In 1987, President Ronald Reagan declared the month of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month making 2022 the 35th anniversary.

This is a time for us to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life, as well as awareness to the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the town in which they live.

This month reminds us that we’re all part of a broad spectrum of intellectual and physical functioning. It is a chance to be more empathetic and to remind ourselves of the challenges we face in our own lives.

This month in Coshocton, we were able to celebrate by going to the city council meetings for Coshocton, Conesville, and West Lafayette to do a Proclamation declaring this month as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

We invited Christopher Milo to speak to Coshocton, Ridgewood and River View schools to share his Thirteen Messages of Milo to the students. They all had such a wonderful experience!

During the month of March, we were also able to do our annual Coloring and Essay contest again!

We were also able to host a small, scaled down version of our annual Luncheon where we were able to give out awards to 6 different people for their dedication, determination and willingness to make Coshocton County a wonderful place for everyone to live, work and thrive.

Dedication Award: Deana Cushman (Independent Provider) & Cedar Casey (Horizon’s)
Local Hero Award: Jen Jones
Community Partner: Shelby Theatres
Employer Award: First Step
Individual Spotlight: Lacey Richcreek

five women standing in a group — 2022 DD Awareness Month Award Winners: Deana Cushman, Jen Jones, Lacey Richcreek, Cedar Casey & Vicki Casey on behalf of First Step. Not pictured is Shelby Theatres.

Christopher Milo with various students during his stay in Coshocton, Ohio