On April 12th, Fairfield DD staff came together for our All Staff development training. It is one of only 3 times a year where all team members can be in one place, and it is one of my favorite days.
Many of the topics during All Staff focused on active listening and communication. In a time where we are flooded with information, it is an important topic because much of our work is done through partnership with others.
The day rejuvenated our staff to foster collaboration and open communication as we work to create a vibrant community where people lead lives of greater independence and make meaningful contributions.
I am excited to see what comes next!
-David
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Vibrant Community Connection |
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Fairfield County Parks are ready to welcome our community with recently added features that allow us all to enjoy the parks.
At Mambourg Park - The parking lot is now barrier-free, as well as the first part of the trail. They also have upgraded the picnic tables to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs and added new ADA-compatible grills so everyone can cook.
At Sensory Trail - The same accessible picnic tables have been added and new grills are on their way.
These shelters are available on a first-come basis. Reservations are not required. Learn more
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Funding for a More Accessible Community |
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The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities opened a grant application for funding through ARPA at the end of 2023. The grant listed specific areas where funding could be used. Fairfield DD received $890,000 for use in our community. Through Fairfield DD’s commitment to collaboration, some of these funds are going to be used by our community partners.
- The Fairfield Center for Independence received $150,000 to create a mobile, all accessible restroom and full-size changing space.
- Lancaster-Fairfield Public Transit received $100,000 to support their efforts for accessible transportation for all of Fairfield County.
Fairfield DD will also be utilizing funds to create a more accessible community. For example, each year we offer Summer Scholarships to students, ages 6-18, so they can participate in summer learning and experiences. ARPA funding will be used to open this opportunity for children ages 3-5 this year. Additional funds will be used to develop new translation tools for whom English is not a primary language and to build an assistive technology lending library.
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Community Partnership Corner |
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DD Awareness Outreach Reading |
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Throughout March, Fairfield DD aimed to spread awareness through outreach events that encourage people to engage with the topic of developmental disabilities. One of the ways we did this was through reading in our local schools. The book read by volunteers was You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion, by Margaret O’Hair and Sofia Sanchez. The book reminds us how important it is to embrace your differences, be confident, and be proud of who you are.
People may have misconceptions about others with disabilities, but it is important that we see that people with disabilities are people too. Each class participated in a short discussion to encourage everyone to live the way the book recommends.
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Fairfield DD Feature Department |
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Fairfield DD’s Board is made up of a dedicated group of volunteers. Each Board Member has a connection to the work of Fairfield DD as a parent, a community member, or someone who utilizes service and brings a unique perspective. Made up of 7 members, each member is appointed by either the Probate Court or the County Commissioners. The Board’s purpose, defined by law, is to “govern” the agency by setting direction for Fairfield DD.
The Board meets monthly, typically the 3rd Tuesday of each month, and the members volunteer their time to participate. We appreciate the commitment, leadership, and dedication of our board members as we work toward the mission of Fairfield DD.
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It is a pleasure to introduce our newest DD Board member, Kellie Smith. Kellie is a Fairfield County Board of Commissioners appointee to our board. She has a daughter who has been supported through our Early Intervention program and who currently attends Forest Rose School. Kellie has two other children, and the Smith family lives in Lancaster. Kellie is a social worker who currently works for Ohio Guidestone. She will be serving at the new Starlight Center in Lancaster in the coming months. |
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Each year, Fairfield DD is required by rule to do an annual report on the progress toward the goals listed in our strategic plan. We use this to illustrate an overall snapshot of the agency for the year.
To see our progress toward living our mission throughout 2023, click here.
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Expanding Resiliency
Tuesday, April 30, 2024, 2:00 pm
Join Fairfield County District Library and Fairfield County Juvenile Court as we learn and practice the skills of the Community Resiliency Model.
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Pickerington Chocolate Hop
Friday, May 3, 2024, 6:00 pm
Make a $5 donation and receive a map of all the locations around the Olde Pickerington Village where you will receive a free chocolate treat. There is a limited number of maps and you must have a map to receive chocolate treats.
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FCDL Used Book Sale
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 10:00 am
Join the Friends of the Library for their annual Used Book Sale. Only cash and check will be accepted (no credit cards). All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library.
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Saturday Cinema in Downtown Lancaster
Saturday, May 11, 2024, 8:00 pm
On Saturday, May 11th, Destination Downtown Lancaster will be showing Elemental, a free outdoor movie at the square (by the bandstand). Come early to save your space, enjoy music, and participate in pre-movie activities starting at 7:30 pm.
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