Clermont DD Attends ADA Celebration

July 27, 2010

July 26, 2010 marked the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a piece of legislation that has allowed people with disabilities to lead more active and independent lives in our communities.  Adults from the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCDD) attended a celebration on Fountain Square Monday to commemorate and honor the efforts of individuals who made this legislation a reality. 

Several booths varying from local Lions Clubs to organizations providing services to those with disabilities were on display.  Entertainment and special programs from local groups were also offered during the four-hour event.

“This is a wonderful experience,” said Pattie Dick of Amelia, who attends the CCDD Senior Retirement Program.  “I’m really excited to be part of something so memorable.”

Before the ADA was passed, people with disabilities often had a hard time participating in groups, organizations, churches, etc.  It was even difficult for someone with a disability to obtain a job, much less retain that position for longer than a few months.  With the help of ADA, employers are now able to learn techniques on how they can help employees with disabilities become successful and important members of their team.  In addition, the ADA has assisted individuals with disabilities to learn how they can help themselves succeed in their communities.

To learn about programs and services for people with disabilities in Clermont County, visit the CCDD website at www.clermontdd.org.

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Picture Caption:  Pattie Dick of Amelia, Ricky May of Williamsburg, Carol Wiehaus of Amelia, and Rita Wilson of Batavia attended the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act on Fountain Square July 26.

Clermont DD Strategic Planning Session

July 20, 2010

The Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Clermont DD) will hold a Strategic Planning Session on Thursday, July 22 beginning at 4 p.m.  This session takes place at the Thomas A. Wildey Center, located at 2040 US Highway 50, one mile west of Owensville.

There will not be a regular meeting during this planning session.  The next monthly meeting will be held on August 26.  Please call (513) 732-4921 for more information.

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Clermont DD Monthly Meeting

June 11, 2010

The Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Clermont DD) will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, June 24.   This takes place at 6 p.m. at the Thomas A. Wildey Center, located at 2040 US Highway 50, one mile west of Owensville. 

Please call (513) 732-4921 for more information.

(Excerpt from Board Policy 209 – Regulation Governing Appearance before the Board of DD)

-- Any individual or group may address the Clermont County Board of MRDD concerning any subject that lies within the Board’s jurisdiction.  Questions are to be directed to the Board as a whole and may not be put to any individual member of the Board or the Administrative staff.

-- Anyone wishing to address the Board shall notify the Superintendent in writing at least seven (7) days in advance excluding Sundays and Holidays, and request to be placed on the Board agenda.  The President shall allocate the amount of time that can be used in the presentation of any subject presented to the Board.

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Girl Scouts Volunteer

June 11, 2010

Hannah Harvey, Brianna Combs, Griffin Woudenberg and Tiffany Shouse volunteered at the Thomas A. Wildey Center in Owensville on June 9, as part of an art project for the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Clermont DD).  The girls are members of Girl Scout Troops 49194 and 47999 of Bethel, and assisted with painting murals in the Early Intervention Program hallway at Wildey.  Woudenberg is a school friend; he and his brother, Andrew, volunteered to help out because some of the troop members were unable to attend the art session.

The scouts learned about this project from Troop Leader Kim Combs, who attends Xavier University.  When a guest speaker from Clermont DD attended one of her classes this spring, Combs instantly volunteered her troops of willing scouts.  Combs and Cathy Aranyos share leader duties for both troops and were happy their scouts could participate.

The murals were outlined on the walls by Amanda Miller, Adult Services Program Manager.  Amanda and a group from the Wildey Adult Services Program painted a few of the pictures; however, they enlisted the help of the troop volunteers to get the job done in a more-timely manner.

Many thanks to everyone who helped this project become a reality.  Please visit the Early Childhood Hallway at Wildey...you enjoy what you see!

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Melissa Doyle Garden Dedication

May 28, 2010

Over 200 friends and family gathered at the entrance to the Wildey Adult Services Program on Friday, May 28, to remember our wonderful friend, Melissa Doyle.

Melissa was a long-time consumer of the Clermont DD Program who passed away in September, 2009.  Her parents, Bob and Anne Doyle, decided to dedicate a flower garden in her memory, while creating something beautiful for Melissa's friends to enjoy.  A former classmate and four staff shared reflections of Melissa's life while at Clermont DD and a balloons were released in her honor by friends from the Adult Services Program.  Robert Weidle, one of the staff who worked with Melissa, sang "Tomorrow," which was Melissa's favorite song.  Pictures of the ceremony can be viewed on the Clermont DD Facebook page. 

The garden is open for visitors 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (regular business hours for Clermont DD).  It is located at the back area of Wildey, which is the entrance to the Wildey Adult Services Program.  Please stop by for a visit!

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Graduation Ceremonies

May 27, 2010

Families and friends gathered to honor four students at the Thomas A. Wildey School Graduation Ceremony on May 27. 

Pictured are (from left) Marcelino Martinez of New Richmond, Asia Moore and Cara Burlile of Batavia (graduate Shane McFee could not attend the exercises).  Among other awards given throughout the graduation ceremony, Martinez was the recipient of the Donald A. Collins Achievement Award, given to the graduate who has made the most progress throughout his school years at Wildey.  Mr. Collins, a former Superintendent of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities, was on hand to present the award to Martinez who was a role model and mentor to the younger students at the Wildey School over the years.

Students from Washington Courthouse High School performed two special songs for the graduates and their families.  "Octetness" is an octet of juniors and seniors who traveled several miles to be present for this special occasion.  Kathryn Lachat, a member of the group, sung the National Anthem at the beginning of the ceremony.

The Wildey graduates will soon begin their journey into the Clermont DD Adult Services Program, each heading in a different direction this summer.  We wish them much success! 

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Donation from Knights of Columbus

May, 2010

Mark Hudak, Grand Knight of the Msrg. Gerdes Council of the Knights of Columbus, recently presented a check in the amount of $1,003 to the Clerco Gift of Time Respite Cooperative.  Linda Horn, Respite Coordinator, was on hand to accept the generous donation and to thank Mark and Council 3123 for their kindness and support of our agency. 

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