Helping people to live, learn and work in our community
Franklin County
Developmental
Disabilities
Published by the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities
“Helping people to live, learn and work in our community”
July/August 2009
Dateline
Please mark your calendar and plan to join the Down
Syndrome Association of Central Ohio and their friends
for Buddy Walk, which will be held rain or shine at Colum-
bus Crew Stadium on Sunday, September 13th.
The one-mile walk celebrates the abilities and
accomplishments of people with Down syndrome.
The event will include inatables, facepainting,
clowns,CrewCat,tailgatingandlivemusic.
For more information, please call 263-6020 or visit
www.dsaco.net.
Buddy Walk set for Sept. 13
"We're the same agency," said
Superintendent Jed Morison, explain-
ingthe effectofanewlawsignedby
Gov. Ted Strickland on July 7th. "Only
ournamehaschanged."
With the enactment of Senate Bill
79, the words
mental retardation
were
deleted from the name of the county
boards serving persons with mental
retardation and other developmental
disabilities.
The agency's name is now
Franklin County Board of Develop-
mental Disabilities (FCBDD) instead
of Franklin County Board of Mental
Retardation and Developmental Dis-
abilities (FCBMRDD).
Agency services and eligibility
requirementsareunchanged.
Agency has new name,
but services remain same
Proponents of the name change
arguedthattheuseof
mental retarda-
tion
is offensive. Others countered that
the term is medically and historically
appropriate.
"Regardless of where we stood
on this issue, we now need to come
togethertofocus onserving ourcom-
munity," said Superintendent Morison.
County boards were created in
1967. They were then called county
boards of mental retardation. The
words
developmental disabilities
were
added to the name in 1980 when the
boards became responsible for serv-
ingpersonswithotherdevelopmental
disabilities as well.
Senate Bill 79 was introduced by
Senator Jimmy Stewart of Athens. The
measure passed unanimously in both
the House and Senate.
The bill deleted
mental retarda-
tion
also from the name of the Ohio
Department of Mental Retardation and
Developmental Disabilities.
Dateline
2 7/8 - 2009
Agency unveils new logo
The Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities
(FCBDD)hasadoptedanewlogotogoalongwithitsnewname.
Thelogofeaturesamontageoffacesofchildrenandadults
withdevelopmentaldisabilities,representingthepersonsserved
by FCBDD.
The illustration was done by artist Martha Perske, who is
knownworldwideforherdrawingsofpeoplewithdisabilitiesand
their friends.
Thenewdesignreplacesthelogousedbytheagencysince
1997, which showed the letters "FCBMRDD" between two paral-
lel, horizontal lines.
Linda Rockwell, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent,
designedthenewlogoaswellasthenewletterhead.
(Editor'snote:Thefollowingappeared
as a letter to the editor in the Colum-
bus Dispatch on July 14, 2009.)
Is it politically correct to use the
term
mental retardation
now that the
General Assembly has changed the
name of county boards of mental retar-
dation and developmental disabilities
to boards of developmental disabili-
ties?
The short answer is yes, but let's
hope that the use of terms such as
retard
disappears from our language.
More important, let's hope that atti-
tudes continue to shift, whereby we
consider the person rst rather than
the disability and whereby we recog-
nize that all people have value and can
contribute in meaningful ways to our
communities.
The term
mental retardation
is a
medical diagnosis. It means simply
Let attitudes toward disability change
by Jed Morison, Superintendent
that a person does not learn at the
same pace as most others. Is it more
acceptable to say
intellectual disability
or
mentallychallenged
or any number
of other terms used over the years?
If the term
mental retardation
is used
to describe a person's ability so that
appropriate support is received, then
it is acceptable to use it. If the term is
used to denigrate a person, it is not
acceptable.
Boards of developmental disabili-
ties provide services to many people
who have diverse needs. While most
have mental retardation, some have
other disabilities, including cerebral
palsy, brain injury, autism and Down
syndrome. A developmental disability
isdenedasadisabilitythatoriginates
in the childhood years, is expected to
lastindenitelyandresultsinsubstan-
tial limitations in multiple areas such
aslearning,speechandmobility.For
many, the cause of the disability is
unknown.
We are fortunate in Franklin
County to have accepting communi-
ties that recognize that people with
disabilities have much in common
with everyone else. We all want to
live, learn and work in our communi-
ties to the best of our abilities. We all
wanttobeacceptedasneighbors,co-
workers and friends, and we want to
be considered as individuals, rather
thanlabeledasapartofacategoryor
group.
Many passionate views have
been expressed in the recent debate
over name-change legislation. Now
that the name of county boards has
changed,let'susethisopportunityto
thank the citizens of Franklin County
forrecognizingtheimportanceofser-
vices to individuals who have mental
retardation or other developmental
disabilities, and continue to support
those who contribute so much to our
community.
3 7/8 - 2009
Last fall, the Ohio Department of
MR/DDbeganaprojectcalled"Positive
InterventionCulture,"latersimpliedto
"Positive Culture Initiative."
The early focus of their efforts
seemed geared toward the reduction
of aversive behavior plans across the
state. Since then, the discussion has
broadened and become more interest-
ing.
While material resources have
steadily increased over time, many
individuals with developmental dis-
abilities continue to lead lives that are
isolated and often very lonely. The
Ohio Departmentof MR/DD hashigh-
lightedtheeffectsthatthisisolationcan
have on individuals, and is exploring
whatwe,as professionalsin the eld
candotobegintochangethewayswe
Initiative suggests need for
stable relationships
by Jack Beatty
interact,i.e.,tochangeourculture.
Thismessageisbeingbroughtto
usthroughstoriesthatillustratethemes
common to most of our childhoods.
Wehearofnurturinggrandparents,
who despite our shortcomings, con-
tinued to love us unconditionally, and
to encourage us. Similar stories are
shared of mentors and friends who
have supplied support, guidance and
acceptance over the course of our
lives.
But consider some individuals
whom we serve who did not have the
benet of these long-term, trusting
relationships to make them feel safe
and respected. Certainly we can envi-
sion that sadness, confusion and all
manner of antisocial behaviors could
result.
SotheDepartmentencouragesus
not to become preoccupied with the
symptoms (behaviors) but to address
the cause which may be the lack of
stable,meaningfulrelationshipsinthe
life of the individual.
How can we do that? The chal-
lengeistondopportunitiestomodify
our work and interactions in ways that
promote acceptance, nonviolence,
support, and long-term, unconditional
relationships.
The 9
th
annual OhioAdult Sibling
ConferencewillbeheldFriday,Novem-
ber6thandSaturday,November7
th
at
the Marriott Airport Hotel in Columbus.
The purpose of the conference is
to create an environment where adult
siblingscangathertogetherandshare
family experiences, develop new rela-
tionships, obtain information and be
recognized as integral parts in their
families’ success.
Conference attendees from across
Ohio have had the opportunity to hear
presentations from state and national
disabilities professionals, meet other
adult siblings, and explore areas of
interest.
Under the direction of Dr. Tom
Fish of The Ohio State University
Nisonger Center, and supported by
manyorganizationsincludingtheOhio
Developmental Disabilities Council,
Siblings to meet in November
theOhioAdultSiblingConference
wasthersteventofitskindinthe
country. It has also been used as a
model in other states.
Please visit www.ohiosibs.com
for more information, or call Tom
Fish at 292-7550.
PAR
convention
set
The 41st annual PAR conven-
tion will be held at the Embassy
Suites in Dublin from October 14th
throughOctober18th.
The convention will provide
valuabletrainingprogramsforstaff
development and opportunities to
share with others involved in the
eldofdevelopmentaldisabilities.
Attendees will be able to choose
from a variety of sessions.
To obtain membership, conven-
tion, or other information about PAR,
youmaygotowww.par-ohio-org, or
call (419) 522-6207.
You may also contact Erick
BerquistatARCIndustriesNorthat
342-5398.
Special
Olympics
Update
Openingceremonies
included the parade of
athletes with the Franklin
County Flyers well repre-
senrted.
Jason Freeland shows his medals.
Hewongoldandsilverfortworoller
skatingevents.
AtrightAttorneyGeneralRich-
ardCordray,ankedbyhistwo
children, ran with police from all
overthestatebringingthetorchto
JesseOwensStadiumforopening
ceremonies.
Above are participants in the
greatpizzafeedinthedorm
rooms at OSU. Volunteer Caroline
Miller helps distribute slices, be-
hindherandtotherightareJesse
HodgeandJasonBally.
4 7/8 - 2009
Photos by Chuck Zelms and
Michael Davis
5 7/8 - 2009
Robert Konkle, "Bobby", is celebrat-
ing 25 years of employment. "Bobby"
began his full time dish machine opera-
tor position on 8/13/84 at Paul's Pantry
now called Paul's 5th Avenue.. He
received assistance in obtaining this
job from Jim Oyer, Placement Repre-
sentative.
Through Bob's personal & medi-
cal issues, Paul & his staff have been
supportive of "Bobby" to make this a
successful experience. After a series
of more recent health issues, Paul
modied Bob's schedule so he could
work part time hours.
Bob is part of the Paul's 5th Ave-
nue "Family". Thank you to Paul & staff
for 25 good years!
Twenty ve
Years and
Counting
JeffBreezeknowsyouneedagood
breakfast in order to compete. Jeff later
won a bronze medal in Bocce.
Thegoldmedalwinningvolleyballteamincludes:standingarecoachLindaHarrison,
JasonGregory,CraigDoles,HughBrunney,BarryWarrenandMartyBerniker;kneeling
are: Lee Mullins, Cindy Grubbs and Victoria Harris.
6 7/8 - 2009
It's summer in central Ohio, and like many others in the area, par-
ticipantsatBixbyLivingSkillsCenterarebusytendingtheirgarden.
Newthisyear, thecommunitygardenatBixby isajointproject
withparticipantsfromBixby,SageSeniorServicesandYoungAdult
Services at Goodwill Columbus.
"Everyone takes turns weeding, watering, and doing all the
chores," said Linda Monroe, Bixby Director. "It's been very much a
groupeffort."
The crops include squash, corn, peppers, tomatoes, basil and
cucumbers. Any produce that cannot be consumed by participants
will be donated to a food bank.
Bixby staff member Joe Ash has spearheaded the effort, while
Anthony Jackson has assisted with fertilizing and watering. Dill's
Greenhouse donated a variety of plants.
Community garden sprouts at Bixby
JoeAsh,BarryNewlinandChrisParkercheckthe
tassles on sweet corn.
FromleftareBarryNewlin,EvonneGoffwater-
ingthegarden,JoeAshandBixbyLSCDirector
Linda Monroe.
ARC Industries, Inc. has a new
service to offer to the central Ohio busi-
nesscommunity-DocumentScanning
Solutions. ARC Industries can help
give immediate access to archived
documents, dramatically reduce stor-
ageexpenses,aswellaspreservethe
integrityandreadabilityofdocuments.
Established in 1963, ARC Indus-
tries provides employment and
training opportunities for more than
2,000 adults with mental retardation
or other developmental disabilities in
Franklin County.
Recognizing that companies can
spend$120tondamisleddocument
ARC Industries launches new scanning service
to$2,000annuallytomaintainafullle
cabinet, ARC Industries developed its
DocumentScanningSolutionstohelp
companiesreducecostsandmanage
documents more effectively while
creating anotherjob opportunity for
ARC employees. With scanning
capability of over 125,000 docu-
ments per day, ARC Industries can
help transform lingcabinetsinto
space-savingdiscs.
For more information on ARC
Industries, please visit their web-
site: www.arcind.com or call
475-7007.
Notable achievements
in the FCBMRDD community
7 7/8 - 2009
Good For You
Career Milestones
30 years
Kathleen Blakeslee
Susan Smith
Sandra Tillet-Ferguson
25 years
Susan Fast
Susan Galbraith
Trisha Potenza
Marcia Weltz
Cam Yeagley
20 years
Bill Bartley
Julie Buren
Sheila Myers
Gayle Oberlitner
Christine Parker
Debbie Sokolik
Michael Suver
Frederick Talbert
15 years
Toni Boyle
Jodi Dayan
Sharon Evrard
Tamara Faught
Elizabeth Gibson
Donna Johnson
Jeffrey Rayburn
Kathryn Renick
Linda Schmelzer
Robin Sprague
10 years
Judith Conley
Tammara Fields
William Evoy
Nancy Madsen
Roberta Martin
Leslie McLeod-Tucker
Michael Turns
Robert Willie
Michele Yancy
5 years
Kimberly Batts
Kelly Bowers
Brandon Broussard
Kara Fowler
Sandra Goss
Virginia Harris-Hamilton
Stephanie Heinmiller
Yi-Wen Lo
Megan Nowicki
Angela Ray
Beth Robinette
Amanda Tepfer
Jewel Toone
Rosia White
Lisa Willie
Richard Winbush
Amy Yenkin
While on vacation with her family in Daytona Beach,
Administration receptionist Mary Linden took part in
theRichardPettyDrivingExperienceatDaytonaInter-
nationalSpeedway.Aftersuitingup,shetooktheseat
of a stock car, and went three times around the 2.5
miletrack,reachingahighspeedof170milesperhour.
AccordingtoMary,theexperiencewas"alotoffun."
Mary’s commemorative plaque is at seen at left.
Three staff members of the Transportation Department
received Certicates ofAppreciation from the Ohio State
University Division of Police recently. Mike Bollinger, Paul
Chenderlin and Jeff Hudsonwererecognizedfortheirhelp
withthe2009OhioTacticalOfcersConferencesponsored
by the police division and held in Columbus May 17th-20th.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FCBDD staff showed their continuing commitment to
theAmericanRedCrossonJuly13thbydonating26units
of blood. Special thanks goes to Mary Martin and Carl
Scottforcoordinatinganothersuccessfulblooddrive.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Human Resources Departmenthostedtherst
EducationFairforallagencystaffonJuly22nd.Tenuniver-
sities that provide adult education opportunities participated
intheevent,whichwasheldatAdministration.Congratula-
tions to Dan Darling, Director of Human Resources, and all
thestaffwhomadethisprogrampossible.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Cina Croy, a client of the Job Placement Department,
celebrated her 15th anniversary on the job last month. She
is employed by T.J. Maxx. The company honored Cina with
aluncheon,agiftandadayoff.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
HonorFlightColumbusisanonprotorganizationdedi-
catedtoprovidingWorldWarIIveteransachancetovisit
thewarmemorialsinWashington,D.C.,atnocharge.This
month,thegrouphonoredretiredFCBDDstaffmemberPat
Blumwithanhonorightasatokenofgratitudeforherser-
vice in the Army from 1943 to 1945. Thanks Pat, for your
service to our country!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Information about the Franklin County Board of
Developmental Disabilities
is always available on the internet at:
www.fcbdd.org
The Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Jerry Saunders
HelenNinos
Dean Fadel
Galen Stover
Lito Ramirez
Renee Stein
Jean Williams
Superintendent Jed W. Morison
The Franklin County Board of Developmental
Disabilities does not discriminate in employment
or services on the basis of race, color, creed,
sex, national origin, or handicap.
Dateline
Newsreleases,storyideas,andsuggestionsshouldbe
sent to Martin Kerscher at:
2879 Johnstown Road
Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 475-6440 FAX 342-5001
Calendar
“Quotable quotes”
"Nopessimisteverdiscoveredthesecretofthestars
or sailed an unchartered land,
or opened a new doorway
for the human spirit."
-- Helen Keller
Golf outing for Special Olympics scores
Jennifer Hamant,
chair of the 2009
Special Olympics
GolfOutingCom-
mitteeforMorgan
Stanley - Smith
Barney with Ryan
Phillips Director of
the Franklin County
Special Olympics
program.
Fromleftare:PlanningcommitteevolunteerTracieNickels,Nicole
Oliver,Oneofthemanyfoursomeparticipants(waitingforthetee
on hole number one) and Maurice Harris.
ThankstothestaffandfriendsofMorganStanley/Smith
BarneyandGraystoneConsultingforcontinuingtomakethis
event happen on behalf of Franklin County Special Olympics.
Other sponsors include: Canyone Capital Advisors LLC,
FreissAssociates LLC, Golden Tree ManagementLP, Ivory
Capital, Penn Square Capital Group, Pointer Management
LLC and Tradewinds Global Investors.
Thefollowingstaffcontributetothemonthly
publication and distribution of Dateline.
Jed W. Morison Carl Scott Martin Kerscher
MichaelDavis AmtMaginnis JenniferCunningham
July, 2009
4 Independence Day - all county facilities closed.
15 ParentLeaguemeeting,2879JohnstownRd.,
9:30 a.m.
27 ARCIndustriesBoardofTrusteesmeeting,
Holiday Inn On-the-Lane, 11:30 a.m.
30 ECEandSchool-ageSummerCenter
programsend.
August, 2009
7 Staff Development Day for Adult Services and
Transportation staff. All adult facilities closed.
11 Franklin County Residential Services Board of
Trusteesmeeting,1021CheckreinAve.,11a.m.
24 ARCIndustriesBoardofTrusteesmeeting,
Holiday Inn On-the-Lane, 11:30 a.m.
24,25 School Staff Preparation/ Development Day.
26 Firstdayofclasses,NortheastandWest
Central Schools.