BUCYRUS — State Rep. Riordan McClain recently visited the Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Crawford DD), where he met with several representatives from both the local and state developmental disabilities community. The visit provided an opportunity for McClain to gain a deeper understanding of the critical services provided in Crawford County and the importance of ongoing local support.
McClain’s visit began with a tour of Richland Newhope Industries, Inc. (RNI), where he learned from Britni Smals about the wide range of opportunities available to individuals served by RNI. The visit highlighted how RNI empowers people with developmental disabilities to achieve greater independence and community involvement through meaningful work and skill-building.
The representative also toured Fairway Preschool, an inclusive early childhood education program serving children ages 3-5, both with and without disabilities. During the tour, McClain heard from Kim Pittman, director of education at Fairway Preschool, who shared how the program provides individualized educational experiences and developmental support that prepare children for lifelong learning.
Throughout the day, McClain engaged with local providers and advocates, including Chris Ritchie and Traci Pigg, representatives from Bridges to Independence, a residential provider, and Chrysalis Advantage Point, which provides adult day supports. He also met with Gabby Kozinski, former Ms. Wheelchair Ohio, Court Sturts, superintendent of Crawford DD, and Adam Herman and Jake Dowling, representatives from the Ohio Association of County Boards. Each participant shared valuable insights about the challenges and successes within Ohio’s developmental disabilities service system.
A key topic of discussion during the visit was the critical role of local property taxes in sustaining essential developmental disabilities services. Sturts explained that approximately 78% of the board’s funding comes from local property tax levies, underscoring the community’s vital role in ensuring continued support for individuals with developmental disabilities.
McClain’s visit reflected a growing commitment among state leaders to understand and support the essential work being done at the county level. His conversations and observations throughout the day reinforced the importance of continued collaboration between policymakers, service providers, and community members in strengthening opportunities for Ohioans with developmental disabilities.
“McClain’s visit provided a meaningful opportunity to showcase the impact of local developmental disabilities services and to advocate for the ongoing needs of individuals and families in our community,” said Sturts. “We appreciate his interest in learning more about the services and supports provided in Crawford County."
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