DD Awareness Month Activities

The Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities is gearing up to commemorate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March.

This year’s theme is “My Voice, My Choice.” We will use this month to highlight individuals with disabilities gaining independence, being empowered to make their own choices, and being supported in their decision making. 

Below is a list of events during March 2022. We hope you can partake. A downloadable flyer can also be found here.

March on Court Street Video Project
March 1 on YouTube & Facebook
Friends and colleagues from across the county have contributed this year to the Virtual March on Court Street Video Project. Just like in the traditional in-person march, participants made signs that promote inclusion or showcase diverse abilities. The video will be released on March 1 and will be published on the ACBDD’s YouTube and Facebook pages.

Virtual Food for Thought with Tom Hess
March 1 at noon, link can be found here (passcode is 77777)
This week’s guest speaker for the Integrate Athens Food for Thought is Tom Hess. Tom is an Ohio Employment First Community Life Engagement Project Manager with the Office of Policy and Strategic Direction with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).

FANs Virtual Movie Night
March 8 at 6 p.m., link can be found here
Join the FANs Coordinator and friends in watching “The Reason I Jump” during this Virtual Movie Night. The movie will be followed by a group discussion. You can join by the link above or via Facebook. 

Virtual Lunch & Learn Series

Supported Decision Making
March 10 at 11 a.m. link can be found here
Join the Southeastern Ohio Disability Equity Coalition as they lead a discussion about Supported Decision Making, which is a process that allows people with disabilities to retain their independence and ability to make their own decisions by choosing supporters to help them.

Discuss Ableism with Sarina
March 23 at 11 a.m. link can be found here
Join Sarina Winner as she leads a presentation on ableism, which is a form of discrimination that favors able-bodied people. She will share personal experiences on ways ableism has impacted her life. The presentation will be followed by a group discussion, which will include polls and breakout rooms.

The Athens NEWS ACBDD Special Edition
Publishes on March 23
The A-NEWS ACBDD Special Edition, now in its 12th year, will be
published on March 23rd. This is an excellent way for us to educate the community about the various DD services and providers available in the county. Be sure to pick up a copy on this day to learn about the ACBDD, our community partners, and how people are supported to gain independence, find their own voice, and make their own choices.

Art Shows at Local Libraries and The Market on State
All month long during March
Several of the libraries within the Athens County Public Library system and The Market on State will be showcasing local artists who capture the theme “My Voice, My Choice.” Art pieces will be highlighted from school-age children, professional artists, and
other community members. Be sure to stop by a local library or the Market on State during the month of March to enjoy this free exhibit.