warren County resident, individual served by WCBDD, and a Star Trek fan. Jamie passed away in 2022, leaving a legacy of compassion, confidence, and resilience.

Presenter Glenda Miles, Jamie Miles’ mother, described how Jamie’s fascination with Star Trek translated into his life goals. Born with congenital rubella syndrome, Glenda was told by doctors that her baby would die before turning one year old. Jamie “audaciously” defied expectations and lived a life full of Star Trek conventions, learning new languages (some real, some alien), listening to Loverboy and Taylor Swift, volunteering, and spreading joy.

Jamie was deeply inspired by the Star Trek motto, “Make It So,” and lived by the saying by following his dreams, embracing support, taking risks and proudly being himself. Jamie inspired the WCBDD to center the open house event around the motto and his love for Star Trek.

“He was confident in his abilities and his identity. He was encouraged to seek out new life- another way to say follow your dreams,” Glenda said. “He was provided support to be his authentic and complex self. He felt safety. He felt appreciated. He felt belonging.”

The Early Childhood Team at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) provides support and services to families and their children under age six who are enrolled in services through WCBDD. They provide Early Intervention services, socialization events and parent/caregiver educational opportunities, and support education for the community.

Early Childhood Programs are a part of the Community Resources Division. Early Intervention (EI) services make up the largest portion of Early Childhood services they provide. WCBDD collaborates with the Warren County Educational Service Center (WCESC) to provide an impartial initial and annual eligibility evaluation and/or assessment of strengths and needs for all children referred to Warren County EI, or “Part C” services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The team also works together to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for the child and family.

WCBDD is the main provider of EI services for Warren County, providing service and/or support to approximately 400 children and families per month. EI services provided by WCBDD include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Special Instruction, which is delivered by a Developmental Specialist. Team members can serve as a Primary Service Provider (PSP) or Secondary Service Provider (SSP) to the child and family, or part of the consultative team. All specialized services offered by WCBDD are delivered in environments that are located in the family’s normal daily routines. The IFSP team selects these natural environment locations at the time of the IFSP development. The providers utilize methods of coaching with the family and caregivers to build the capacity of the family to support the child during everyday life.