Note: This Superintendent’s Message accompanies the fall edition of the LCBDD newsletter Momentum, which will be available in early-November. If you would like to receive this newsletter and be added to our mailing list, contact Anna Jeffries at 740-322-6911 or anna.jeffries@lcountydd.org. For a digital PDF version of the newsletter, click here.

As we reflect on this past year, we are proud to celebrate the incredible milestones achieved thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff, partners and community. Together, we’ve made significant strides in enhancing the lives of people with developmental disabilities and the results speak for themselves.

We are honored to have received a three-year accreditation from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, a testament to our commitment to maintaining high standards through the services and supports we provide.

This achievement reflects the tireless efforts of our various teams, who work every day to uphold our mission of helping people live happy, fulfilling lives.

Our partnerships have also flourished this year.

We are excited to have established a strong collaboration with the Hartford Fair, which welcomed the LCBDD Family Resource Center to the fairgrounds. Using a former dormitory building, LCBDD provided a week of inclusive programming, allowing us to share information, resources and fun with more than 1,300 people.

Additionally, bringing the Momentum Refresh vehicle — which offers a universal/adult changing table — to various county events has enabled people with disabilities to enjoy activities that they may not have otherwise been able to attend.

Let’s also not forget the various places in the county where people can now find universal/adult changing tables and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs.) These items benefit far more county residents than just the population we serve.

Our relationship with Licking County Transit continues to be strong and we were proud to help support the creation of the Heath route which is expected to be added to the Deviated Fixed Route system in January.

We are grateful for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that made all these initiatives toward greater inclusion possible.

We were grateful to collaborate with the Ohio Alliance of Direct Support Professionals to host our annual DSP Awards celebration,  presenting awards to 11 deserving  DSPs and honoring more than 90 nominees.

LCBDD has also taken steps to connect more people we support with assistive technology to increase their independence. We took the first steps in creating a techsploration hub, which allows people to get hands-on experience with various options. (If you are interested in touring the hub, please talk to your Service Coordinator.)

Last, but certainly not least, we’ve also made great progress in growing housing options through our productive partnership with Red Heart Homes, creating more access to safe, supportive residential locations for the growing and changing needs of people with disabilities who depend on us.

These accomplishments are only possible because of the passionate, dedicated staff who bring our mission to life each day. Licking County is fortunate to have such a committed team, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.

Here’s to another year of continued growth and impact!

Contact Superintendent/CEO Jason L. Umstot , EdD, by calling 740-349-6588 or email: Jason.Umstot@lcountydd.org.