DD Awareness Month celebrated

Deepwood celebrates with community events, activities

March is National Developmental Disabilities Month as proclaimed by former President Ronald Reagan in 1987, and Lake County Board of Development Disabilities/Deepwood is celebrating with community related events and activities.

“DD Awareness Month has been celebrated each March in Ohio for many years. A statewide theme is developed with a logo, slogan and campaign press kit,” said Lynnmarie Phillips, director of public relations and professional services for Lake County Board of DD/Deepwood. “Last year, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of H.B. 169, which created county boards for individuals with developmental disabilities.”

This year’s focus is on the celebration of individuals with and without development disabilities living, learning, working and playing together in their communities.

“Every person living in our county benefits in some way from some experience with an individual with a developmental disability,” Phillips said. “From the many employment opportunities that have existed at Lake County Board of DD/Deepwood for over 50 years to the volunteer experiences, our families benefit,” Phillips said. “Through a variety of multifaceted services, supports, partnerships and collaborations, we are all enriched, empowered and engaged because of our fellow citizens with developmental disabilities.”

Each of the programs of Lake County Board of DD/ Deepwood will have events that celebrate the ways individuals with developmental disabilities are a part of the community, according to a news release from Lake County Board of DD/Deepwood.

Some of the events include:

• Community Employment Services Advocacy delivering donations to Lake Humane Society, which took place March 5.

• Day programs will be sending groups to see St. Mary of the Assumption School’s production of “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” on March 12.

• Vocational Guidance Center will host coffee contacts on March 15 to network with local businesses to provide employment opportunities for those with disabilities.

• Special Olympics Strides of March on March 25.

• The annual Broadmoor Bobcats vs. area coaches basketball game on March 26.

• Deepwood Idol at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor on April 7.

“March is a time to celebrate these collaborations and partnerships as well as encourage people to learn more about the agency, individuals served and employment or volunteer opportunities available at Lake County Board of DD,” Phillips said.

For more information, visit lakebdd.org or call Lynnmarie Phillips at 440-918-5173.