Three people with deep experience in disability issues and advocacy are the newest members of the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Franklin County Commissioners appointed Rebecca Swartz, Katherine Silver Kelly and Gene Harshaw to four-year terms on the agency board. They took their seats at the January meeting, where members also elected Dean Fadel …

As a medal-winning athlete, manufacturing worker and dedicated family man, Chad Contreras keeps busy. But he’s still finding time to learn more about the power of self-advocacy. Contreras recently took part in a three-day Project STIR Leadership Training held in Dublin. Then he attended the December gathering of the Franklin County DD Self-Advocate Advisory Council, …

Starting this month, the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities is rolling out a new logo. Bold, bright hues of teal and gold show off an outline of the state, a star pinpointing our location in the Columbus area, and a shortened version of the agency’s name: Franklin County DD.  “We hope it catches on,” …

Eric Horvath, an experienced investigator who spent more than 27 years with Franklin County Probate Court, recently joined Franklin County DD to lead the agency’s MUI Department. He and the MUI team also are moving from Service Coordination oversight and will report to Legal Counsel Gwynn Kinsel. “Any internal investigative arm of an agency should …

In his physical therapy role, Wes Patton often leaned into technology to help motivate his patients. “People will try harder at a game than they will at traditional exercise,” he said. “And there’s research to back that up.” Patton keeps that thought at the forefront of his work as emerging tech consultant for ARC Industries, …

Best Buddies is recruiting participants to take part in a one-to-one friendship program for Franklin County adults with and without developmental disabilities. Franklin County DD board members recently approved grant funding for the Best Buddies Citizens project, which aims to support at least 20 “buddy pairs” in the community. Because people with disabilities sometimes face …

The Franklin County DD Service Coordination Department is excited to offer the OSU Nisonger Center’s Crisis Prevention and Support Training on multiple dates in 2025. This free, in-person training is open to all county board staff, provider agencies and family members, regardless of prior crisis intervention experience. Each session will cover prevention and intervention procedures, …

Lorem As the new ADA coordinator at the Franklin County Board of Elections, Josiah Lanning wants people with disabilities to know that they can have the voting experience they want and need. “We’re working to build a bridge of communication,” Lanning said. “The Board of Elections could have the best services in the world for …

Recently I read a book about ableism, specifically about ableism in the church. It included a nugget of research that is truly startling. The author noted a 2018 study by the disability equality organization SCOPE that found 67% of people were uncomfortable talking to someone with a disability. Let that sink in.  Two-thirds were afraid …

The Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities wants to hear from you! Responses to this brief, anonymous survey will help us know how we are doing and identify ways to improve. Feedback also helps guide the development of our annual action plan, which will be shared with the community. People receiving services, parents or guardians, …