Four years ago, a staff member at the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, LCBDD, suggested that staff members get together to play a game of kickball. Quickly, that idea morphed into including people with Developmental Disabilities, DD. And again, that idea quickly morphed into expanding the game of kickball into including other fun outdoor activities and including the general community, explained Lori Balogh, Community Inclusion Director for LCBDD, to The Toledo Journal.
On September 21, on the campus of the LCBDD, 1155 Larc Lane, that morphed idea fully manifested itself into enjoyable family fun day that featured various outdoor activities such as a bubble making station, manned by staff from the Imagination Station, a therapeutic pony in which everyone had the opportunity to pet, bike riding for everyone, especially for people who can’t ride independently and other activities. Even Spider Man and Spider Gwen made an appearance, both of whom became an obvious fan favorite at the event.
Further, stationed under a big tent were vendors offering various services to people with DD/their caregivers.
“This event gives members of the DD community time to interact with one another and enjoy things such as games and social interactions like everyone else,” said Ms. Balogh.
Performing at the event was I-Dance, a performing arts school for people with DD. At the school, students learn voice, piano, percussion and culinary skills.
Karen Medina, director, said besides learning the various skills the school has to offer, students get to interact more with one another and they’ve developed relationships with community leaders.
Steven Young works in the field and has a niece and nephew with DD. He said, “Events like this are so important because it shows those with DD, that people care about them and they can engage in activities, such as kickball, like everyone else in society.”
“Events like this take away the fear that they’re being judged by others,” said Elvira Gerden, who worked in the field and had family members with DD. “To feel like you’re not being judged while doing activities that everyone else in society does, is so important to those with DD.”
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