(Submitted by Wood Lane)
The Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities began its celebration of Developmental Disabilities month at the Wood Lane CommUNITY Honors program on Feb. 28, at Nazareth Hall. The event serves to honor self-advocates, community members, families, and staff of the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities who tirelessly work to make change for the better in Wood County. The Kiwanis AKtion club is a proud sponsor of the event.
“Oh wow, I didn’t see that coming,” said Bryce Douglas, co-recipient of the Exceptional Support award, the recognition given to outstanding direct support professionals. “The truth is the awards go to the kids,” he said about his work at Wood Lane School.
“They are the ones who make us who we are. We all have life influences and these children are our influences. Every day is different—you never know what will happen—but you are always greeted with a smile and a kiss,” Douglas said.
“Inspiring and lovely” is how Shelly Storch described the evening. “It is always so enjoyable to see all the good in the people and the employees who we work with.”
Award winners include:
- Community Leader – Scot Loeffler, BGSU Head Football Coach
- Cammi Chamberlain Distinguished Service – Zach Daugherty, CTRS Recreational Therapist
- Wood Lane Spirit – Tim Perna, Behavior Consultant
- Volunteer Achievement – Amanda Washko
- Outstanding Self-Advocate – Christin Taylor
- Individual Achievement – Marshal Geiselman
- Exceptional Support – Bryce Douglas and Christine Paul, Direct Support Professionals
Additional events this month include DD Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse; Celebrate EDU; the CommUNITY Celebrity Basketball; a performance by The Improvaneers; and CommUNITY Conversations: Lead With Inclusion; as well as others. Please visit our website at www.woodcountydd.org for details.
