Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities

06/18/2026

🌟 Be Part of Something NEW at the Van Wert County Fair! 🌟
We’re excited to introduce our first-ever Beyond Limits Show — and we need YOUR help to make it a success! 💙
We’re looking for Jr. Fair youth and/or parents to serve as mentors and volunteers for this special opportunity. This is a chance to support, encourage, and make a lasting impact at the fair!
👉 Interested in helping? Sign up here:
https://go.osu.edu/mentorform26
⏰ Deadline to sign up: July 31
Let’s come together to create an inclusive and meaningful experience for everyone at the fair!

06/18/2026

This year marks the 10th anniversary of STABLE Accounts becoming available to Ohioans with disabilities.

Join DODD Podcast host Nate Turner as he talks with Kenyatta Chandler and Alaina Bowers of the Ohio Treasurer's Office STABLE Account team.

In this episode, learn how STABLE Accounts support financial independence in the disability community and hear about important updates to eligibility requirements.

Tune in to the latest DODD Podcast: dodd.ohio.gov/communication/Podcasts

06/18/2026

📅 Save the date! Sensory Friendly Morning returns to the Ohio State Fair on July 30 from 9 AM to 2 PM.

Planning a trip to the Ohio State Fair? The Fair runs July 29-August 9 and offers a variety of accessibility supports to help everyone enjoy the experience, including accessible parking and shuttles, communication boards, ASL interpretation, companion tickets, wheelchair charging stations, quiet rooms, and more.

Sensory-Friendly Morning will take place July 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring reduced lights and sounds, sensory activities, quiet spaces, and other supports designed to create a more comfortable experience for fairgoers.

Before you go, check out the Ohio State Fair Accessibility Guide and plan your visit: https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/accessibility

06/15/2026

June's mobile food distribution is NEXT Tuesday, June 23rd!

Reminder that we can always use extra volunteers for these events, especially in the summer months! If you would like to help, or have a student in need of some service hours, let us know! 419-238-6689

06/11/2026

Every child develops at their own pace, but support early on can make a big difference.

Ohio Early Intervention helps families with children birth to age 3 who may have developmental delays or disabilities. Services are personalized and focused on helping children learn and grow through everyday routines with their families.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, help is available.

Learn more or make a referral: ohioearlyintervention.org/

06/11/2026

Congratulations Jaden!
Thank you Chief Meteorologist Conner Prince for posting this awesome story.

*** CONGRATULATIONS TO JADEN VINCENT!!! ***

I have an amazing story to share with y'all this evening and grab those tissues boxes because you may need it!

This incredible young man in the picture is Jaden Vincent of Delphos. Jaden just recently graduated from Delphos Jefferson (Delphos City Schools) and attended Vantage Career Center in Van Wert. About a month ago, a Delphos gentleman, Jim Fisher, emailed me asking if I could do him a small favor. Jim shared with me that Jaden has Autism and is being raised by his grandparents. Jim informed me that Jaden is a huge fan of mine, saying Jaden is obsessed watching my weather reports each day I am on television. Jim ended the email asking me if I could print and autograph a picture of my headshot so that he and his wife could gift it to Jaden on his graduation party.

Of course, I said yes!!!! I printed out a nice copy of my professional headshot picture. I autographed it, and I wrote Jaden a personal message on the backside of the picture. I congratulated Jaden for his incredible accomplishment and not letting any challenges to prevent him from achieving this major milestone! I told him to always pursue your dreams, no matter how difficult the journey will be.

This past Saturday, Jaden had his graduation party at Lake Cody Campground in Allen County, and this was the exact moment Jaden was gifted the picture!

From the bottom of my heart, it was a true honor of mine to help make this outstanding young man's day!

Congratulations Jaden!

06/10/2026

🗺Ohio statewide booster sessions offer valuable insights into moving to adult life for families with youth who have disabilities. Sessions are open to everyone!

Journey Into Adulthood Booster Session
Thursday, June 18 from 6:30-8:00pm
Online and FREE!

Registration is required. See registration link in comments.

Medicaid for Youth with Disabilities: What You Need to Know!
Eligibility
Application Process
Ensuring coverage continues smoothly after turning 18 years old.
Questions: [email protected]

06/04/2026

Join us this Saturday, June 6, from 9 AM-3 PM for Disability Day! Admission is free for individuals with developmental, intellectual, or emotional disabilities and their caregivers. We are open an hour early for a sensory-friendly, quiet environment. The general public is welcome at regular admission starting at 10 AM.

Enjoy a visit designed for comfort and accessibility: lower sound, brighter spaces, tactile demos, sensory rooms, and extra support staff on hand.

05/29/2026

Good luck to the athletes!