ACBDD Special Edition: How the ACBDD’s March on Court Street became a new Athens County tradition

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 Emile Stark

Each year, the first Friday of March brings a powerful and visible statement of inclusion to uptown Athens. Individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, advocates, and community partners gather on Court Street to participate in the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ (ACBDD) annual March on Court Street, an event that has become both a local tradition and a model for communities beyond the county.

The march serves as a cornerstone of Developmental Disability Awareness Month, a nationwide observance led by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. While ACBDD hosts a variety of activities throughout March, the March on Court Street stands out as the one of the agency’s most public and symbolic event, designed to elevate visibility, celebrate self-advocacy, and affirm that people with developmental disabilities belong in every part of community life.

The March on Court Street began in 2018, inspired by the Athens Women’s March and quickly approved in partnership with the Athens Police Department. From the start, it was intentionally scheduled for the first Friday of March to serve as one of the first visible kickoffs to Developmental Disability Awareness Month.

What began as a single community demonstration has since grown into what is believed to be the first march of its kind in the region (and possibly the state) focused specifically on developmental disability awareness. Since then, other communities have followed Athens’ lead, adopting similar marches in their own observances.

Kevin Davis, Superintendent of ACBDD for more than a decade, has overseen many different awareness activities over the years, but says the march holds a unique place.

“Over the years, we’ve done different things,” Davis said. “We may have a movie night, a Teen Time dance, or partner events with other agencies. But the March on Court Street is different. It brings our message directly into the heart of the community.”

Davis recalls the first March on Court in 2018 as especially meaningful. Despite cold, rainy weather, the turnout was strong, drawing participants from across the region.

“The lives of the individuals we serve are often filled with challenges – many challenges that most people can’t understand,” Davis said. “The rain that day was kind of symbolic of that. No matter the obstacles, people with developmental disabilities continue to show resilience, optimism, and determination.”

This year’s March on Court Street will take place Friday, March 6. Participants will gather outside the fourth-floor Court Street entrance of Baker University Center at Ohio University, then proceed up Court Street to the Athens County Courthouse. Remarks will follow, including a formal proclamation recognizing Developmental Disability Awareness Month. The march route is intentionally short to ensure accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

Event organizers note that the continued support of the Athens Police Department has been essential to the march’s success.

Athens County Commissioner President Lenny Eliason, a frequent speaker at the event, brings both professional and personal experience to his advocacy. Eliason became involved in the developmental disability field after helping raise his brother-in-law, who had autism.

“I had to advocate for his needs,” Eliason said. “That grew into seeing how many others also needed support and resources.”

While awareness has improved over time, Eliason notes that stigma still exists and emphasizes education as the path forward.

“Inform and educate. Lead by example,” Eliason said. “Actions speak louder than words. It takes time to change attitudes and biases.”

Billy Peacock, president of the Athens chapter of People First of Ohio, also regularly speaks following the march. As an individual served by the ACBDD, Peacock represents the core purpose of both the event and Developmental Disability Awareness Month: ensuring that people with developmental disabilities are seen, heard, and respected.

“I feel like there is a need for voices to be heard,” Peacock said. “I can speak on their behalf and let people know that these people are individuals as well.”

Peacock’s message reflects the broader goals of Developmental Disability Awareness Month, which emphasize self-advocacy, community inclusion, and recognizing the contributions of people with developmental disabilities.

While March offers a concentrated time for awareness, ACBDD’s mission extends throughout the year. The agency serves hundreds of individuals across Athens County, working to ensure that every person has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and succeed as a valued member of the community.