October 2017

Anniversary Event Planned
October is traditionally a celebratory
month—for a variety of
reasons, not just those that concern
football, pumpkins and
goblins.
At Fairfield DD we recognize
the importance of this month for
two other special reasons: National
Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National
Disability Employment Awareness Month.
October kicked off the with the Annual Buddy Walk
event that takes place in Columbus each year and raises
awareness about Down Syndrome. One in every 700 babies
in the US is born with Down Syndrome making it the
most common chromosomal condition. Several families
from Fairfield DD participate in the Buddy Walk each year
and I’m proud of their participation. I hope you will take a
moment to read a little more about Down Syndrome on
the following pages and help us to dispel the many myths
that surround it.
Every year Fairfield DD makes an effort to also inform our
community about National Disability Employment Awareness
Month (NDEAM) which reflects the important role different
perspectives play in the success of our workforce.
This year the national theme is “Inclusion Drives Innovation.”
By now, I hope our community is aware of the enormous
emphasis Fairfield DD places on employment as is evident
through JobFusion and DiscoverU - both of which not only
assist people with disabilities in their search for employment,
but in employment training, exploration and longterm
employment goals.
Currently 110 people receiving services through Fairfield
DD are actively working in our community and close to 50
others are in various stages of working with Opportunities
for Ohioans with Disabilities toward reaching their employment
goals. Still more are engaged in various internships
around the county. And the Project SEARCH programs at
Fairfield Medical Center and DSW Distribution Center are
preparing high school students for employment by teaching
them a wide variety of employment skills while they
are still in school.
Not only does the employment of people with disabilities
promote the inclusive culture we are striving for every
day— it contributes to the fiscal success of a community,
as well as fulfilling our mission statement.
Take a moment this month to reflect on both Down’s
Syndrome and NDEAM. It’s sure to make your October
even more colorful.
- John Pekar, Superintendent
On Tuesday,
October 24, advocates,
parents,
family members,
county board
professionals,
and Ohio lawmakers
will gather
at the Ohio
Statehouse to
celebrate 50
years of support,
advocacy, and
amazing stories
from Ohio's
county boards of developmental disabilities.
The event will take place from 10 am to 2 pm.
For information, visit alwaysthereforohio.org.
Families and children of the Fairfield DD Early Intervention
Program enjoyed some time at Ally Park
recently. They enjoyed activities and crafts based
around the children’s book The Rainbow Fish by J.
James. Pictured above are kiddos who were getting
acquainted with tadpoles and minnows. The
Early Intervention Program serves approximately
170 children, ages 0 to 3, a year by working closely
with their families. For information call 740.652.3225.
FAMILY MATTERS
All request forms are due into the Family Support
Service Program office on or before October 31,
2017. Call 740.652.7220, ext. 3728 with questions.