Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities

03/14/2026

DD AWARENESS MONTH SPOTLIGHT

AJ is a student at Lincolnview Elementary who enjoys being an active part of his school and community. He participates in basketball, cross country, and soccer, building friendships and teamwork through sports.

AJ is also proudly involved with the Van Wert Special Olympics, where he participates in track, bowling, and basketball skills. These activities give him great opportunities to connect with others and be part of a supportive community.

He attends Camp Robin Rogers and especially enjoys the Beyond Expectations Softball game and summer pool parties. AJ is also an active member of First United Methodist Church and the Clover Clovers 4-H group, where he continues to build friendships and stay engaged in the community.

Through school, sports, church, and local activities, AJ truly enjoys being included and involved in the many opportunities his community offers. 🌟

03/12/2026

Last night several of our board members and staff participated in a board member training focused on fiscal sustainability for Ohio’s DD system. The session was presented by Adam Herman from the Ohio Association of County Boards of DD. The discussion highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing our system and reinforced how important it is for individuals served, families, and communities to share their voices in support of services that make a real difference in people’s lives.

We are grateful for board members who volunteer their time and leadership to help ensure DD services remain strong for today and for future generations. Thank you to NOWAC for bringing our region together for this important conversation.

03/11/2026

03/09/2026

Here is what one of our parents had to say as her daughter transitioned out of our Early Intervention program.

03/05/2026

03/03/2026

Please take a moment to complete the Family or Individual survey on decision making to assist with identifying needed resources in Ohio.

Family Survey: https://bit.ly/Parent_Survey_CB

Individual with IDD Survey: https://bit.ly/MakeMyDecisions

Families are invited to participate in a survey about how families make decisions regarding guardianship and its alternatives for individuals with IDD. This survey is open to parents and other family members who are the primary supporters of an Ohio adult with IDD. The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. No personally identifying information will be requested.

Individuals with IDD are invited to take a brief survey about how they make important life decisions and who helps them.

As a thank-you for your time, you may enter a raffle for a $50 digital gift card. If you choose to provide contact information for the gift card raffle, you will be directed to a separate, secure website to enter it.

Thank you!!

You are invited to take a short survey about how you make important decisions in your life. This survey is being done by Jeanne Novak (a professor at BGSU) with help from the Supported Decision-Making Network of Ohio.

Survey link: https://bit.ly/Decision-Making_A

Flyer attached.

You can take the survey on your own, or you can ask a trusted person to help you read and understand the questions. If you have a guardian, please ask them first. The survey will ask if your guardian said it is okay for you to take it.

After you finish, you can enter a drawing for a $50 Amazon e-gift card (about 1 out of every 25 people will win).

Questions or want help?
Jeanne Novak: jnovak@bgsu.edu | 419-204-9201

03/03/2026

Did you know today is ? Hearing health is about sound, safety, connection, and so much more. 👂

Today, we recognize the importance of access to communication, technology, and workplace accommodations that support Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals. Disability-inclusive workplaces for Deaf individuals ensure that everyone can fully participate and thrive.

If you or someone you know is navigating hearing loss and seeking employment support, OOD is here to help: ➡️ bit.ly/3MviFoR

03/03/2026

🚍In-Person RTA Ticket Sales Now Available at VWAEDC🚍

We now offer in-person sales of Lima/Allen County RTA tickets at our office. This provides a convenient, local option for residents who prefer to purchase tickets with cash or who do not have access to credit cards or banking services.

Ticket Details:
• $3 each (starting one-way fare within Van Wert)
• Cash only
• Available Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at 140 E. Main Street in Van Wert. We are closed on weekends and federal holidays.

After purchasing tickets, riders call 419-222-2782 (press 0 for a dispatcher) to schedule their trip and provide the ticket to the RTA driver upon pickup.

Reliable transportation is essential to connecting residents with employment, education, healthcare, and other critical services. By serving as a local ticket sales location, VWAEDC continues working to remove barriers and strengthen workforce access throughout Van Wert County.

03/02/2026

March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month! 🧡

This month is about celebrating inclusion, raising awareness, and recognizing the strengths, contributions, and voices of individuals with developmental disabilities in our communities.

Important facts:
✨ Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavioral areas. They begin during the developmental period and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.
✨ According to the CDC, about 1 in 6 children in the U.S. has a developmental disability. Some examples include:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Down syndrome
• Cerebral palsy
✨ Early intervention, inclusive education, County Board of DD services, supportive communities, and advocacy make a life-changing difference.

This month isn’t about “fixing” people. It’s about accessibility. It’s about dignity. It’s about making sure every child and adult has the support they need to thrive.

Let’s build communities that don’t just include people with disabilities… but truly welcome and celebrate them. 🧡

02/27/2026

For more information on Early Intervention in Van Wert County call 419-238-6200.

What is Ohio Early Intervention?
It’s a statewide system that gives coordinated support to parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays. Early help can make a big difference in a child’s growth, learning, and future.

Learn more and find resources for your family: ohioearlyintervention.org 💙

02/18/2026

The next mobile food distribution is next Tuesday, February 24th!

West Ohio Food Bank