March - Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and Developmental Disabilities of Clark County wants to call attention to peoples’ abilities.  â€śMarch is a time to raise an appreciation for those who are different than ourselves,” said Jennifer Rousculp-Miller, Superintendent of Developmental Disabilities of Clark County. “It’s a time to see abilities, not disabilities, and value each person for the gifts that they bring to life.”

In celebration of the abilities of the people with DD in our community, Developmental Disabilities of Clark County will be participating in or hosting the following events this month:

  • Friday, March 2nd – 6p to midnight – The Suzanne Hopper Memorial Volleyball Tournament, at Tecumseh High School (9830 W National Rd, New Carlisle 45344). Proceeds benefit Special Olympics.
  • Wednesday, March 7th, Ohio Developmental Disability Awareness & Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse (1 Capitol Square, Columbus 43215). Self-advocates, family members and friends will meet with legislators to tell them personal stories, and educate them on the issues most important to the developmental disabilities community.
  • Wednesday, March 21st – from 6:30p-8 p – The Developmental Disabilities March Madness basketball game at Springfield High School (701 E Home Rd, Springfield 45503). The public is encouraged to come watch local leaders compete against the very talented Special Olympics Tigers basketball team.  Admission is FREE and refreshments will be provided for a small donation to Quest Adult Services.  Celebrities this year include: Charlie Patterson, Clark County Combined Health District; Melissa Tuttle, Clark County Clerk of Courts; Horton Hobbs, Springfield Chamber of Commerce; Andy Wilson, Clark County Prosecutor; Jim Bodenmiller, Springfield City Manager; Blake Shaffer, LWS Tax and Accounting Services; Deb Burchett, Clark County Sheriff; Mary Brandstetter, TAC Industries; Kerry Pedraza, United Way; Kyle Koehler, State Representative; Brian Macy, Allstate Insurance; Melanie Flax Wilt, County Commission; Sunny Dhingra, It’s Always Sunny Realty; Rob Rue, City Commission; Wendy Doolittle, McKinley Hall; Jenny Rousculp-Miller, Developmental Disabilities of Clark County; and coached by Eddie Ford, North High School (retired).
  • Saturday, March 24th – 5p to 7 p – Family Night at the Y (Springfield YMCA, 300 S Limestone St, Springfield 45505).  FREE fun for people with disabilities, and their families, friends and caregivers.

“Everyone in benefits when we welcome people with disabilities as equals in our neighborhoods, at work, and at social events.” said Rousculp. “We must learn to look past the differences we all have, and focus on the humanity that we share.”

For more information about DD Awareness Month activities, check the website at clarkdd.org or the Developmental Disabilities of Clark County Facebook page.

Developmental Disabilities of Clark County is a publicly funded agency that empowers people throughout their lifetime, to achieve their fullest potential. Developmental Disabilities of Clark County funds and supports the F.F. Mueller Residential Center, QUEST Adult Services, in-home early intervention programs for children, transportation in specialized vehicles, family resources and respite care, and vocational training. Developmental Disabilities of Clark County also offers assistance to providers of developmental disabilities services, including home care agencies and independent providers.


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