Locals celebrate developmental disabilities awareness

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Locals gathered together to celebrate and connect with each other for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

The Mid-East Ohio Regional Council Project Manager David Mitchell stated Muskingum County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Starlight Programs organized the awards luncheon at the Ohio University Zanesville and Zane State College’s Campus Center, so community members may connect and get updated on what’s happened in 2017.

“We have 150 people here today celebrating [Developmental Disabilities] Awareness Month,” exclaimed Mitchell. “We’ll be handing out numerous awards to the community members, the partners, and also folks with developmental disabilities to celebrate their achievements.”

Mitchell expressed the benefits of joining together for the luncheon and how this can potentially lead to more connections, such as employment.

“It’s very important for the community to reunite for this event annually,” Mitchell said. “It celebrates the achievements and employment opportunities for folks with developmental disabilities as well as all of the other benefits to getting connected to the community. Promoting independence and really coming together as an entire community and integrating ourselves with each other.”

The 2017 annual report was provided to attendees and the leading message was a thank you statement for business’, non-profit’s, and anyone else who has helped people with developmental disabilities immerse themselves into the community.