Written by: Amy Kerrigan, Community Education Specialist
People with developmental disabilities want to lead lives just like everyone else. They want to live independently, spend time with friends, contribute to the community, and join the workforce. Sometimes they just need a little help in achieving those goals. But CCBDD cannot act alone in helping people with DD. As the saying goes, it takes a village. The most obvious CCBDD collaboration is with service providers like Creative Foundations, PCS, Downsize Farm, CRSI, and more. The County Board regularly contacts these providers to help individuals with DD find everyday care, living options, employment training, and life skills training. CCBDD also assists the providers themselves by recruiting Direct Support Professionals and coordinating other needs.
Another little known collaboration is between CCBDD and Champaign County businesses. Not only do area businesses and the County Board work together to fill needed positions and find employment for individuals with DD, but they also work together to create opportunities like Touch-A-Truck, summer camp at the YMCA, and meeting places for CCBDD social clubs.
The work of Champaign County Board of DD would not be what it is today without the help of all the community partners. These collaborations help people with developmental disabilities live independently, socialize, work, volunteer, and celebrate the abilities that make them an integral part of the Champaign County community. The Champaign County Library system collaborates with the Champaign County Board of DD throughout the year on various activities and projects. Pictured here are the CCBDD Tech Club (a group that meets regularly at the library's Imagine Lab to learn how to use crafting technology), Roaming Readers (a book club that meets regularly at Mechanicsburg Library to walk and discuss their favorite books), and Kiwanis Club members sharing sensory bags with the Urbana Fire Department which were made with the help of the library's Imagine Lab.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness and Advocacy Day at the State House Written by: Amy Kerrigan, Community Education Specialist Every year, during the first week in March, individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and their community allies gather in Columbus to advocate for policies that impact their lives. After several years of virtual gatherings due to the pandemic, the 2022 event once again offered in-person participation. On March 2, advocates from Champaign County joined the rest of the state for a day of education and activism. A Day of Activity Participants of DD Awareness and Advocacy Day had a busy schedule to fill their day in Columbus.
Important Topics Discussed
This year, speakers at DD Awareness and Advocacy Day asked participants to "be the change". This was one of the main topics for the day. Attendants (in-person and virtual) were praised for making their voices heard and advocating for the changes they need. Also discussed were the state's initiatives in assistive technology. Making technology more available to persons with disabilities can allow more independence. Those served by CCBDD can call their SSA for additional resources on assistive technology. Advocates also mentioned better accessibility in public areas, better transportation, and the Direct Support Professional shortage. All are important for supporting independent living. What is a Developmental Disability (DD)? Written by: Amy Kerrigan, Community Education Specialist The CDC defines a developmental disability as “a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.” Developmental disabilities can start as early as birth or develop later in life. To receive services from the county board of developmental disabilities the disability must have occurred before the age of 22. Between the ages of 0-3 years, if an infant has or is at risk of developmental disabilities, the Champaign Co Board of DD (CCBDD) can provide early intervention services. Early intervention also helps families when their child is ready to transition into school. As a person with DD ages, CCBDD can provide them with a Service and Support Administrator (SSA). SSAs help individuals and families get the resources they need to live their lives to the fullest. Do you or a loved one have a developmental disability and need extra help? Check out our website to see the services we offer and contact us for a referral. March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month This year, for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we are not just celebrating the individuals with DD, but also everyone who contributes to the DD community. Let’s give a round of applause to those with developmental disabilities, their family members, their Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), their employers, their SSAs, and their friends.
Because of you more people can volunteer and help make their communities a better place. Because of you more people can become valued members of the workforce and take pride in a job well done. Because of you more people can laugh, have fun, and enjoy life to the fullest. Because of you more people can show off their special abilities, and more people can receive the benefits of those abilities. Because of you we are all helping each other to make our world a better place. If you know someone with special abilities, share a picture or story of them on your social media pages. Spread the word about DD Awareness in March and all year round. Post with the hashtags #DDawareness or #DDAM. The Champaign Co Board of DD is here to connect all parts of the community. Ask us how you can be a part of it! Written by: Amy Kerrigan, Community Education Specialist Self-advocacy is defined as the action of representing oneself or one's views or interests. This year, CCBDD was full of people, both those we serve and those we employ, advocating for themselves and what they want for our community.
Just scroll through the newsfeed on the CCBDD Facebook page, and you will see many images and stories of self-advocacy. Aktion Club members taking officer positions and creating projects for children, Special Olympics participants meeting weight lifting and running goals, Regional Advocacy conference and meetings, people fundraising for a new inclusive playground, and individuals with disabilities finding their ideal job are just a few examples. This winter, let's start thinking about more ways to be better advocates and how we can continue to promote self-advocacy in the new year.
Written by: Amy Kerrigan, Community Education Specialist
Employing people with disabilities is beneficial to both the individuals and the employers. Having a job:
Employers will find that hiring those with disabilities:
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! ¹ nTIDE reports can be found at kesslerfoundation.org
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