Board of DD celebrates disability employment

NEW BREMEN — The Auglaize County Developmental Disabilities Board celebrated National Disability Employment Month at their October board meeting.

As is their tradition, the board used billboards to share that message with the community. They highlighted four individuals on billboards across the county.

Katie Fledderjohann, of New Knoxville, is an employee at Vancrest of St. Marys. She helps cooking staff with serving and cleaning.

Community Connections Specialist Julie Herbst said Fledderjohann was tired of sitting at home during the pandemic; she was focused and excited to be working. She was trained at We Can Too prior to her current job.

Bruce Grandstaff, of Wapakoneta, got a job at the Chickasaw Quickstop after working with Capabilities. His goal is to become independent. When he retires he wants to travel but enjoys working there.

Annette Hines, of Wapakoneta, enjoys working at Little Flowers Learning Center in Celina. She helps collect trash and serve food. Herbst said she enjoys working with all of the children.

David Bruggeman, of Wapakoneta, who works at CJ’s Pizza in Cridersville, folds hundreds of pizza boxes each week.

“He is the man for the job; he is the best at doing it and he will tell you that. He is proud of his work,” Herbst said.

In a video shown at the meeting, Bruggeman said he was nervous at first but that his employer wants to keep him because he is doing a lot of good stuff.

Auglaize DD Superintendent Renee Place read a proclamation from the Auglaize County Commissioners recognizing National Disability Employment Month. She noted this year was the 30-year anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a law prohibiting discrimination against the disabled.

In other business, the board:

• Approved an updated salary schedule.

• Heard from Place that Early Intervention continued to see more clients. At the moment, they are serving 225 children.