Deshaun Washington couldn’t help but notice how often his neighbor seemed to be out helping people, lending a hand or offering guidance. And if he wasn’t helping someone, James Leonard likely was working. “He’s a good man,” Washington said of Leonard, the Transportation Director at the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities. “A good, hardworking …

The Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Ohio Self Determination Association (OSDA) are hosting a regional meeting in August for self-advocates in the central Ohio area. The gathering aims to re-activate the work of the Central Ohio Self Determination Association, a regional group of the OSDA that had paused events during the pandemic. The …

Even before they picked up their first knitting needles or tugged at a skein of yarn, Destiny Hawkins and Peggy Bergados already were on track for success at their new hobby. “They have such motivation,” said Kristen McKenna, their knitting instructor. “These two are amazing.” McKenna, who regularly teaches through a craft-classes enterprise in Westerville …

Even as a young child, Marcie wrestled with what felt like a terrible mismatch. Her clothes were wrong, her name was wrong, and she was certain she was supposed to be a sister, not a brother. “I just always knew,” she said. “I am not a male. I am female.” But as a person with …

To fulfill a requirement for her high-school service project, Monica Wangler hit on a way to combine community service with her love of sports. “I was a multi-sport athlete,” she said. “I thought, well, if I can do service and sports at the same time, I’m in.” Some 30 years later, she’s still all in …

A vacant call center in Grove City has been transformed into a bright, welcoming and barrier-free space for adults with developmental disabilities. ARC Industries recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new facility on Marlane Drive, which expects to provide active treatment and community-based services for about 75 people. A majority will be residents of …

Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio is teaming up with The Improvaneer Method to offer summer “Improva-Camp” sessions for youth and adults with disabilities. The Improvaneer Method was launched by Rob Snow, an Ohio parent who has a son with Down syndrome. Participants use improvisation to build skills such as quick and creative thinking, problem solving, …

As she stood before an audience that had swelled to more than 400 people, Lattie Harrington realized she wasn’t feeling like her usual happy self. “I thought, ‘Uh-oh, what just happened? It got me,” she said. “I got stage fright. I cried a little bit.” But the tears didn’t linger, and Harrington soon felt happy …

Jed Morison, Superintendent and CEO for the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities, has announced that he will retire effective Dec. 31, 2023, following 54 years of public service. This is the full message he sent to staff and friends on May 15: After much consideration and now that the COVID public health emergency is …

Ask Hope Johnson to describe what she does, and her answer – Just about everything! – says a lot about the way she embraces her job as a direct-support professional. “We go out and integrate ourselves into the community,” Johnson said, smiling. “I tell people, if it’s somewhere I’d take my kids, family or friends, …