Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities Our Core Values

Community membership
Financial responsibility
Respect
Personal accountability
Partn

Our Core Values

Community membership
Financial responsibility
Respect
Personal accountability
Partnering
Communication
Self determination

Our Areas of Focus

Self-advocacy
Awareness
Provider development and support
Supports for Children
Community member

04/03/2026

Today, on World Autism Day, we come together to recognize and celebrate the value of every individual in our community.

This year’s theme, “Autism and Humanity - Every Life Has Value,” reminds us that inclusion, understanding, and respect are essential to building a stronger, more compassionate world. People with autism enrich our communities with unique perspectives, talents, and contributions that deserve to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

Van Wert County Board of DD remains committed to advocating for opportunities where all people are valued, included, and empowered to live meaningful lives.

Let’s continue to listen, learn, and lift one another up, because every life truly has value.

Inclusion Matters 💙As we close out Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the Van Wert County Board of DD is proud ...
04/01/2026

Inclusion Matters 💙

As we close out Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the Van Wert County Board of DD is proud to highlight the importance of representation. William Thomas is the first individual in Van Wert County to both receive services from the County Board of DD and be appointed to serve on our board. His lived experience strengthens our decision-making by ensuring the perspective of those we serve is always present at the table. Representation like William’s enhances our understanding and keeps our mission at the center of our work. Because the strongest decisions are made when the voices of those we serve are not just heard, but are part of the conversation.

Inclusion Matters 💙Cyane is a 7th grade student at Van Wert Middle School who shines through her active involvement in t...
03/27/2026

Inclusion Matters 💙

Cyane is a 7th grade student at Van Wert Middle School who shines through her active involvement in the community. As a member of a local Girl Scout troop and Special Olympics, she is building friendships, confidence, and connections that make her community stronger.

Cyane recently enjoyed a Disney Cruise with her mom and younger sister, creating memories filled with fun and adventure. In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends, cheering on her sister at sporting events, playing video games, riding her bike, and camping with her family. She also looks forward to summer traditions like Girl Scout Camp and Camp Robin Rogers.

Cyane’s story is a great reminder that when individuals are included and supported, they can fully participate, connect, and thrive in their communities. 🌟

Inclusion Matters 💙Bob has been a valued employee at Rager Burger for the past two years, where he enjoys working as a l...
03/25/2026

Inclusion Matters 💙

Bob has been a valued employee at Rager Burger for the past two years, where he enjoys working as a line cook and being part of the local workforce. His role highlights how inclusive workplaces strengthen our community by creating opportunities for everyone to contribute and thrive.

Outside of work, Bob enjoys gaming, reading, and spending time on his computer. Recently, he reached an exciting milestone—earning his driver’s license and purchasing his first car—gaining even more independence and connection to his community.

Congratulations, Bob! 🚗👏

03/23/2026

✨ We’re Hiring an Assessor! ✨

For over 20 years, NOWAC has proudly supported Ohio’s developmental disabilities community across Northwest Ohio. As a Council of Governments, we offer the stability of public service with the flexibility of a small, supportive workplace.

We’re seeking a professional, self‑motivated Assessor to complete person‑centered assessments using InterRAI tools and support high‑quality outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Why NOWAC?
✅ OPERS retirement & Ohio Deferred Compensation
✅ Comprehensive health coverage
✅ Generous paid time off
✅ Flexible scheduling & some remote work options
✅ Meaningful work that makes a difference

📍 Daily travel throughout Northwest Ohio required
🗓️ Position begins June 2026
📚 Required DODD training: June 9–11, 2026 (Columbus)

If you have 18+ months of assessment experience and value independence, reliability, and person‑centered work—we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Apply on Indeed today!
https://www.indeed.com/job/assessor-bbf5e4555ac7051d

Inclusion Matters 💙Danielle has been a valued employee at Van Wert Goodwill for the past year and a half, where she take...
03/23/2026

Inclusion Matters 💙

Danielle has been a valued employee at Van Wert Goodwill for the past year and a half, where she takes pride in her work sorting clothing. Being part of a supportive workplace has made all the difference—Danielle shares that she feels comfortable and connected with her managers and coworkers, building meaningful relationships each day.

Inclusion in the workplace creates opportunities for confidence, independence, and belonging—and Danielle is a great example of that in action.

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending time with her dogs, Bailey and Baby Boy, as well as her boyfriend and family. She also loves getting outside for walks and staying active in her community.

When we create inclusive workplaces and communities, everyone has the chance to thrive. 💫

Inclusion Matters 💙Meet Chloe! She’s a student at Delphos Middle School who loves spending time with friends and shines ...
03/20/2026

Inclusion Matters 💙

Meet Chloe! She’s a student at Delphos Middle School who loves spending time with friends and shines in her favorite class—band. Chloe has a passion for dance and has been taking lessons for years at The Dancer by Gina in Delphos.

When she’s not at school or dancing, you’ll find Chloe camping with her family, playing video games, or relaxing in her room while staying connected with friends.

Inclusion means celebrating the unique interests and talents that make every individual a valued part of our community.

03/18/2026

🎶The juice ain’t worth the squeeze if the juice don’t look like this!”🎶
Teens and Tweens: 🎨🫟
Come squeeze a little juice and paint a canvas with Miss Roxy on Thursday, March 26th, from 4-5:30 PM!
All supplies- including SNACKS- are provided, just register ahead of time so we know how many!
Register here: https://brumback-main-oh.whofi.com/calendar/event/300792/s?method=embed

03/18/2026

March's mobile food pantry will be next Tuesday, March 24th!

Inclusion Matters 💙Being part of the community means more than just showing up—it means contributing, connecting, and gr...
03/18/2026

Inclusion Matters 💙

Being part of the community means more than just showing up—it means contributing, connecting, and growing together. Through work and volunteer opportunities, individuals build valuable skills while forming meaningful relationships with local businesses and community members.

JP, Zach, and Mitch are great examples of inclusion in action. They volunteer with the Salvation Army, helping load and deliver food donations to the Van Wert location. They also attend the Thomas Edison Center, where they continue to stay engaged and active in their community.

When everyone has the opportunity to participate, our entire community becomes stronger.

DD AWARENESS MONTH SPOTLIGHTAJ is a student at Lincolnview Elementary who enjoys being an active part of his school and ...
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. 🌟

Address

813 North Franklin Street
Van Wert, OH
45891

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14192386131

Website

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Agency History

Historically, there were no services or educational options available for individuals with developmental disabilities. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy established a panel of professionals from many fields who would focus on bettering the service options available for those with disabilities. A year after being established, the panel of professionals delivered a report with over 100 recommendations including research, preventative health measures and educational support.

Since then, Ohio has had a strong tradition of providing services for individuals with developmental disabilities. During the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s this tradition led parents, advocates and other local individuals to develop schools in their communities that would allow for educational options, sheltered workshops and other opportunities for those with developmental disabilities.

Today our system, in both Ohio and the United States in general, is at a crossroad as expectations of and for individuals with developmental disabilities rightfully increases. Individuals with developmental disabilities now, more than ever, want the opportunity to be more active and fully participate in all aspects of their community.