NAPOLEON — Mayor Joseph Bialorucki read a proclamation declaring March “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” during the Napoleon City Council meeting Monday.
The proclamation noted the Henry County Board of Developmental Disabilities has served county residents for more than 50 years. The board, operating under the name HOPE Services, serves about 400 individuals.
Dawn McBride, a developmental specialist with HOPE Services, explained she works with infants and toddlers who have medical diagnoses, such as Down Syndrome. There also could be alcohol and drug-addicted babies born in Henry County, and youngsters who could be behind in language skills.
“Communication is probably the number one reason that kids are referred (to Hope Services) right now,”sShe said.
HOPE Services provides services to individual from birth through adulthood, with, “a lot of different services,” McBride said.
She introduced Christina Clark, who is involved with the adult program. Clark said she works as the morning receptionist for HOPE Services, is involved with Voices of Hope, an advocacy group, and the Hope Foundation.
McBride said Clark lives with roommates. She has a provider, who provides services when needed.
Bialorucki discussed his experiences with HOPE Services, including through Special Olympics. He’s on the golf team, partnered with another player who receives services. They practice together.
“We’ve worked really hard. We won our regional, that was at Findlay. Then we went to state in Columbus, and we came in fourth place. I’m looking forward to doing that again this year.”
He noted his partner, “has taught me a lot where I get a bad shot. And I may have said something I probably shouldn’t have.”
His partner said, “’It’s okay, you know we all get bad shots.’”
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