Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

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

woman and man holding a poster smiling

Jalen B. with Marge Donley, Mayor of Conesville

two women and a man holding a poster

Laura Emig and Macy Patterson with Mark Mills, Mayor of Coshocton

young man in wheelchair smiling holding a poster

Cody C. holing his poster in front of West Lafayette meeting space

young man in wheelchair and older gentleman holding a poster

Cody C. with Steven Bordenkircher, Mayor of West Lafayette

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

Brittany Coon
Staff Vs. Players 2022

This year we were able to hold our annual Staff VS Players game at Kids America! Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a reality.

AND—- Congratulations, “PLAYERS” team! You rocked!

Brittany CoonKid's America
What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a branch of health care that helps people of all ages who have physical, sensory or cognitive problems.  OT can help them attain functional independence in all areas of their lives.  Occupational Therapists help with barriers that affect a person’s emotional, social and physical needs.  To do this, they use everyday activities, exercises and adaptive equipment and strategies.

OT’s help kids play, improve their school performance and aides with daily activities.  OT can help:

  • Fine motor skills, such as grasping, releasing, handwriting and computer skills

  • Improve eye hand coordination skills to do both one and 2 handed tasks

  • Master basic life skills such as bathing, getting dressed, brushing teeth and self-feeding

  • Learn positive behaviors and social skills by practicing how to manage frustration and assist with sensory processing skills

  • Get special equipment to help build their independence- such as wheelchairs, splints, sensory items, dressing devices, etc.

OT’s help with a wide variety of difficulties.  Some of these include developmental delays, birth injuries, sensory processing disorders, traumatic injuries to brain and spinal cord, learning problems, autism, chromosomal abnormalities, mental health and behavioral problems.  OT’s work with the individual and their caregivers and school staff to help maximize independence in all areas and provide strategies for success.

Brittany Coon