ASHTABULA — The Harbor turned orange Monday evening as the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities celebrated a special week designed to focus on the talents and energy of people with developmental disabilities.
More than 50 people attended the event on the upper floor of the Riverbend Hotel, which included board employees and clients served, as well as some individuals and companies that provide services.
The bridge will be lit orange throughout the month of March as a part of the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski said all three commissioners attended the event, and appreciate the work the board does for the county.
“The Ashtabula County Board of DD does truly outstanding work in our community, and I was pleased that we could join them,” he said.
“It was a meaningful opportunity to recognize the individuals, families, and dedicated professionals who work every day to empower people of all abilities to live full, independent, and thriving lives,” Kozlowski said. “We’re fortunate to have such a compassionate and committed team serving our county.”
The Monday event included a camera for people to take pictures and have them texted to their phones, snacks, and a chance to hang out with friends. The top floor of the hotel provided a great view of the bridge.
ACBDD Director of Quality and Community Outreach Manda Jackson said the event is designed to provide a format for awareness of those in the developmentally-disabled community that have so much to offer to the community.
A variety of events are scheduled this month, along with a focus on awareness through area coffee companies, where people can receive an ABCDD sleeve by purchasing a hot drink at a number of local businesses.
There are 30 agencies and 80 individual providers that serve about 550 county residents during the course of a year, Jackson said.
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