Teamwork for Transportation
November 14th was a big day at the MCBDD. Cameron got his van.
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It was a day that MCBDD Service and Support staff, and the folks at Team Joseph, the Jett Foundation, and Stay at Home Vehicle Modifications had been working towards for a long time.
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The van will help Cameron to live a fuller life, be part of the community, and just be able to go. Cameron and his grandfather Wes have big plans for the van. “We’re going to go. It’s going to get us out of this house. We’re thinking Yellowstone,” said Cameron’s grandfather Wes.
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The van, which was paid for with a combination of funds from the Muskingum County Board of Developmental Disabilities and grants from Team Joseph and the Jett Foundation, is equipped with a wheelchair lift and has room to transport Cameron’s other medical equipment.
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Cameron’s grandfather Wes shares that the van will be a big improvement from the old van they currently drive, which is high on miles and has no air conditioning. “We have a silent prayer each time we pull into the Children's parking lot that we made it,” said Wes.
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The team at the Muskingum County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Team Joseph, and the Jett Foundation, have all worked tirelessly to bring the resources together to purchase the van and ensure funding for the modifications. Stay at Home Vehicle Modifications completed the modifications necessary to make the van most useful for Cameron.
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Early Intervention: Support Early for Success Later
River is 3 years old and loves to climb and slide on the playset at the Colony Square Mall. This is where River and his mom, Cassie, sometimes like to meet their Developmental Specialist, Rebecca, who is part of the Early Intervention staff at the Muskingum County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
River and his family began with Early Intervention when he was 2 years old. Goals for River have evolved since that time, but have included adding additional sounds and words, and engaging in social interactions.
Rebecca shares different strategies and games during visits that River and his mom can use at home to work towards his goals. For example, naming objects while playing and waiting for River to name them back.
River is transitioning out of Early Intervention Services as he begins preschool. “Results like this are wonderful and a big part of what our program is about,” said Keely Kirkbride, Early Childhood SUpervisor. “When we can provide assistance and support to families early, this often means children will not need additional support later.”
Ohio Early Intervention is a statewide system that provides coordinated services to parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays.
The first three years of life are an important time for the health and development of all children. Starting intervention services early improves the child’s ability to develop and learn, and may prevent or reduce the need for additional services later.
If you have concerns about your child's development contact the Early Intervention staff at the Muskingum County Board of Developmental Disabilities at 740-455-4177.
Meet Christopher! Christopher is employed at ShopGoodwill as a Poster.
Christopher identifies items that might be appropriate for website sales and uses Google Lens to learn more about the item. He then photographs the item and loads the photo to the ShopGoodwill website to be sold. Christopher is great with technology. His favorite part of the job is “all of it!”
Goodwill, the FUSE Network, and the MCBDD worked with Christopher to find a position where he could use his technology skills to excel in the workplace.
Keep up the great work Christopher!
Employment Breakfast
In October the Muskingum County Board of DD held an Employment Breakfast to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Many employers, employees, and community members joined us to recognize the progress people have made in their employment journeys and the strides employers have made in becoming more inclusive.
Chelsea who works at Shaggy Chic Dog Grooming was our guest speaker and shared her experience looking for and finding employment.
The MCBDD would like to thank everyone who came out to help us celebrate!
Tree Planting
School-Age 4 and School-Age 5 students helped maintenance plant the trees in the Butterfly Garden and on the Sensory Trail. The four trees are Gum Tree, Eastern Redbus, Gingko, and Thundercloud Plum. Thanks to Timber Run Gardens for letting us come and pick out the trees for our playground.
Philo Pep Rally
Hannah, a Franklin Local student who attends Starlight School, showed her Electric Pride by participating in Philo's Pep Rally recently. Hannah loved participating and cheering on her home school!
March for Inclusion
MCBDD staff, Starlight students, and many individuals and organizations joined together for the 2nd Annual March for Inclusion on March 13th in downtown Zanesville. The Board appreciates the support from the Commissioners, Sheriff, and Prosecutor’s Office, who also marched along 4th Street with the group to the Courthouse.
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Commissioner Melissa Bell presented the Board with a Proclamation for DD Awareness Month. People First of Muskingum County President, Alyson, gave an inspiring speech.
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Many participants carried signs expressing their thoughts like: "Nothing About Us Without Us", "I'm Different, Not Less", "Once You Know Better, Do Better", and "Everyone Wants to be Include