Year in Review - Board President Stephanie Wilson

2015 Year in Review

By Stephanie Wilson, TuscBDD Board President

It is hard to believe that 2015 is already coming to an end! As I reflect upon this past year, I am reminded of the many changes that we encountered at TuscBDD. At the national and state-levels, we received additional clarification and guidance regarding the redesign of Ohio's developmental disabilities sector. Locally, we welcomed a new superintendent and launched a new service model at the TuscBDD workshop. This has been a lot of change for one year, but I am so appreciative of the patience and support of the staff, individuals served and their families during this past year.

As we prepare to start a new year, TuscBDD will remain committed to our mission to "enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities through quality services and community partnerships." We will accomplish this worthwhile goal by connecting individuals and families with services and supports which reflect their desires and needs. Our staff has received training this past year in best practices such as Person-Centered Thinking and the Good Life to help prepare us to better partner with our stakeholders.

In 2016, we also look forward to developing new partnerships with the community by providing trainings specific to developmental disabilities as well as volunteer and mentorship opportunities. Please stay tuned for more details regarding new opportunities at TuscBDD! We will also continue to implement a service model at the TuscBDD workshop which focuses on appropriate community-based opportunities. We are already hearing many positive stories regarding community-based experiences and the individuals with whom we partner. I look forward to hearing additional stories in 2016!

In conclusion, I would like to share one such story from this past year with you today. Recently, one of the managers at the TuscBDD workshop recounted this story about a man who has attended the workshop program for many years. Nearly each morning, this man would stop by the manager's office to share notes that he had made in a small spiral-bound notebook. The information contained in the notebook did not vary from day-to-day. It would typically consist of a list of what he ate for supper and the activity he engaged in at the workshop the prior day. However, as he has participated in new activities in the community and interest groups at the workshop, the manager began to notice a greater diversity in the notebook. The managers have also noted changes in their conversations with him. Conversations have become more natural and focus on various topics; not just what is written in his notebook.

This story resonates strongly with me because, at TuscBDD, we firmly believe that the community as a whole benefits from increased opportunities to meet, get to know and partner with persons with developmental disabilities. I would encourage you to contact TuscBDD today to learn more about how this agency can assist you and your loved ones establish meaningful connections in the community.

I wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and a blessed new year!

All the best!

Stephanie

Thu, Dec 31st, 2015