Annual Board of DD Balloon Launch held at Highland County Courthouse

Hills and Dales staff and students, along with members of the Highland County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Highland County Commissioners Shane Wilkin and Tom Horst, met at the Highland County Courthouse square Thursday afternoon for the annual Board of Developmental Disabilities Balloon Launch.

Hills and Dales staff members and students, along with their families, traveled to the courthouse via bus following the annual Open House at their facility.

Wilkin read a proclamation from the commissioners' office recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month before helping lead the countdown to the balloon launch.

Other scheduled activities in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month include:

• March 13 – Wildcats versus Staff basketball game at 1 p.m.

• March 15 – DD in the Fashion Spotlight, Georgia’s Bridal Formal Wear, 6:30 p.m.

• March 22 – Special Olympics Fundraiser at Highland Lanes, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• March 24-28 – Spirit Week.
• Movie day at Star Cinemas to be announced.
 

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Board of DD highlights 'Ability at Work' during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Submitted by the Highland County Board of DD
 
"Ability at Work" is the theme for the 2014 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The Highland County Board of DD and Highco, Inc. celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March and invite you to consider the true meaning of this year’s theme, “Ability at Work."

Statewide, and across the nation, organizations devoted to serving individuals with developmental disabilities are planning special events in March to raise public awareness of the many abilities people have, regardless of disability. “Ability at Work” encourages people to understand that when people with disabilities are welcomed into local neighborhoods, workplaces, houses of worship and schools, everyone wins.

"This is a time when our organization focuses on encouraging the public to better understand the individuals we serve," said Kraig Walker, Adult Services Director.

“During ‘DD Awareness Month,’ we encourage people to learn more about the people in this community who have developmental disabilities and to recognize that all of us have talents and abilities that we can offer to make this a better place to live.”

The Highland County Board of DD kicked off the celebration with their annual Balloon Launch on the courthouse lawn on March 6, a day finally full of sunshine. An Open House was observed throughout the day. However, the community is always welcome to take tours and learn about what we offer.

“We are proud of our programs and our talented staff," Walker said. "The Highland County Board recently received a well-deserved accreditation with the Ohio Department of DD, and Highco (the Adult Service program) recently completed their international accreditation with CARF. We offer Early Intervention services, Preschool and School-age services, Adult Workshop and Community Employment.”

For more information, contact Superintendent Fred Williams, Educational Service Director Dawn Stallard or Adult Services Director Kraig Walker at 937-393-4237.