ACBDD Special Edition: Building confidence at People First Singles Mixer

Below is an excerpt from the ACBDD’s 2026 Special Edition, which is produced in partnership with Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and The Post. The full edition can be found here.

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By Emily Roesti

Laughter and music filled the room at the People First Singles Mixer, where adults with developmental disabilities gathered for dinner, chatted, and enjoyed a round of trivia.

A joint project between People First of Ohio and the ACBDD’s Integrate Athens program, the monthly mixers bring people together to socialize and improve social skills with people of similar experiences.

For many, the People First Singles Mixer is more than an event – it’s a place to connect with others and build confidence. People First member Jason Licht, who also serves as the group’s vice president, said the mixers have been a highlight of his time with the organization.

“We’ve done trivia before; we’ve done full-blown dances, just all kinds of things. We’ve done Jeopardy,” Licht said.

When speaking about a past event that featured music trivia, he joked that he “ran” the category of heavy metal.

Licht said the events are enjoyable and important because there is no other organization in the county that provides regular social events for this community.

Jessica Pickrell, a Community Inclusion Coordinator with the ACBDD, helps the People First members to organize these events. Pickrell aims to create an environment that helps attendees practice social skills, safely meet new people, and explore relationships at their own pace.

“We are using fun experiences to also teach important safety and life skills, like relationship safety role-playing. During these role-playing scenarios, we talk about the importance of good hygiene, as well as phone and internet safety also. Our goal is to make the mixer fun, but relaxed and no pressure to hook up and find a date,” she said.

Each event features food, music, and themed activities, such as trivia or, in the autumn, team pumpkin carving.

Licht said the mixers have helped him to build different kinds of connections, from good friends to someone he’s especially excited to see.

“I’ve got my eye on someone,” he said. “I’m not going to mention their name; I’m a gentleman.”

People First of Ohio is a statewide self-advocacy organization led by people with disabilities through multiple chapters, including the one based in Athens. Its mission is for members to express their needs and explain their rights to people in their communities. The group often works with state legislators, other advocacy groups, and state agencies. Some advocacy groups involved include The Arc of Ohio and Ohio Self Determination Association, for just two examples.

The Athens County chapter of People First brings that mission to life. People First of Ohio often collaborates with the ACBDD to host events such as movie nights, dances, and advocacy training.

Other than organizing events such as the mixer, People First members also provide direct advocacy and interaction. William “Billy” Peacock, current president of People First of Athens, and Licht often give presentations in the Athens community to residents and families of children with disabilities. Those presentations can include demonstrating assistive technology, describing different services available to people with disabilities, and helping people learn why words matter and to avoid hurtful statements when interacting with the community.

As the singles mixers carry on, they serve as a reminder of how important it is to create spaces where everyone feels valued, connected, and confident.

“I’ve watched people who once sat alone now look forward to seeing their friends,” Pickrell said. “The difference is incredible.”

Edited by doctoral student Ebenezer Fayah Amartey