Independent Beginnings

10/10/2025

Way to go Michael! We are so proud of you!

Introducing Michael! Michael has been working at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Guest Relations for a year, handling tickets as people enter. His favorite thing about his job is being around the guests.

DCBDD is "Celebrating Value and Talent" for National Disability Employment Awareness Month and recognizing the important role that the people we serve play in the community.

If you are proud of your employment and would like the chance to be highlighted this month on DCBDD's social media, please reach out to Mallory Workman at mallory.workman@dcbdd.org or 740-201-5833.

[Alt text: a selfie of a man in a Columbus Zoo & Aquarium polo, wearing a walkie talkie]g

09/13/2025

What a way to end DSP Appreciation Week! Independent Beginnings appreciates our DSPs every day of the year. “Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail” applies to our amazing team too! Good weather or bad, feeling energetic or tired, carrying a heavy personal load or not, weekday, weekend, morning, noon, and night, our DSPs care for people with developmental disabilities and ensure their health, safety, and happiness!

All our DSPs received goodie bags as tokens of our appreciation. But why not go out with a bang? Today, we held a drawing (or random number generator since it’s 2025 ☺️) for some amazing appreciation gifts. What gifts you ask?

Colton B. won a gift card
Zenia C. won a gift card
Nolita W. won a gift card
Paige F. won a Soundcore 2 outdoor Bluetooth speaker
Ashley D. won a Ninja DualBrew XL and coffee pods
Christine R. won a Nutribullet
Jesse P. won AirPods Pro 2
Keith M. won an LG 55” LED Smart TV

So…the week of posts might be over, and the big winners may be taking home their prizes, but we are committed to make sure our DSPs know they are appreciated 24/7/365. Until next year!!

09/12/2025

DODD put it quite succinctly…thank you DSPs! Whether you are part of our Independent Beginnings team, working for a provider organization, or are an independent provider, YOU are making a difference and YOU are highly valuable.

09/09/2025

It’s Day 2 of DSP Appreciation Week! Yesterday, we shared the proclamation signed by our Governor recognizing the amazing DSPs across the State.

But let’s bring it a little closer to home. This year, Independent Beginnings was proud to learn that one of our many incredible DSPs was going to be recognized in a big way for their work. Aaron Kessler was awarded Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities DSP of the Year!! A huge congratulations goes out to Aaron and his dedication to this rewarding work! According to Sherrie Simmons, Knox County Board of DD Provider Relations Manager, Aaron’s award, a lighthouse, “represents resiliency and hope, beacons of light that illuminate a path to safety and security.” We could not agree more with this award and the symbolism it contains.

You can read more here:

https://www.knoxpages.com/2025/08/27/knox-dd-direct-support-professionals-a-steady-light/

We are thrilled to celebrate Aaron, as well as the HUNDREDS of DSPs here at Independent Beginnings. We know all of the people, families, and teams you work with are celebrating too!

09/08/2025

It’s Direct Support Professional recognition week! Independent Beginnings is proud to serve people with developmental disabilities and work with their family, friends, and team to provide services that allow for the most access to their chosen community and to live the fullest life that they choose. But we, no provider organization in fact, would function without our DSPs. They provide the day-to-day services and are the backbone of our organization. So today, this week, and every other day of the year, we want to thank our DSPs for everything they do!!! Do you have a favorite DSP? Tell us in the comments!!!

09/04/2025

Come on over to the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities Block Party and Provider Fair! We are currently set up at North Orange Park (7560 Gooding Blvd, Delaware) in stall 10. We have fun takeaways, and you can even decorate and fold your own paper crane….just like our logo!!

We’d love to see you, and you’d enjoy the food trucks and various activities other providers and service organizations are offering as well!

It’s a beautiful day for Independent Beginnings!!!

02/27/2025

Congratulations Michael on adopting Thor! We are so happy for both of you.

Today was a rewarding day watching these two meet. Thor is now home and relaxing with his new owner. Independent Beginnings is happy for the both of you.

01/28/2025

Visit Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities - DODD website to start receiving the DSP newsletter today!

01/20/2025

Thank you Ohio for recognizing this need.

01/20/2025

The Ohio State University faces off with Notre Dame tonight in the National Championship. We are all excited to watch the game. Please comment a photo of your OSU gear and below is some of our amazing individuals in theirs. GO BUCKS!

O-H-I-O!

10/29/2024

We are coming to Montgomery County! Hiring Now for Dayton! Female only with an amazing group of ladies. $500 sign on bonus with many shifts to choose from listed below:

SUN-TUES 9p-9a AWAKE overnight
WED-SAT 9p-9a AWAKE overnight
SUN 9A-9P MON-WED 2P-9P
WED 6A-9A, THURS-FRI 2P-9P, SAT 9A-9P
SUN 9A-9P, TUES 6A-9A, MON-WED 3P-9P
SUN 9A-9P, MON 6A-9A, MON-TUES 3P-9P
THURS 6A-9A, WED-FRI 3P-9P, SAT 9A-9P
FRI 6A-9A THUR-FRI 3P-9P, SAT 9A-9P

Apply today to join our team. We look forward to meeting you.

At Independent Beginnings, we provide best in class home health care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. If you are looking for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Caregiver position where you can truly make a difference for the overall well-being of someone else, we w...

10/25/2024

Congratulations to Michael and Pooh! You both have worked so hard together to learn these new things. It’s amazing what can be accomplished with dedication and hard work. We are proud of all the progress Pooh has made. Thank you Taking the Lead Ohio for assisting them with their goals.