If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed the help wanted signs at many places in our community. It seems like everyone desperately needs employees, no matter what type of work is being done. One potentially untapped pool of workers is people with disabilities. Employers who overlook people with disabilities may be missing out on great opportunities to hire amazing employees.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness month. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate the community about disability employment issues and celebrate the various contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion”. Employment can be a huge part of our identities and many people with disabilities want to experience that feeling of a job well done. Many people with disabilities can and want to work but need an employer to take a chance on them. Every person has individual strengths that they can bring to work, regardless of their disability. When we include people with disabilities in our workforce, the results benefit everyone.

The Champaign County Board of Developmental Disabilities can assist employers interested in hiring a person with a disability by helping that person learn the skills necessary to be a successful employee. We can offer or contract with a provider to offer assessment and on-site job coaching. We often work with other organizations such as Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities to offer services to people who are searching for employment.

As of October 2021, 46 people served by the Champaign County Board of DD are competitively employed in the community. We want to thank those employers in Champaign County who have chosen to hire people with disabilities and welcome any employer who may have a need to contact us for more information. When we include everyone, it makes our community better.
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For more information on the Champaign County Board of DD, please visit our website at www.champaigncbdd.org or call 937-653-5217-8155. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/champaigncbdd.org.

During the pandemic, lockdowns and isolation adversely affected many people. Activities were cancelled and routines were changed. Bianca Tropeano is one such person who noticed a dramatic change in her life. “How did Covid affect my life during the past year? Covid really put my plans on hold.”

Bianca is competitively employed by the Champaign Co Board of DD. And just like many others, she was unable to go to her job for quite a long time.

But Bianca found a way to keep her spirits up and stay busy with new plans. She found activity and fun with her pets. “Covid didn’t really stopped me having fun because I hang out at home with my cat, Lily, and a dog we are fostering named Cy,” said Bianca. She certainly was lucky to have those furry friends around.

The stories of Lily and Cy began when Bianca attended a cat show in Dayton, OH. She saw Lily and spent half her Christmas money to buy the cuddly kitten. Later, Bianca’s family was asked to foster an Alaskan Malamute named Cy. He kept running away from his old home and was eventually sent to the pound. Bianca’s family saved him by taking him in as a foster pet. 

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention), There are several healthy benefits to having pets. The CDC’s website says, “Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners.”

Bianca did not have to conduct a scientific study to notice the same affects. She says, “I hang out with my cat and give her cuddles and love if she shows me that she needs it . When I don’t give her my all, I feel heartless and sad. And when I do give her my all I feel much better. I hang out with [my foster] dog. His name is Cy. My cat and my dog help me to not feel sad, and [they] make me not to feel [like] I’m not doing enough.”

After experiencing pandemic isolation, Bianca is the first to admit how important her furry friends are. “Animals [are] anyone’s best friends... and [animals] give anyone a piece of mind. So that’s how animals help me through emotional and support through difficult times.”

​The Champaign Co Board of Developmental Disabilities thanks Bianca Tropeano for sharing her experience. We hope that many more people can find comfort and purpose in their homes with their own pets.

Early Intervention and P.L.A.Y. Project are two free services offered at Champaign Co Board of DD. But what are they and how do they help?

Early Intervention (EI) is for children ages birth to 3 years. The EI program provides certified therapists to work with children who are suspected of having a developmental impairment. Therapists also work with parents to help them understand and work with their child's issues.

P.L.A.Y. Project is for children ages birth to 6 years and is essentially an EI program specialized for children suspected of having autism. Here are some important things to remember about EI and P.L.A.Y. Project: 

• Your child does not need a diagnosis to be evaluated for the programs.
• Your child does not need a doctor's referral for these programs. Anyone can call us to refer a child for evaluation.
• Approximately 1 in 3 children who receive EI services before the age of 3 do not require special education services later in life.²

If you want to learn more about EI and P.L.A.Y. Project, contact Jennifer Bradford (Early Intervention Director) at 937-653- 5217.

² Statistic found at www.wecarechildren.org

Employing people with disabilities is beneficial to both the individuals and the employers. Having a job:

• provides opportunities for socialization
• allows people to be less dependent on social security income
• gives a sense of purpose

Employers will find that hiring those with disabilities:

• reduces employee turnover
• increases overall productivity
• provides tax incentives for the business

We encourage anyone with disability employment questions to contact the Champaign Co Board office at 937-653-5217. Whether you are a person with disabilities curious about employment or a business interested in hiring persons with disabilities, we can help you!