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 …
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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,” …
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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 …
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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 …
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The Psychology Department at the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities recently marked the end of a decades-long journey – then quickly began a new one – moving from the public agency to a private nonprofit organization. FCBDD psychology staff transitioned in July to positions at ARC Industries, a disability-services provider that is adding behavioral …
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With music, dance, poetry, powerful storytelling and more, the Goodwill Columbus-Harmony Project collaborative performance ‘We Can Be Superheroes’ earned rave reviews from participants and audience members alike. “That’s the outcome,” Tiffany Martin, Director of the Goodwill Columbus Work and Community Services Program, said of the April 10th big event. “But it’s the months and months …
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The 2024 Franklin County Provider and Community Resource Fair is set for Wednesday, March 27, at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds, 717 E. 17th Ave. The event returns to the fairgrounds in a new building – Kasich Hall – and will be open three hours longer than in previous years: From 11 a.m. …
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Periodically, the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities assesses community needs and services provided by the agency. Individuals who are served, families, staff, service providers, volunteers, advocates, collaborative agencies, and the public are encouraged to take a few minutes to compete and respond to this survey. Your response assists the board in its efforts to …
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Would you like get involved in the community and help make central Ohio more inclusive? Best Buddies is accepting applications for Best Buddies Citizens in Franklin County, a program that pairs an adult with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) in a one-to-one friendship with an adult without IDD from their local community. The Franklin …
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Palette Pals, a new student organization at the Ohio State University, is inviting teens and adults with developmental disabilities to take part in a free, recreational art program. Organizer Kaitlin Herman said the aim is to create interaction among OSU students, people with developmental disabilities and their families, while empowering the creativity of the disabilities …
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