Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities

11/05/2025

Our friend Tiffany learned regency-style dancing at the Lane Public Library - Hamilton this weekend! 💃

11/05/2025

👏 Kids and anyone over 70 with a SNAP card eat free at Cassano's Pizza Fairfield until SNAP benefits have been restored! No purchase necessary!!!

Fairfield location only, dine-in only 🫶🏻🍕

EDIT: We’ve had a lot of feedback from folks about the elderly, especially those over 70 years old, and how they’re being affected. We would like to amend our offer to also extend the below offer to include those over 70 years old with proof of SNAP benefit card. All they have to do is show the cashier their SNAP card, and we will provide them a free 6” cheese pizza. Lastly, if you or your family are EVER hungry - come see us. You will be fed, no questions asked. Thank you.

11/04/2025

Please help New Life Furniture Bank by donating sofas, dining room chairs, and living room chairs, as they are desperately low!

Each week, the New Life Furniture team delivers around 50 sofas to families starting over. Today, only a few remain in the warehouse.

Here’s how you can make a difference:
✅ Schedule a FREE furniture pickup (gas donations appreciated)
✅ Book a Priority Pickup – New Life movers come inside your home!
✅ Drop off at our Blue Ash or Sharonville locations

All gently-used furniture is welcome and deeply appreciated.

Schedule your pickup today: https://nlfurniture.org/take-action/donate-furniture/

*photo provided by New Life Furniture Bank page

11/03/2025

Congratulations to HRIS Administrator, Lynne Hibbard, for being selected for this month's Employee Shoutout Spotlight!

Superintendent Lee Ann Emmons said:

"As a member of the Wellness Committee, Lynne sought out volunteers and organized a Financial Wellness Workshop for all staff. Lynne is a very solution-focused employee. When she observes an issue or problem that needs to be addressed, she jumps right in to start problem-solving. She recognized that there are financial stressors that employees face in today’s economy, and with the Board’s limited resources, took the initiative to organize this Financial Wellness Workshop, including recruiting volunteers from the financial community to be a free resource. Lynne’s care and thoughtfulness of her co-workers is unmatched!"

10/31/2025

Tonight our staff will be passing out bandaids for BOO BOOs at their own trick-or-treat events. We live all throughout Butler County. We're thrilled to walk alongside our neighbors as we actively partner with YOU to access the world!

Happy Halloween!

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween! Let's be sure to create an inclusive trick-or-treating experience that everyone can enjoy! Here are some reminders and tips on how to create an inclusive and fun trick-or-treating experience for those with disabilities:

1) Pick costumes that address sensory issues, that are easy to move in, and that can be adjusted for comfort.

2) If your child has sight issues, avoid masks.

3) Manage your child’s expectations ahead of time, making a plan that feels comfortable and safe for all involved.

4) Map out houses that are accessible, such as houses without steps or that have shorter driveways.

5) Consider going out earlier in the evening when it’s not too dark and is less crowded.

6) Bring flashlights and glow-in-the-dark items for security and fun
If needed, create cards that say “trick-or-treat” or “thank you.”

Have fun and be safe tonight!

10/30/2025

👻 Halloween is for EVERYONE! 🎃

When you’re handing out candy this year, remember, not every trick-or-treater experiences the night the same way. Some individuals may skip the costume, take a little longer to choose candy, or not say “trick-or-treat” at all, and that’s perfectly okay!

Check out our Happy Halloween For Everyone tips and tricks so we can ensure this Halloween is fun, friendly, and inclusive for EVERYONE!

10/29/2025

The following was shared by the Ohio Provider Resource Association:
Because of the federal government shutdown, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has issued guidance indicating that SNAP benefits may not be available beginning November 1. Thousands of Ohioans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) rely on SNAP for basic nutrition. A lapse in benefits will put many at immediate risk of hunger and serious health consequences.
Today, we are asking every member to take two quick actions:
1. Email your Members of Congress
Please contact your U.S. Senators and your U.S. House Member today and urge them to take immediate action to prevent a lapse in SNAP benefits.
• U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno – contact form: moreno.senate.gov/share-your-opinion/
• U.S. Senator Jon Husted – contact form: husted.senate.gov/contact/
• Your U.S. House Member – visit house.gov and locate your member by ZIP code.
We have attached a Congressional letter template you can personalize and send. Feel free to add your agency name, a local story, or brief impact statement.
2. Contact Governor DeWine and Interim Director Nash
We are also urging the state to put an emergency contingency plan in place in case the federal shutdown continues.
Please send the attached State Letter Template to:
• Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio – contact page: governor.ohio.gov/contact
• Lyndsay Nash, Interim Director of DODD – contact page: dodd.ohio.gov/contact
We will also be sending our organizational letters to federal and state leadership today on behalf of the full membership.
Please send your emails as soon as possible — ideally today. Every voice matters, and a unified message from providers will send a clear signal that Ohio must not allow people with disabilities to face hunger on November 1.
Thank you for acting quickly and for always standing up for the people and families we serve.
Links for Draft Letters:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAG199k3uR8/ilJVGnPlWhjtqjz-Qz5kaQ/view?utm_content=DAG199k3uR8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h9f5f4ef855

https://www.canva.com/design/DAG199k3uR8/ilJVGnPlWhjtqjz-Qz5kaQ/view?utm_content=DAG199k3uR8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h9f5f4ef855https://www.canva.com/design/DAG199k3uR8/ilJVGnPlWhjtqjz-Qz5kaQ/view?utm_content=DAG199k3uR8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h9f5f4ef855https://www.canva.com/design/DAG199k3uR8/ilJVGnPlWhjtqjz-Qz5kaQ/view?utm_content=DAG199k3uR8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h9f5f4ef855

10/29/2025

In Courtney Hineman's latest vlog episode, she interviews advocate Morgan Gattermeyer about her experience working for Inspiration Studios for the past 10 years. During the interview, Morgan shares what it's like having a disability and being employed, and why it is so important to give those with disabilities a shot to prove their worth in the community and the workforce. Watch the new vlog episode now!

10/28/2025

The Fairfield Optimist Club held its Annual Halloween Dance Party on Saturday, where many of those we serve dressed up in their spookiest costumes and danced the night away!

Thank you to all those who attended and volunteered their time to make the Halloween Dance Party the best it could possibly be!

10/27/2025

Chen Wang has worked at Miami University's King Library since 2019! Those who work with Chen say that he is a hard worker, very dependable, always has a smile on his face, and is willing to help out with absolutely anything.

Chen said he enjoys his job for many reasons.

"I like talking to the students, and my co-workers are very nice," Chen said. "Being employed makes me feel accomplished because I get to make my own money."

Congratulations, Chen, for working nearly 6 years at Miami University!

10/24/2025

Those who attended the Match Party last Sunday had an incredible time! There were 40 new friendship matches introduced, bringing the total to 121 matches this year. New friendships had fun getting to know each other, while returning pairs enjoyed reconnecting and doing crafts together. The costume contest was a highlight as there was so much creativity and spirit on display! The Best Buddies Ohio Miami University program is off to a wonderful start this year!