ACBDD Special Edition
Campers thrive in enhanced ‘Ray’s Days!’ summer program
By Kendall Timms & Charlie James Special Edition staff writers
Smiles and summer fun continued last summer during the Ray’s Days! Summer Camp, provided by the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Located on the Beacon School campus on West Union Street in Athens, the program includes campers from ages seven to 21. The program has seen significant changes over its seven-year run, such as new in-camp activities, interactive field trips, and a more complete staff of college-aged counselors to complement the community experience.
Serving in his first year as director of the summer camp, Paul Richard has introduced several innovations into the Ray’s Days! program, while still putting the well-being of the campers first with care and compassion. Local parents of children with
disabilities have been grateful for the renewed summer experience that Paul created.
ents, Ray’s Days! relieves that worry and provides a service that has no comparison in southeast Ohio.
Uplifting voices is ACBDD goal
By Kevin Davis Superintendent of ACBDD
Personal stories have a way of cultivating appreciation for people with diverse abilities and fostering understanding of the different challenges they may face.
Those of us who work at the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities could easily list all of the important initiatives that help people with developmental disabilities live the lives of their choosing and to overcome barriers. But why not, instead, show you through their stories.
Every year, March is designated as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, which focuses on people’s diverse abilities and celebrates their contributions to our communities. At the ACBDD, we do this every day, all year round. But, for the month of March, we take a little extra time to promote who we are and what we do to a wider audience. One way we do that is through this Special Edition.
IF YOU GO
Megan McElligott Meyer, whose child, Fiona, attends Ray’s Days!, lauded the program, saying, “This past year, it just felt incredibly organized. It felt like there was a lot more communication. And the kids were really encouraged to get out and to see the larger community, and for the community to see them.”
WHAT: Ray’s Days! summer camp
WHEN: June 16-July 11, 2025
WHERE: 801 W. Union St., Athens
Paul has 22 years of experience running summer camps for organizations around the county and is especially good at implementing a more active routine for the campers with disabilities — with “fun” as the top goal.
ADMISSION: See eligibility and sign-up information on Page 7
One of the bright spots about Ray’s Days! that makes it attractive to families comes from the price of admission: free. Whereas other camps that provide such a wide range of services might be unaffordable for many par-
“This is not summer school,” Paul noted.
“This is a camp.”
Field trips, days at the pool, group activities, and guest presenters are all facets of the program that have been added or improved to Ray’s Days! over the past few years.
“The big thing for me in developing
See RAY’S DAYS, Page 8
This year, we partnered with the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and The Post to highlight the stories of individuals who have overcome challenges, reached their goals, and imagined new futures for themselves with the help of a supportive community and through programs of the ACBDD.
You’ll read about young people being offered new experiences during the Ray’s Days! Summer Camp; you’ll meet Carlee, who took on a leadership role with a local theater group; and you’ll learn how Savannah was supported to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional artist. Those are just some of the personal stories that demonstrate the ACBDD’s commitment to creating an integrated and inclusive community. By uplifting such voices, we hope readers have a deeper understanding and appreciation of this field and feel proud to support the work that we do.
Thank you.
Dozens of happy faces show the value of the Ray’s Days! summer camp excursion to Ash Cave in the Hocking Hills last year. The month-long day camp is provided by the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Davis
ACBDD Special Edition
Community engagement opportunities abound in Beacon School’s programs
By Paige Fisher Special Edition staff writer
Beacon School, a specialized educational program for students with disabilities run by the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities, has always placed an emphasis on hands-on learning. That is most easily seen in its recently enhanced practice of Community-Based Instruction, or CBI, which is a research-based teaching strategy that helps students develop skills in real-world settings. Becky Martin, principal and director of education at Beacon School, said the program has been very successful in helping students as they transition from school into the community. Through the program, students go on weekly fieldtrips to various places in Athens, such as restaurants and stores. While there, they practice life skills that were first introduced to them in the classroom. For example, a trip to a grocery store will involve lessons in how to make shopping lists, navigate the store, and compare prices of different items.
Shay, a student in the young adult class at Beacon School, said that going on community field trips helps her feel more comfortable in the Athens community.
Aside from helping students feel more comfortable, community-based instruction has also allowed students to get out of their comfort zones and face new challenges and experiences.
Samantha Dunlap, the instructor of the young adult class at Beacon School that serves students age 17-21, said she has seen progress with students trying new things. For example, Samantha said students decided to try an unusual dish while at a local restaurant. “If you work with this population enough, you realize that might seem like a small victory, but that was huge for our class,” Samantha said.
The field trips are carefully organized well in advance. Planning for each trip takes up to a month, starting with scheduling the visits with local businesses or services, then teaching students the skills they will be using during the trip.
Samantha said the community has been very receptive and accepting of Beacon School students coming in to utilize the skills they have learned in the classroom. Other patrons in those locations also have been supportive — although student communication is not always clear, as some use a communication device, most members of the community are understanding and patient with the Beacon School students, Becky said.
“Not only does (community-based instruction) expose them to the community, but it exposes the community to people with disabilities and helps them to see their value,” she added. “They have a lot to offer.”
— Copy editor: Lucy Riley
ACBDD’s Job Club helps with transition from school to workplace
By Cam Voelker Special Edition staff writer
An important area of focus for the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities (ACBDD) is to help teens and young adults prepare for the workforce. One way the agency is striving to do this is through a recently developed program called Job Club.
Job Club, offered by PersonnelPlus (the employment service of the ACBDD), has been in place since 2022 and serves students between the ages of 14 and 22.
The
Tri-County Career Center in Nelsonville and Beacon School in Athens.
They work in groups of six-toeight students each, depending on the week.
During the sessions, students learn a variety of life and work skills, including personal hygiene, choosing workplace attire, and how to conduct oneself in the workplace.
Autumn Brown, who oversees PersonnelPlus, explained that Job Club teaches skills in the classroom and then creates simulated workspaces to practice those skills.
“Students have access to a small
office space, a model apartment, a greenhouse, and a mock store that has a cash register,” Autumn said. “By practicing these skills in these simulated workplaces while they are still in school, we are hopeful students will be more comfortable exploring a job of their choosing once they graduate.”
The students also take on real-world projects to reinforce skills even further.
For example, last year, the club created a coffee cart at Beacon School. Students learned how to safely brew and serve coffee, stock and move the cart around the facility, and practice money-handling skills by selling drinks to Beacon School staff.
“It was a simple project, but it also easily incorporated a long list of important work skills for the students to practice,” Autumn said.
Last winter, the club also enhanced their existing greenhouse. Students planted vegetables and flowers, including marigolds, sunflowers, daisies, tomatoes, peppers, loofahs, cucumbers and green beans. After nurturing the plants throughout the year, the students sold flowers and vegetables to Athens community members.
Shay, a student at Beacon School who participated in both projects, said that Job Club is a fun experience, and she is excited to use the skills she learned. “I want to make money so I can go out to eat,” she noted. Through such hands-on experiences, Job Club fosters a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, boosting students’ confidence as they prepare to enter the workforce.
— Copy editor: Mekhi Evans
club meets weekly at both
ABOVE: ACBDD’s Employment Specialist Heather Clemons (left) helps student Jackie scan an item during the school’s monthly Beacon Brew Café. BELOW: Student Shay pours warm cider into a cup during one of the monthly Beacon Brew Café days, which gives students an opportunity to practice employment skills such as customer service and handling money.
ACBDD’s Job Club grows and sells garden plants as one of its projects.
ACBDD Special Edition
Beacon’s preschool wins ‘Gold Award’ from state
By Paige Fisher Special Edition staff writer
Beacon School’s preschool program recently received a “Gold Award,” the highest rating possible, from the state-level rating system called Step Up to Quality.
“The preschool staff have been working hard over the past year to make this happen,” said Becky Martin, the school’s principal and director of education. “This is a great accomplishment.”
Step Up to Quality is a three-tiered rating system administered by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth.
The state agency evaluates programs based on the quality of learning and development, administrative and leadership practices, staff quality
and professional development, and partnerships with families and communities, according to its website.
Ratings — from highest to lowest — are gold, silver, and bronze.
“The ‘Gold Award’ is given to programs that have gone over and above, meeting the licensing requirements and then providing quality services for students,” Becky said. “The fact that we earned this rating is a testament to our team’s dedication to providing high-quality services to our community.”
Paige Grim, a parent of a student in Beacon’s preschool program, said the staff do amazing work in being involved with and giving individualized care to each student.
“It’s not one person shining above everybody else,” Paige said. “Everybody helps everybody. It’s really just
a huge team effort over there.”
The school now proudly hosts a large banner in the entryway hallway, de claring it a “Gold Award” recipient.
— Copy editor: Lucy Riley
ABOUT THE AWARD Ohio’s Step Up To Quality “Gold Award” has the following cri teria, according to the state Department of Children and Youth:
• Staff/child ratios are lower.
• Staff have higher education quali fications.
• Administrators complete an additional fifteen (15) hours and teachers
Founded in 1972 by parents of individuals with developmental disabilities, Havar Inc. has grown into a nonprofit organization that offers a wide range of services and support to individuals and families in need. With over 50 years of experience in Athens County, our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives, promoting their independence, inclusion, and integration within the community.
complete an additional ten (10) hours of professional development each year.
• Teachers develop lesson plans that support each child’s growth.
• The program completes assessments to evaluate and improve the learning experience.
• The program values families and community.
For more information about Step Up To Quality, go to www. childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-providers/stepup-to-quality.
LEFT: Preschoolers Artemis and Lilith explore new textures of reversible sequins withy Instructor Assistant Jennie Booth. RIGHT: Paraprofessional Tiffany Scott shares a playtime meal with preschoolers Iyla and Charles. Beacon School’s team of teachers and support staff have built a preschool program that was recently given the state’s Gold Award for excellence.
ACBDD Special Edition
ACBDD programs help young man gain social skills
By Kendall Bergeron Special Edition staff writer
During an outing last year to the local arcade called the Fun Barn south of Nelsonville, high school senior Adam finished up a two-player video game with a friend.
He then walked around, seemingly unfazed by the loud noises and flashing lights to find his next video game of choice. He picked a two-player racing game.
Adam quickly sat down with a friend, swiped his card, and proceeded to race against time and a fellow gamer who sat to his left.
Playing at an arcade and interacting with peers are typical activities for any teen or young adult. But those are things Adam, who has autism and other developmental disabilities, struggled to do just a year ago.
“Without Teen Time, that would have never happened,” said Kris, Adam’s mom.
A year ago, the sounds and lights would have been just too much for him, she said.
Teen Time is one of several programs offered by the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities that offers those with disabilities safe and welcoming opportunities to develop important life skills.
Teen Time is a social club through which teens and young adults with disabilities meet up and do a variety of fun activities. The focus is on social skills and friend making.
Step Into Work, another program, focuses on basic employment skills. These are all programs utilized by the ACBDD’s Transition Services, which specifically helps those age 13-21 prepare for life after high school.
Before starting with Transition Services, Adam would avoid social interactions and suffer panic attacks in some public spaces, his mother explained.
Initially, when Kris would take Adam to a Teen Time event, Adam would refuse to leave the car. Now, Adam is so excited for Teen Time that he is the one who reminds his mother when it is.
Adam has “really grown” from those programs, she said. Kris added that Adam’s improvement with Teen Time has helped him to do other things he wouldn’t have done even a year ago.
Case in pointthe Fun Barn.
and noises that meet visitors when they step into the arcade.
“It was so bad that he would have a panic attack … in the parking lot as soon as we pulled in,” said Kris.
“In all of my years, I have rarely seen anyone who has been able to change that much — from being hesitant about participating to becoming fully engaged.”
– Doug Mitchell, ACBDD transition coordinator
The Fun Barn used to be a place he dreaded. Adam hated going because of the bombardment of flashing lights
But Adam liked going to Teen Time. When they learned the next Teen Time event was going to be at the Fun Barn, Kris brought Adam early to try the place out for a bit before his friends arrived. They sat in the parking lot for an hour before coming in. But he eventually did go in, met up with friends, had some pizza, and then got
to playing.
“He ended up being the last kid to leave; he had a wonderful time,” Kris said. “He talked with the other kids … instead of completely being separated from the group. We were then able, a few days later, to take him back to the Fun Barn to watch a movie and play at the Fun Barn again.”
Step into Work has also been helpful for Adam.
Step Into Work is a four-day work experience for teens and young adults. During that program, Adam visited different work sites and learned about the skills needed for those jobs. He also worked on independence skills and working with others.
Because of those experiences, Kris said, Adam is now thinking about what he wants to do after high school. Adam, who loves wolves, would like to one day work at a place like the Wilds or at a zoo.
Providing experiences are what the ACBDD’s Transition Services program is all about, said Doug Mitchell, the ACBDD’s Transition Coordinator.
The best way to help someone understand their likes and dislikes is to give them experiences, Mitchell said. Programs such as Teen Time and Step Into Work, among others, can do that.
Mitchell said his job is to help prepare enrollees to graduate high school “and navigate their next steps” by “not telling them what to do, but helping to make sure that they know what they’re going to do.”
Adam’s story is particularly impressive, Doug said.
“His change in a year was remarkable,” Doug said. “In all of my years, I have rarely seen anyone who has been able to change that much — from being hesitant about participating to becoming fully engaged.”
— Copy editor: Jenna Carpenter
Adam used to dread social events, but thanks to two ACBDD programs — Teen Time and Step Into Work — he looks forward to getting together with friends and family at the Fun Barn south of Nelsonville.
MARCH 2025
ACBDD Special Edition
‘Inclusion Pledge’ gaining even more supporters
By Carson Francis Special Edition staff writer
In 2023, the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities introduced the “Inclusion Pledge,” an initiative designed to help promote the inclusion of those with developmental disabilities in Athens County.
The ACBDD encourages people and organizations in Athens County to sign the pledge and become more involved in the efforts to make Athens County a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
“We already live in an inclusive area in Athens County, but we wanted to do something that would help us take the next step,” said Autumn Brown, director of the ACBDD’s Integrate Athens, a division focused on helping the community find ways to be more integrated and inclusive for individuals with disabilities. “With the Pledge, we can continue to make strides toward the inclusion of everybody in our area.”
Since the introduction of the Pledge, the ACBDD has partnered with 10 different organizations across Athens County who all have signed. That includes the City of Athens, Athens County Children’s Services, Athens City-County Health Department, the 317 Board, the Athens County Commissioners, and Alexander Local Schools.
The pledge asks signers to commit to high-level statements like “em-
bracing the diversity of all individuals” and identifying action steps “that will help improve awareness and inclusiveness.”
In addition, the pledge includes a list of possible action steps the organization or individual can work toward, like completing specific trainings, doing an audit to determine how accessible their space is, joining an advocacy group, among others. The signer is also invited to list other things they are doing that is not already listed.
“The true test of this initiative was whether the signers actually followed-through with what they said
they would do,” Autumn said. “And we are happy to share our partners have demonstrated their commitment to this through their actions.”
For the 317 Board, a regional non-profit that provides mental health and recovery services, the pledge came at just the right time.
“The 317 Board believes that behavioral healthcare should be accessible to everyone,” said Director Diane Pfaff. “The Pledge came to us as we were preparing to renovate our board offices and served as an important reminder of how we could incorporate features that would be accessible and welcoming for individuals
of multiple abilities, which included removal of carpeting and selection of furniture that is easily accessible and navigable.
“We also repaired a curb ramp and updated outdoor lighting,” Pfaff explained. “ The board’s website, 317Board.org, was also moved to a new content management platform that allows our staff to easily include alt text with all images and features a tool that monitors color contrast to improve accessibility.”
For the Athens City-County Health Department, the pledge already aligned with their mission.
“Signing the pledge helps us to fulfill the mission of the health department, which is to protect and promote the health and wellness of all Athens County residents,” said Meredith Erlewine, the health department’s Creating Healthy Communities coordinator.
“So far, we have welcomed experts from Integrate Athens to assess our facility and provide us recommendations for improvement,” Erlewine explained. “We also hosted an all-staff training on accessibility and disability inclusion.”
Those who have an interest in learning more about the pledge can contact Autumn at abrown@athenscbdd.org.
— Copy editor: Serenity Proffitt
Ohio U. biology student promotes inclusivity on campus
By Cami Henry-Seymore Special Edition staff writer
Inclusivity is essential, especially in a university setting. That is according to George, a senior at Ohio University studying biology.
George, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, has made an effort to immerse himself in campus activities despite struggling to fit in socially.
Through the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities, George receives case-management services and meets weekly with Barry Backus, a service and support administrator (or SSA).
Barry guides George through everyday challenges and advocates for his rights and needs within the community. Specifically, Barry helps George navigate college life and ways to enrich his OU experience.
Through those services, George was encouraged to openly share his niche interests with the community. For George, this meant sharing his love for all manner of canines, especially
wolves. George is the president of the North American Apex Predator Conservation Club, which he founded to meet like-minded animal lovers.
George hosted two free events last year, one on March 30 and the other on Oct. 5, where he presented facts and myths about wolves. For both events, George invited a conservationist from the Ohio Canid Center to visit Schoonover Center with a live
George thrives as a biology major at Ohio University thanks to support from ACBDD. This past year, George served as a diversity ambassador at OU, and also arranged a presentation last fall from the Ohio Canid Center that included a live wolf.
black wolf, which attendees could pet and interact with.
Besides his work in wolf conservation, George is also a diversity ambassador at Ohio University. Through this work, he hopes to make the campus — and the whole Athens community — more accessible for people like him.
“I’d like to see Athens change parts of its culture,” George said. “I want it to be a more loving and inclusive culture.”
In his spare time, George is working on a post-apocalyptic novel about a chronic wasting disease pandemic, combining historical facts and furthering his scientific interests.
With each project he under-
takes, George is not only enriching his own college experience but also laying the groundwork for a more inclusive future.
Barry said it has been a pleasure working with George. “Every conversation that I had with George, I came away knowing something that I didn’t know,” Barry said. “I just feel inspired by his knowledge and energy for his convictions and what he believes in.”
— Copy editor: Mekhi Evans
“I’d like to see Athens change parts of its culture. ... I want it to be a more loving and inclusive culture.”
– George, biology student at Ohio University
Community members join staff from Athens City-County Health Department to assess accessibility and saftey for people with disabilities along State Route 682 in Athens. The health department is one of a growing number of local organizations that have taken ACBDD’s “Inclusion Pledge,” a project aimed at enhancing existing efforts to enhance accessibility in Athens County.
The 2024 Ray’s Days! summer camp included several field trips to a variety of regional locations as well as activities at ACBDD’s campus on West Union Street in Athens. Some of the field-trip destinations included Ash Cave in the Hocking Hills; the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway; Fox’s High Rock Farm; and the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery.
MARCH
ACBDD SPECIAL
Ray’s
Days!
— Photos by Ray’s Days! and ACBDD staff, volunteers, and supporters.
MARCH 2025
ACBDD Special Edition
‘Ray’s Days!’ offers fun and exploration
RAY’S DAYS, from Page 1
the camp is how do we create engaging experiences for the campers and the counselors,” Paul said. “And I feel like we met that goal.”
Encouragement in the face of adversity is a core pillar of how Paul runs the camp. One of the most popular field trips last summer was a visit to Ash Cave in the Hocking Hills, about 29 miles west of Athens. The hiking trail posed some challenges for several campers, but Paul explained it was doable. For example, one camper overcame fear and accepted the challenge of hiking a more difficult path, even though a more accessible path was offered.
“At the end, there’s just a celebration for that camper, that he was able to do something in spite of his disability. He took his disability and navigated through it, and it was great,” Paul said. “I think that makes camp successful, because we’re taking somebody right where they’re at and saying, ‘Yes, you have a contribution to make.’”
One of the main challenges facing the program before Paul took over was a shortage of counselors who were prepared to work with a group of campers with diverse disabilities. Paul explained how, in partnership with students at Ohio University, the camp staff has been bolstered with a new crew of young, excited counselors. “We had a total of 40 campers signed up, and we had about 29 counselors, so a pretty high ratio,” Paul said. He said the Ohio University students did a fantastic job as counselors: “My goodness, they were amazing this summer. They just really rose to the occasion and did great.”
One of Ray’s Days! counselors, Ohio University student Julia Rockwell, said being a counselor for the camp was an incredible experience. “I was able to see growth within campers and growth within myself,” Julia said. “Being able to see them enjoy themselves within all of the camp activities, field trips and trying new things with confidence was so rewarding.” Fiona has been a camper at Ray’s Days! for several years. Fiona is described as a “social butterfly,” despite being non-speaking and having cognitive disabilities. Her mother, Megan, explained, “Being out in the public, she’s very curious, inquisitive, so that is what drives her. So, for her to be able to have those experiences with her people … Huge.”
Megan said Fiona especially gravitated toward the college students serving as counselors. “If you have a caring 23-year-old or 21-year-old that’s interested, oh, that’s her jam,” Megan said. “That’s where she feels good.”
The family continues to expand upon the relationships they have
made during Ray’s Days! camps. “We have found the people to be so caring that we’ve ended up, most years getting a sitter out of that connection that she makes with somebody,” Megan said. “So that’s pretty awesome.”
What makes the summer camp a success is not only the camp counselors and staff, but also the parents who trust the ACBDD with their children. One such parent is Annah Korpi, whose 8-year-old, Isidoro, has cerebral palsy and is non-speaking.
children a break from summertime boredom, but it also gives parents some time to reset while their children are at camp.
“I was able to see growth within campers and growth within myself.”
Annah said it can be a struggle for parents of children with disabilities to find suitable camps that are both enjoyable and safe. “It’s sort of a lonely position as a parent with someone with such high needs and disabilities,” Annah said. “My son can’t attend the regular camps unless he has a full-time aide, which is not very affordable.”
– Julia Rockwell, Ray’s Days! counselor and OU student
One of the aspects of Ray’s Days! that spoke to Annah was that children are not limited in participation due to their disabilities. She explained how the challenges the campers face during their time at the camp heightens their development and confidence. “Don’t let liability prevent kids from having fun,” she said, “because then what kind of life are they going to have?”
“I think being around children his own age is good for him in terms of just social skills and learning how to share,” she said of her son. Isidoro plans to attend Ray’s Days! again this summer, Annah said.
have physical disabilities that would be a possibility, in places that they’ve never seen. It was awesome.”
Paul said there are a couple principles he works with when running Ray’s Days! First, he said he wants to see people without disabilities and people with disabilities come together. “Gosh, I think I just feel like there’s so much that a person without disabilities can learn from a person with disabilities,” Paul said.
He also wants to create experiences for the campers to navigate through their disabilities. “Sometimes for people with disabilities we just say, ‘Oh, your disability is too much, just let us take care of you,’” he said. “I think that it’s harmful to somebody to say that you can’t do anything. Well, everybody can do something.”
ABOUT RAY’S DAYS!
• The 2025 Ray’s Days! Summer Camp will begin on June 16 and end on July 11. Camp days run from 8:10 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. with breakfast and lunch provided.
However, Annah was comfortable sending her son to Ray’s Days! for the past two years, where well-trained counselors and fun activities awaited.
“I think our community is extremely lucky to have this resource. It’s great for the children, but it’s also great for the parents,” she said.
“If you talk to most people who are parents of kids with disabilities, summers are pretty brutal times for them,” Annah noted, because their children aren’t in school and the parents become full-time caregivers, without the same options or resources that parents of non-disabled children have. Ray’s Days! not only gives
Megan added there are not many other summer activities in Athens for kids with disabilities, so she said the fact that her daughter even gets to go to a summer day camp is amazing. “The camp was a really awesome opportunity for her to feel like a normal kid and have this thing to do in the summer,” she said.
Fiona’s favorite parts of the camp are swimming in the pool, riding the bus and, especially, the field trips. Megan said the field trips this past summer were the best of any previous summer. She complimented Paul for expanding the program in that way. “He got them to go to the gymnastics gym,” she said. “You know, you wouldn’t think that with kids who
• Beacon School students have first priority for registration, followed by others served by the ACBDD.
• Ray’s Days! Summer Camp is located at 801 West Union Street. It is an initiative of ACBDD and is not associated with Beacon School.
• Transportation is provided.
• Ray’s Days! will begin accepting applications for campers beginning on March 17.
• Ray’s Days! will begin accepting applications for counselors beginning on March 3. Counselor applications are due by May 2. Counselor training week is June 9-13. There are also volunteer opportunities available.
LEFT: The Ray’s Days! summer day camp included a visit to the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery. RIGHT: ACBDD staff members Krystal Palmer (right) and Susan Cablish-Kristofco (right) prepare a lunch to feed the hungry campers.
ACBDD Special Edition
Successful young artist pours her heart into her art
By Sophia Anness Special Edition staff writer
For Savannah, painting is more than a hobby. It is a form of self-expression in which words are not needed.
Savannah began painting at an early age and eventually received an award for her artwork. Since then, she has found multiple outlets for her artistry.
“When I was in seventh grade, I (realized) what I wanted to do was definitely art,” Savannah said. “Because at one of the art shows, I won ‘Best of Show.’”
Savannah expresses her passio through educating others and posting her art on her Facebook page. She specializes in a specific technique called “pour painting,” a type of painting where one puts specific paint in a cup and pours it over a canvas.
Now in her mid-20s, Savannah has gotten a boost to her art career through the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities Office of Integrate Athens, which helps promote her artwork and projects to the community.
“We work with several local artists eligible for ACBDD services to help build their network in the community,” said Autumn Brown, director of Integrate Athens. “I first met Savannah when she worked at our Rays Days! Summer Camp. From that, I learned about her artistic abilities.”
Savannah soon realized she could work toward being a professional artist. She began a Facebook page called “Pour Paint by Savannah,” where she sells her art to online customers. On the page, Savannah has 245 members and sells her canvases at various prices with free shipping.
Then, in June 2024, her resume expanded further. The Dairy Barn Arts Center contracted with Savannah to offer a workshop called “Colors Cascade: A Pour Painting Workshop” where she “specializes in teaching classes to special needs individuals of all ages and abilities, and creating
an inclusive learning environment,” according to the Dairy Barn’s website. To get the contracted position, Savannah presented her art portfolio and submitted an artist application.
“Savannah has lived experience having different abilities,” Autumn added. Savannah has had epilepsy
since she was a toddler. “Sharing her art and her gifts with our community is important to help (others) like Savannah have more opportunities to live, work, and connect to their community.”
Kelly Shaw, the Dairy Barn’s education director, said that Savannah’s inclusive design for this workshop and experience welcoming students with disabilities make it an especially valuable addition to the Dairy Barn’s community art education offerings.
“I appreciate that every time Savannah teaches, choruses of laughter emanate from their activity space the whole time,” Kelly said. “Students have also provided appreciative feedback about the skills they’ve learned and Savannah’s teaching style.”
One student from June 2024 stated, “Savannah’s expertise and passion for the art form truly shone through, making the experience both educational and immensely enjoyable. Her patience and encouragement created a welcoming environment where creativity flourished, and her clear instructions and demonstrations were instrumental in helping me grasp the techniques involved.”
Another student, from November 2024, stated, “Savannah was kind, enthusiastic, and approachable - definitely good qualities for a teacher.” Savannah said her art is not just a form of expression and a source of income, but an integral part of her life.
“I believe that art can be a diary when you don’t know how to write your feelings down,” she said.
— Copy editor: Serenity Proffitt
Savannah displays one her “pour painting” works.
ACBDD Special Edition
Facilities & Transportation keep ACBDD running
By Tessa Searcy Special Edition staff writer
Although administrators, case managers, and teachers may be the most well-known employees of the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities, there is another group of employees without whom the ACBDD could not operate — the staff of the Facilities and Transportation Division.
“Everyone has an important role here at the ACBDD,” said Superintendent Kevin Davis. “However, the contributions of the Facilities and Transportation Department may not be as obvious or visible. But we simply could not do what we do with their important work.”
ACBDD has 16 employees working in Facilities and Transportation. This includes drivers, a mechanic, maintenance personnel, custodians, and an administrative assistant.
For the facilities staff, a work week can include predicable elements like inspections from state officials, scheduled painting projects, or routine maintenance on areas like the Beacon School pool. It can also include unexpected tasks, like addressing an emergency plumbing issue, repairing the HVAC system, or shoveling snow after a big snow storm.
“Their strength is in their expertise and in their ability to adjust as needs arise,” Chris said.
For the transportation team, their primary objective is to ensure safe passage for those affiliated with either the school or the agency’s summer camp. Chris noted that for students and campers, the drivers are their first and last ACBDD contact each day.
“They do all the things that allow everyone else to do what they do. ... A lot of things can get taken for granted, but it is essential to a wellrun and functioning organization.”
– Chris Linscott, ACBDD Director of Facilities and Transportation
“The Facilities and Transportation employees at the ACBDD work incredibly hard and are dedicated to ensuring that we’re an efficient and well-run organization,” said Chris Linscott, director of Facilities and Transportation.
The team supports three separate buildings - the ACBDD’s Beacon School on West Union Street in Athens, an administrative office and bus garage on Lavelle Road in Athens, and another office building on Harper Street in The Plains.
“I think you can see how well our organization is run through our facilities and our safe transportation of students,” Chris added.
“They build relationships with students and families and learn how best to serve them and keep them safe during transit,”
Chris said. “They help them to start the day well, and help to ensure that their school day ends as well as it begins. All the while, they keep to a predictable schedule that works for families.”
Chris attributes the overall efficiency of the ACBDD to the Facilities and Transportation staff.
“They do all the things that allow everyone else to do what they do,”
Chris said. “A lot of things can get taken for granted, but it is essential to a well-run and functioning organization.”
— Copy editor: Jenna Carpenter
ABOVE: Wes Kline is the ACBDD’s staff mechanic, responsible for keeping ACBDD’s fleet running smoothly and reliably.
BELOW: Rex Maccombs, lead maintenance worker, repairs the fence surrounding one of three playgrounds at Beacon School. Rex and the rest of the facilities team supports three separate buildings – the Beacon School on West Union Street in Athens, an administrative office / bus garage on Lavelle Road in Athens, and another office building on Harper Street in The Plains.
ACBDD Special Edition
Early Intervention is all about individual attention
By Sarah Thomason Special Edition staff writer
With the intention to make Athens a place where everyone can flourish, including its youngest residents, the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities Early Intervention program starts early by providing support for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
The voluntary program makes it possible for each family to have access to an array of specialists who can help children under the age of 3. Specialists (who are employed at various organizations including the ACBDD) include a service coordinator, developmental specialist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, dietitian, nurse, mental health consultant, and vision and hearing specialist. A family has access to any or all of these specialists, depending on the child’s need.
Taylor Weigle-Niese has a daughter, Eleanor, who recently aged out of the program, and said the program was helpful to both her child and for herself, as well.
“The most impactful aspect of a service like this is that, by focusing on the most critical period in a child’s development, it lays the foundation for their long-term success,” Taylor said. “This service focuses, learns, and grows with your family on such an intimate level; they have a range of services that are rooting for your child to be at their most optimal level of development, to succeed and thrive throughout the rest of their life. It is a service that every family should
consider utilizing.”
The ACBDD’s Developmental Specialist Jodi Mitchell works with about 10 to 20 families at a time. She said that she and other specialists provide the services in the child’s home, or any preferred place, to make it comfortable, personable and realistic for the child.
Jodi emphasized how important it is for her to support the parents as well as the children, so the parents have confidence in themselves that they are capable of implementing the developmental strategies their children need.
“We have expertise as professionals, but the parents are an expert on their child; they know them best,” Jodi explained. “We brainstorm ideas that may help the child, and working with the family allows us to figure out what works best.”
As the child grows, the family and child are given yearly evaluations,
Young theatre fan steps up to help as assistant director for play at Stuart’s
By Sophia Anness Special Edition staff writer
When some see an empty stage, they see a simple structure, but Carlee sees a space for expression, creativity and passion.
Carlee, in her mid-20s, has always had a passion for performance, but recently, she tried her hand at a new skill - assistant directing “Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” at Stuart’s Opera House.
Carlee’s foray into theater came at the encouragement of the Friends, Allies, and Neighbors program, also known as FANs. This program, through the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities (ACBDD), focuses on helping people with developmental disabilities make positive connections to others in their communities. The FANs coordinator at the time connected her with the ABC Players, a local theater troupe; and Stuart’s Opera House, a performance venue in Nelsonville.
Through theater, Carlee found both a community and her voice.
Carlee also received help from the ACBDD’s PesonnelPlus program to secure her job at Holzer on East State Street in Athens. PersonnelPlus is the ACBDD’s employment service division. PersonnelPlus staff saw the job opening and reached out to Carlee to suggest she apply for the position. Carlee’s case manager (also known as a service and support
administrator, or SSA) at the time went with her to her interview.
At Holzer, Carlee is a greeter at the general information front desk and is tasked with directing patients where to go, restocking masks and providing patients with water. This week, she received a 3-Year Achievement Award from Holzer, to celebrate three years of employment.
While Carlee said she appreciated the help she got to secure her job, she said she is especially thankful for the nudge to explore her interest in theater. Theater, after all, is her
passion.
Carlee has participated in several shows at Stuart’s Opera House over the years. But she had never held a leadership role before.
As the theatre prepared for its October run of “Sweeny Todd,” Devin Sudman, director of education at Stuart’s, approached Carlee after noticing her stage-directing abilities. In previous shows, he had seen how Carlee helped the actors remember their places and their choreography. She also took notes and shared them with Devin to discuss adjustments.
“I knew that Carlee had a special attention to detail and creative ideas that would be a huge asset to our team,” Devin said. “Without Carlee, our final product would not have been nearly as robust and vibrant as it was. I look forward to activating Carlee’s creative talents in many more ways in the future.”
Carlee also had a say in picking the cast during auditions. During the preparations for the show, Carlee gave cast members notes and focused on blocking, which is the choreography of actors’ movements and positions on stage. This gave Devin an opportunity to focus on the show’s music.
“It felt like I was a part of the team,” Carlee said.
— Copy
editor: Serenity Proffitt
and an individualized family service plan is updated every six months. During the evaluation and service plan updates, goals, concerns and strategies are documented or changed.
“We do these evaluations to get to know the child and family more indepth,” Jodi explained. If a child is on track in one area but then a different developmental concern arises, the child can receive service from any specialist at any point.”
Taylor commended the program in general and gave particular praise to Jodi. “Jodi was there to help guide us in finding unique ways that really fit into our lives,” Taylor said. “Instead of making it feel like we had to schedule therapy sessions, she helped to teach us how to integrate activities into our day-to-day lives in ways that were fun for Ellie.”
— Copy editor: Serenity Proffitt
About this ‘Special Edition’
For the second year in a row, the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities has partnered with Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and The Post to produce its annual “Special Edition” report.
ACBDD publishes “Special Edition” every March, which is recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities.
Planning for the 2025 “Special Edition” began more than a year ago between ACBDD Assistant Superintendent Arian Smedley, journalism professor Bill Reader at Ohio University, and Andrea Lewis, director of student media in the Scripps College of Communications at Ohio U. Smedley and her ACBDD colleagues came up with story ideas and gathered dozens of photos for the publication.
Reader assigned the stories to students as an experiential learning project for his Community Journalism seminar in fall semester — the bylines and credits identify the students who worked on the project.
Meanwhile, Lewis and her team at The Post sold advertising space to the sponsors who help pay for the printing and distribution costs. Lewis, Reader and Smedley then collaborated on editing and producing the “Special Edition” you are now reading.
Eleanor is one of the children helped by the Early Intervention Program.
Carlee shares her talents with Stuart’s Opera House.
ACBDD Special Edition
Wildlife fan keeps working toward his goal of completing his college degree
By Alex Spires Special Edition staff writer
Lee found his first job at a local restaurant in February 2020, where he quickly learned the ropes of the food service industry. However, after four years of rolling silverware and serving customers, he felt an undeniable urge for something more fulfilling — and started working on his college education.
Lee completed three semesters at Hocking College, focusing on forestry. He is taking a break from his studies for now, but plans to continue his studies.
“When I was in Hocking College, I was struggling in my semester,” Lee said. “My parents wrote something on a paper that has been pinned on
my wall since then. It said ‘We love you; we are very proud of you. We just want you to always remember that everyone in college has difficulties and most do not graduate, but that does not mean you failed. You still have your whole future ahead of you. We will all work together to figure out what your next step will be.’”
Lee has always been drawn toward wildlife and everything about it.
Driven by this passion, he decided to turn to PersonnelPlus, the ACBDD employment service program. The program helped Lee land a shortterm seasonal AmeriCorps position at Burr Oak State Park, supporting trail and grounds maintenance. Lee said he loved the experience, and it catered directly to his interests and what he wants his future to be.
After the AmeriCorp position ended, Lee landed a new position as a food runner at a Steak and Shake in Athens, again with the help Personnel-Plus. “It took me a while; but I
learned the job, and I like it” Lee said. His time working at Burr Oak only increased his interest in a career in forestry and wildlife management.
With the help of Integrate Athens, Lee is developing a presentation on sharks to share with the community. Anyone interested in booking a presentation from Lee can reach out to fans@athenscbdd.org.
Autumn Brown, director of the ACBDD’s Office of Integrate Athens, said “PersonnelPlus and Integrate Athens have enjoyed helping Lee explore his interest and in finding work that aligns with his love of science and nature.”
— Copy editor: Mekhi Evans
AT 70, she proved that it’s never too late to start – and keep – learning
By Special Edition staff
One of the priorities of the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to support individuals with developmental disabilities in determining and pursuing life goals.
So, when 70-year-old Rosemary declared she wanted to fulfill her lifelong dream of graduating from high school and having “a great big party” to celebrate, Barb NorthMoss, her case manager (also known as a service and support administrator), knew just what to do.
“We immediately got to work in identifying things she could do to accomplish this goal,” Barb said.
Barb helped guide Rosemary in developing a plan. Rosemary, with the help of her support team, identified specific educational skills she wanted to learn, including math,
reading, money skills and science. She then picked out a series of workbooks and worksheets to complete. In addition, she added trips to various locations, like the Newport Aquarium, as part of her life skills training.
At 70, Rosemary completed a self-directed learning program and was treated to an informal graduation party.
Barb helped Rosemary and her team, which includes support staff, friends, her guardian, neighbors and others, track her progress. She checked in at least quarterly.
While it took the support of many people to help Rosemary, Jennifer Mourn, staff support through an
The Athens Area Chamber believes that a thriving community is one where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. That’s why we support inclusive employment and the work of the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the opportunities they provide.
independent agency called HAVAR, played an instrumental role in Rosemary’s accomplishment, according to Barb.
“It was rewarding to help her achieve that goal, to help her learn,” Jennifer said.
Once Rosemary completed everything outlined in the plan, it was time to celebrate.
“For Rosemary, it was important for her to do this work and receive her graduation certificate,” Barb said.
“But it was just as important to have a way to celebrate and acknowledge her hard work.”
On the day of the party, Rosemary arrived in a cap and gown and freshly painted nails. She picked maroon and gold, the colors of Federal Hocking High School, her previous school.
When asked how she felt about her accomplishment, Rosemary smiled and said, “Fine and dandy.”
Although this self-directed independent study plan did not produce an official diploma for Rosemary, it was still a significant milestone for her.
“It inspired her to continue learning new skills, check things off of her bucket list and even challenging her own physical abilities,” Barb said. “Now, Rosemary has her sights set on going to Disney World.”
— Staff writer Cami Henry-Seymore contributed to this article
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Lee (right, foreground) talks with a wildlife specialist.