About Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities (KCBDD)

Fifty years ago, a group of Knox County parents of children with developmental disabilities banded together to support and enrich the lives of individuals in Knox County who had developmental disabilities. Ten years later, the Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities was established as the local government agency charged with the responsibility to serve and protect these same individuals and their families.

In 2009, self-advocates and supporters of the developmentally disabled helped create and pass a law that removed "Mental Retardation" from the name of state and local entities as well as several funds. Our name changed, but our commitment to individuals having healthy, safe, quality lives did not.

Over the past forty years, the Board has filled many roles, doing whatever was necessary to help individuals live fulfilling lives and be welcomed as members of our community. As needs have changed and government regulations have evolved, the services and supports offered have changed to ensure that the Board continues to serve the best interests of individuals in Knox County.

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Awareness Month 2012

Local Events Support Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2012
“I CAN Achieve MY Dreams, Thanks to Knox County” is this year’s theme
The Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities and other related organizations celebrated Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March and invite you to consider the true meaning of this year’s theme, “Together.”
Statewide, and across the nation, organizations devoted to serving individuals with developmental disabilities are plan special events in March to raise public awareness of the many abilities people have, regardless of disability. “I CAN Achieve MY Dreams, Thanks to Knox County” encourages the Knox County community to understand that when people with disabilities are welcomed into local neighborhoods, workplaces, houses of worship, and schools, they are empowered to achieve their dreams.
“During ‘Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month,’ we encourage people to learn more about the hundreds of people in this community that have a disability,” said Steve Oster, Superintendent of Knox County Board of DD. “It’s a time to recognize that all of us have talents and abilities that we can offer to make our community a better place to live.  Through Knox County’s support, individuals are achieving their dreams and making our community a better place to live.”
The following DD Awareness events took place in March 2012:

 March 1st – Developmental Disability Awareness Month Kickoff Luncheon
11:30am – 1:00pm, Mount Vernon Developmental Center, Great Room.
Knox County Community Leaders were invited to learn more about individuals with developmental disabilities in our community and to participate in an awards ceremony to honor individuals, providers and professionals that have supported individuals with disabilities in achieving their dreams.
Mayor Richard Mavis reading the proclamation confirming March 2012 as Development Disability Awareness Month at the DD Awareness Month

An entertaining video of Mount Vernon community leaders dancing with guest speaker Dave Leedy

March 1 - Autism Spectrum Disorder Professional Training
4:00pm – 6:00pm, Educational Services Center, 308 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon
Community professionals are invited to learn more about practical everyday tools to support social skills in individuals with Autism. Information will be presented by Lynn Dudek, Speech and Language Pathologist and Medical Rehabilitation Manager for Easter Seals of Central and South East Ohio.

 March 1  - Autism Spectrum Disorder Family Training
6:30pm – 8:00pm, Educational Services Center, 308 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon
Families of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder are invited to learn more about practical everyday tools to support social skills in individuals with Autism.

March 13 – Celebrity Omelet & Pancake Dinner
4:30pm – 6:30pm, New Hope Early Education Center Gym
Come have your favorite community leader cook you an omelet or pancake to order. Meal is for donation only and proceeds benefit Citizens Supporting Developmental Disabilities of Knox County. See pictures on our facebook page: facebook.com/KCBDD

March 18 - 5th Annual Bowling Benefit
1:00pm – 3:00pm, Colonial City Lanes, Mount Vernon
Register in advance to support a great cause while having great fun! Colonial City Lanes will be host to the 5th Annual Bowling Benefit to support individuals with disabilities in Knox County to continue to receive services and supports. Teams of four will bowl for great prizes. Proceeds from the event will benefit Citizens Supporting Developmental Disabilities (CSDD). See pictures on our facebook page: facebook.com/KCBDD

March 22 – 24 - People First Conference of Ohio
Roberts Convention Centre, Wilmington, Ohio
An educational opportunity for individuals with disabilities and their supporters. The theme of the conference is "Blazing New Trails." Ohio Sessions will include voting, employment, transition, leadership, Medicaid Buy-In and much more. Richard Devylder, Senior Advisor for Accessible Transportation, U.S. Department of Transportation will speak at the conference.

March 26th - Kiwanis presentation
12:00pm, Alcove
Superintendent, Steve Oster will speak to Kiwanis club about Developmental Disability Awareness Month, and KCBDD services.

March 24 – Spring into Health
10:00am – 3:00pm, Knox County Career Center, Cafetorium
Visit the booth of the Knox County Board of DD at the health and fitness event. Many free activities, give-aways, information and testing to support your health and safety.

Additional Activities include: Banner on the square, traditional billboard and electronic billboard, press releases to radio and newspaper.
For more details about these events contact KCBDD at 740-397-4656.
During March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, get acquainted with someone who has a developmental disability. You’ll learn that everyone has something to offer and that together, we accomplish more.

Check out our 2011 Holiday Video card!

In this 2011 Holiday Season, The Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities would like to thank the community and the many individuals and families they serve that do so much throughout the year!

Staff Promoted to New Positions

The Knox County Board of DD wants to congratulate Theresa Vernon and Jace Cree for their recent promotions into vacated positions.

Theresa Vernon (left) was promoted from Service & Support Administrator to the vacated position of Community Services Director.

Jace Cree was promoted from Service & Support Administrator to the vacated position of SSA Associate Director (formerly called SSA Manager).

We are happy to have them as part of the Leadership Team!

Our Goal is "Green"

If you have not yet given us your e-mail address, there is no better time than now! You can receive publications and other information the “green” way. You can help save money and save trees! Please send us your name and e-mail address to: support@knoxdd.com.