MEDINA — Several students from the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Leadership Academy attended the Medina County commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday to get a taste of public meetings.
The Leadership Academy is a six-month training opportunity for people with developmental disabilities to develop leadership and advocacy skills. The class covers topics such as understanding leadership, roles and responsibilities, problem-solving, interview skills and goal setting.
At the start of Tuesday’s meeting, board Superintendent Stacey Maleckar spoke about the Leadership Academy, noting that this is its third class since its start in 2023. She also introduced the students in attendance, including Shannon Harris, Nick Ryder and Kevin Winchester.
By attending Tuesday’s meeting, the three students fulfilled one of their activity requirements toward their graduation from the program. The students will graduate at the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ meeting on Sept. 22.
During the meeting, Harris spoke about her decision to take part in the Leadership Academy, later stating that she wants to become a peer-to-peer counselor.
“I feel like I can speak for others that can’t speak for themselves if they need help,” Harris said. “Also, to home in on my own leadership skills and more advocacy skills for myself. Even though I am pretty well-versed in it, I wanted to get more well-versed in it.”
In other news, Maleckar presented the Medina County commissioners with a letter of recognition on behalf of the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
The recognition follows the installation of a fully accessible restroom on the first floor of the Medina County Administration Building.
“The Medina County commissioners have demonstrated leadership by overseeing the installation of the first fully accessible universal changing restroom in a county building, showing a broader commitment to human dignity, family support and equal access to public spaces,” Maleckar read.
The universal changing restroom features several accommodations, including an adult-sized changing table, an accessible layout and privacy enhancements that exceed the standard ADA requirements.
Maleckar said that with the accessible restroom, the county commissioners set a precedent for future public infrastructure, demonstrating community values and respecting everyone’s needs.
“We recognize this initiative represents a significant and lasting investment in health, safety and dignity of all residents and visitors,” Maleckar said. We celebrate this milestone as a defining step forward in making our county truly welcoming for everyone.”
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