Trending
STEUBENVILLE -- As March concludes, so does Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
And those at the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities are looking back at what was able to be accomplished throughout the last four weeks.
Community Navigator Cookie West explained speakers visited area schools in the Steubenville City and Indian Creek Local school districts for the Listen and Learn Speaker Series.
The series was to reinforce allies and advocates at a young age.
Alycia Clark and Kristina Gabel joined West and visited Pugliese West Elementary School, where officials kicked off the presentation with a lecture.
The lecture took place at Wells Academy the following day, with additional events held at East Garfield Elementary March 12, Indian Creek Middle School on March 21, Cross Creek Elementary on Wednesday and McKinley STEM Academy on Friday.
West explained the purpose was to plant seeds of understanding so children can show kindness and understanding toward others who are intellectually or physically disabled.
"We want people to champion the cause," West said. "These opportunities are crucial in our effort to build a community of belonging."
Officials commented about the importance of bolstering action through the Unified Champion Schools.
JCBDD is involved with the Special Olympics Ohio Unified Champion Schools program, officials stated. These programs utilize three key components: Special Olympics Unified sports and clubs, inclusive youth leadership and whole-school engagement.
The program is geared toward those in grades preschool through college, helping schools cultivate an inclusive climate that exudes a sense of collaboration, engagement and respect for all.
Speakers will discuss the concept throughout the upcoming year, forming strategies and tools that foster a lasting impact and will empower an "inclusion revolution," officials commented.
"This initiative is not just a temporary feeling," West explained. "It represents a fundamental shift in mindset."
The whole-school engagement piece was emphasized, encouraging schools to organize a SPIRIT week activity.
SPIRIT, an acronym for Spectrum, Practice, Interact, Respect, Inclusion and Teamwork, is a mode of understanding others' unique abilities and showing compassion, according to officials.
Additional events were held throughout March to help recognize Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
The Arc of Ohio and Special Connections hosted Jason Bunting, administrator for the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. Bunting discussed trauma informed care at the Crossroads Christian Church in Wintersville.
A pizza party and networking event followed the program. A social for young adults took place, and included games of bingo and an array of prizes.
Artists of all ages and abilities were invited to participate in an inclusive Open Art Night at the Schiappa Library. The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County, along with those from the JCBDD, sponsored activities with local artists Richie Matyas and Danielle Tressler, officials said.
The 2025 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Celebration was held Friday at the Jeffco Event Center on John Scott Highway in Steubenville. The theme for this year's celebration was Celebrate Good Times.
Attendees were encouraged to wear orange as a symbol of solidarity during the event.