ACBDD Special Edition: Inclusion is the main event
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 Kevin Davis
Superintendent, Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Personal stories have a powerful way of building understanding, cultivating appreciation, and reminding us of what is possible when people of all abilities are supported and included. While those of us who work at the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities (ACBDD) could easily list the many initiatives and programs that support individuals with developmental disabilities, the most meaningful way to share our work is through the voices and experiences of the people we serve.
Each March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month invites communities nationwide to recognize the diverse abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities and to celebrate their contributions. At the ACBDD, this work does not begin or end in March. It is part of our mission every day of the year. Still, this month provides a special opportunity to pause, reflect, and share our story more broadly. This Special Edition is one way we do just that.
This year’s theme, “Inclusion Is the Main Event,” underscores a simple but powerful idea: inclusion is not optional, secondary, or symbolic. It is central to thriving communities. True inclusion means people with developmental disabilities are welcomed, valued, and meaningfully engaged – in classrooms, workplaces, creative spaces, and throughout community life.
In this year’s edition, you will read stories that reflect inclusion in action. These pieces highlight individuals pursuing their goals, families and staff providing steadfast support, and community partnerships that open doors to new opportunities. Together, they demonstrate how intentional inclusion leads to growth, achievement, and a stronger Athens County for everyone.
By uplifting these voices, we hope this publication deepens understanding of the developmental disabilities field and inspires pride in the collective work being done across our community. Thank you for taking the time to read, reflect, and join us in making inclusion the main event, this month and always.
Thank you.