As we settle into the heart of winter, I find myself reflecting on the quiet beauty of this season. The world slows, the air grows colder, and even in the early darkness, there is something profoundly hopeful happening. Every day, the light lingers a little longer. We may not notice it at first, but minute by minute, the days begin to grow.
Progress often shows up that way. Not in grand gestures, but in small moments that signal something brighter ahead.
This time of year reminds me that growth and progress don’t always look bold or obvious. Sometimes they look like families finding the right support at the right time. Sometimes they look like a child discovering how to communicate, or an adult finding a job that gives them purpose. And sometimes they look like a community opening its arms a little wider.
Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about how far our field has come. When I started my career in this field over 25 years ago, it was almost unheard of to include a person served by a county board at the decision-making table. People with developmental disabilities were present in our mission but rarely present in our leadership. Today, we know better, and we do better. We understand that lived experience is not just valuable, it is essential. In 2023, the Ohio Legislature codified in statute that at least one person with developmental disabilities must be appointed to each county board of developmental disabilities by the county’s commissioners. The statute further notes that this is effective for any initial appointment or new vacancy after July 1, 2025. I am deeply grateful that the Delaware County Board of Commissioners will soon be appointing a person with developmental disabilities to serve on the board that governs our agency. A person with firsthand insight will shape our work in ways no training, certification, or policy ever could. This new board member will bring insights grounded in real life, insights that remind us who we serve, why we serve, and how we must continue to evolve.
The very possibility of this appointment is a powerful symbol of the progress we have made and the progress still to come. It is one more sign that the light is growing. As we move through the winter months, I hope we each take time to notice the quiet beauty around us. The calm of a fresh snow, the peace of a cold morning, and the comfort of a community that cares deeply about one another. This season invites us to pause, reflect, and gather strength for what lies ahead.
In Delaware County, we are fortunate to be part of a community filled with dedicated partners, passionate families, and remarkable individuals who inspire us daily. Every one of you contributes to a place where people are not just supported—but valued, included, and celebrated.
As superintendent, I am filled with hope. Not because everything is easy, but because I see every day how committed we are to creating a future where all people can live personally fulfilling lives. Thank you for walking with us through every season.
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