Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities

11/02/2026

🍂🦃 Join us for our November People First meeting!

We're excited to welcome Geoff Schenkel, City of Marietta Community Development Director, as our guest speaker!

📅 Monday, November 16th
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
📍 WCBDD – 1701 Colegate Drive, Marietta

Come join the conversation, share your voice, and connect with others! Everyone is welcome! 🧡

Questions? Contact Cory Sampson at [email protected]

10/27/2026

💙💚❤️ Happy World Occupational Therapy Day!

Today, we celebrate and thank the incredible Occupational Therapists who make a difference in the lives of individuals and families every day!

Through their compassion, creativity, and dedication, OTs help individuals build skills, overcome challenges, and achieve greater independence.

🌟 To all OTs, especially those supporting the individuals and families we serve at WCBDD, THANK YOU! Your work is invaluable, and we appreciate all that you do!

10/27/2026

🌟 NDEAM Spotlight: Celebrating Pam Wagner! 🌟

As we wrap up National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we're excited to recognize Pam Wagner and her continued success in community employment!

Throughout her adult life, Pam has worked in various restaurants with support from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and her employment provider, RHDD.

A few years ago, changes in Pam's vision left her wondering whether she would be able to continue working. However, with the right accommodations and support, Pam has been able to keep doing what she loves!

Today, Pam is a proud member of the McDonald's team, where she enjoys staying active, contributing to her workplace, and connecting with others.

When asked what she loves most about her job, Pam's face lit up with a big smile as she immediately responded:

❤️ "The customers! The new ones and the old ones."

Pam's story is a wonderful reminder that with opportunity, accommodations, and the right support, individuals with disabilities can continue to thrive in meaningful employment.

👏 Thank you to McDonald's, OOD, and RHDD for helping create opportunities where individuals like Pam can succeed, contribute, and feel valued.

And a special congratulations to Pam! Your dedication, positive attitude, and love for what you do are worth celebrating!

💙💚❤️ At WCBDD, we believe employment is about more than a paycheck. It's about purpose, independence, belonging, and being a valued part of our community.

10/20/2026

We may be a few days late, but we couldn't let Boss's Day pass without recognizing our wonderful Superintendent, Tiffany Neill!

Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and everything you do for our staff, the individuals we serve, and their families. Your hard work and commitment do not go unnoticed, and we are grateful to have you leading our team!

Happy Belated Boss's Day, Tiffany! We appreciate you! 💐

10/19/2026

providing an inclusive employment opportunity.
💙💚❤️ Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Terry “TJ” Chidester 🌟

Sometimes, all it takes is an opportunity for someone to truly shine!

After facing barriers to employment, TJ found that opportunity with Parmar Stores, where he has become a proud member of the team. Today, TJ genuinely enjoys going to work each day, demonstrating just how meaningful employment can be when individuals are given the opportunity to contribute, belong, and succeed.

👏 A special thank-you to Parmar Stores for recognizing TJ's potential and providing an inclusive workplace where he can thrive!

At the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities, we celebrate TJ and the businesses in our community that recognize the value and abilities of every individual.

Because employment is more than a paycheck—it's about purpose, pride, and belonging! ❤️

10/19/2026

Reminder- This evening and be sure to dress up!

10/13/2026

💙💚❤️ October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! ❤️💚💙

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Julia – Goodwill Industries 🌟

Determination, resilience, and a strong work ethic are just a few words that describe Julia's journey back into the workforce!

After overcoming a lengthy illness, Julia accomplished an important personal goal: returning to community employment! Since July 5, 2025, Julia has been a dedicated employee at Goodwill Industries, maintaining an incredible attendance record without missing a single day of work! 👏

In her role, Julia carefully sorts donated clothing, inspecting items for stains, tears, and pet hair to ensure they meet quality standards. Once approved, she places the clothing on hangers so fellow team members can prepare the items for customers. Her attention to detail and dependability make her a valued part of the Goodwill team.

Julia's supervisor, Bishop, enjoys working alongside her, and it's wonderful to see the positive relationships and sense of belonging that meaningful employment can create.

✨ Julia's story reminds us that employment is about so much more than earning a paycheck. It's about achieving personal goals, building confidence, contributing to the community, and having the opportunity to succeed.

👏 Congratulations, Julia, on your continued success! We also extend our appreciation to Goodwill Industries for providing employment opportunities where individuals of all abilities can contribute and thrive.

At the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities, we are proud to celebrate Julia and the many individuals making a difference in our local workforce!

10/07/2026

10/05/2026

💙 Celebrating Value & Talent: Meet James Scott! 💙

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and we’re celebrating the talents, contributions, and successes of people with disabilities in our local workforce!

Today, we’re proud to spotlight James Scott, whose employment journey is a wonderful example of perseverance, growth, and hard work. With support from **Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)**, James worked toward his goal of competitive community employment, first gaining valuable experience at Applebee’s in Marietta.

In December 2022, James joined the team at Lowe’s, where he works as a Cart Handler. Nearly four years later, James continues to be a dependable member of the team—collecting carts, helping maintain a safe and welcoming parking lot, and assisting customers and coworkers when needed. His strong work ethic and willingness to learn have helped him build lasting success in the workplace. 👏

And a big kudos to Lowe’s! ❤️ Employers who recognize the value and talent people with disabilities bring to the workplace help create opportunities for people to contribute, grow, and succeed in their communities.

Congratulations, James! We’re proud to celebrate your hard work and continued success during National Disability Employment Awareness Month! 🎉