I was recently at an event in the community, and someone asked me about my plans for summer break. It made me wonder if people know what we do in the summer at the Champaign County Board of DD, so I thought I would share a few highlights since we are often busier than ever throughout these summer months.

Not only do we provide Early Intervention 12 months out of the year, we engage our families in additional activities throughout the summer months, including playground days with families. Every day counts with early intervention, so it’s important that our therapists and Developmental Specialists work year-round to provide support to children who may be experiencing delays in development.

Our Community and Education Department (CEO) is especially busy in the summer months coordinating activities for youth who plan to enter the workforce in a few years. Our staff also coordinated a vacation club with individuals who took a trip out of state recently. CEO staff work all year long to ensure that people with disabilities in Champaign County have access to activities just like everyone else.

And of course, our Service and Support Administrators (SSAs) work all summer coordinating supports for individuals with disabilities in Champaign County. This summer SSAs are focused on transitioning their work to a new state system called the Ohio Individual Service Plan which will be rolled out across the state. Whether working with someone to secure housing or benefits or ensuring that services are happening as they should to make sure people are healthy and safe, our SSAs are busy all year round.

If you are interested in learning more about what’s going on at CCBDD in the summer months, make sure to follow us on social media. If you have any questions, please call us at 937-653-5217.
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** This article can also be found in the Urbana Daily Citizen at https://www.urbanacitizen.com/2023/06/26/busy-all-summer-long/

June 20, 2023 at 8:30 am
Start: Kroger by St Rt 29, Urbana
End: The Depot Coffeehouse, Urbana

Come out and line the streets to cheer on local law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes as they carry the Special Olympics Torch through Urbana, Ohio.

Athletes and officers will start at Kroger next to State Route 29 in Urbana. They will carry the torch all along 29 until they reach The Depot Coffeehouse. 

The public are welcome to stand along the route and cheer as runners go by. Everyone is also welcome to jog or ride bikes along side the torch runners. 

Just like the typical Olympic Games, the torch represents represents the start of the ultimate competition. The Ohio statewide Special Olympic Games will take place on June 23-25 in Columbus, Ohio. In Columbus, top Special Olympics athletes from all over Ohio will compete for Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. 

This year, the Champaign County Special Olympics will bring 6 athletes to the state competition. All of them will compete in weightlifting. Local Coordinator, Alfredo Gutierrez, thanks local law enforcement for their continued support of Champaign County Special Olympics and says he would love to see the community "come and support your local athletes as they prep for state".

For more information on the Champaign County chapter of Special Olympics, contact Alfredo Gutierrez at agutierrez6605@gmail.com or 937-206-5682.

Read more about Special Olympics Ohio and the upcoming Torch Run here: ​​sooh.org/law-enforcement-torch-run/