TuscBDD to celebrate awareness month in March
Diamond Award winner for 2024 was Jehred Bennet. He posed for this photo with his mother Christy.
The Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities will celebrate those they serve and others who support their mission during the month of March. They are accepting nominations for four award categories. Anyone is welcome to submit an award nomination.
“Hosting these awards allows us to celebrate and spotlight amazing individuals in our community,” said Kerri Silverthorn, community relations/special projects director at the TuscBDD. “We aim to highlight the incredible work being done to support individuals with disabilities.”
Because so many are making an impact, everyone who is nominated is recognized prior to the winner being announced at the annual TuscBDD Community Partners and Awards Breakfast March 27.
The awards for Tuscarawas County to be presented are as follows:
—The Standing Ovation Award for a parent, guardian, sibling or someone who stepped into the role of family to tirelessly support their loved one with DD.
—The Ripple Effect Award for a business or employer for contributing to the awareness that individuals with disabilities are crucial members of the workforce and can make an amazing impact.
—The Diamond Award for an individual with DD for their bravery and effort to advocate for themselves and on behalf of others to achieve their dreams.
—The Better Together Award for a direct support professional who demonstrates a dedication to improving the lives of the people they support while also promoting independence, equity and inclusion for people with DD.
Nominations are due by Feb. 28. Forms and more information are available at www.tuscbdd.org under Resources. To attend the breakfast, RSVP by March 17 to Chris Sapp at csapp@tuscbdd.org or call 330-339-9769.
The Diamond Award winners are always an inspiration.
“Our very first Diamond Award winner was Abby Cool for advocating for her health,” Silverthorn said. “At the age of 11, Abby Cool defied the odds and overcame congestive heart failure. After battling it as an unknown illness for many months, she received open-heart surgery. Abby returned to competitive swimming a short time later and was a hero to her teammates. Abby showed the bravery and resiliency of a true champion.”
Other Diamond Award winners are Elizabeth Lippencott, Logan Wise, Alex Adkins and Jehred Bennett.
A photo contest was added to the celebration this year, and all photos will be exhibited at the Tuscarawas County Public Library in New Philadelphia during the month of March.
“This is something different this year that is enabling us to showcase the vibrancy and beauty of diverse lives through photos,” Silverthorn said.
The winners have already been chosen for this year’s contest, but the TuscBDD is still accepting photos for the exhibition.
“Photos tell powerful stories, and it’s important to share the stories of those we serve. By hosting a photo contest and exhibition, people with developmental disabilities can share who they are through pictures that catch the attention of library visitors,” Silverthorn said.
Other events scheduled for March include the TuscBDD FANS Network Book Blast in partnership with the Autism Society of Ohio, which will donate and read books on acceptance and inclusivity at grade schools during the month, and the DD Awareness Month Proclamation Signing at the Tuscarawas County Courthouse March 5.
Statewide, the celebration will kicks off March 4 at the Ohio Statehouse when hundreds will gather to show their support for awareness and for issues that help people with DD.
“People with developmental disabilities contribute so much to our community and deserve to be equally valued. Whether it’s chatting at the grocery store, buying art or enjoying meals they’ve prepared, their impact is seen and felt every day. It’s important to recognize and celebrate all they bring to our community,” Silverthorn said.
The TuscBDD has provided essential services for over 60 years at little to no cost to individuals with developmental disabilities. To enrich the lives of those with disabilities, great progress has been made in improving education for children with intensive needs, adding accessible bathrooms, expanding recreational activities, offering translation services and increasing access to assistive technology.
Other services provided by the TuscBDD include case management, educational outreach, Starlight School, Starlight Integrated Preschool and community play group, therapeutic youth respite homes, funding for day habilitation and transportation, early intervention, FANS Network activities, awareness outreach, residential services, guardianship services, family support services, and access to assistive technology and devices.
The services are made possible through a combination of local levy dollars, support from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Medicaid and other funding sources.