Note: This Superintendent’s Message accompanied the first edition of the new LCBDD newsletter Momentum, which was distributed in mid-February. 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. 

It is such an honor to be celebrating the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ 50th year of serving the citizens of our great county.

Looking through our archives, we have certainly made a lot of progress.

As with any agency, there are always a few key people who worked diligently to build the foundation.  For us, we owe our gratitude to Eleanor Weiant and Katie Carter. Pioneers that were years ahead of their time, they had a clear vision and a strong mission.

I recently reviewed a presentation by Eleanor Weiant, a parent and a panel of Licking County  teachers from 1960. All 11 pages featured words like
“inclusion,” “acceptance,” “community,” “education,” “meaningful activities that have a real purpose,” “experiences,” “equality” and “always be proud.”

These words prompted the greater community to turn these concepts into action.  I’m certain that both Mrs. Weiant and Mrs. Carter would be proud of the accomplishments that have been made over the years.

Heraditus said it best when he said, “The only thing constant is change.”  I’ve always accepted change as a way to improve our processes and beliefs.  The field of DD services is no different.  In the last 50 years, we’ve seen so much change, yielding positive outcomes in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

I hope you enjoy this first installment of our newly named newsletter, which we call Momentum.  This title describes the drive behind our actions, the dedication of our providers and the skills of the direct care workers.   Thank you for your generous support over the past 50 years.

Jason L. Umstot

Superintendent/CEO

Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

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