02/28/2026

Board of DD preparing for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Brian Haytcher

Preparations are underway for the start of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, which begins Sunday.

According to a press release from the Ashtabula County Board of DD, a series of community events are planned throughout March to highlight contributions of people with disabilities and encourage community inclusion.

“Our goal this month is to move beyond simple awareness and really focus on true community inclusion,” Board of DD Director of Quality and Community Outreach Manda Jackson said in the release. “Whether it’s through local art or a shared cup of coffee, we want to celebrate the fact that Ashtabula County is stronger when everyone is included.”

March 2-6 is DD Awareness Spirt Week, with local businesses, schools and community members encouraged to participate in daily themes to show support for inclusion.

Themes for the week are Wear Orange Day Monday, Mismatch Day Tuesday, Favorite Celebration Day Wednesday, Favorite Sports Team Day Thursday, and PJ Day Friday.

An art exhibition and reception will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday at the Ashtabula Public Library, featuring hand-crafted work created by artists supported by the board, according to the release.

Also planned for Monday is an event from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Riverbend Hotel as the lift bridge is lit up orange, the official color of DD awareness, according to the release.

The board has partnered with All Things Coffee, Harbor Perk, Scribblers and Wall Street Coffee to use orange coffee sleeves all month to promote awareness, according to the release.

Customers can scan a QR code on the sleeve for a chance to win prizes, including a gift card, a DD Awareness shirt and more, according to the release.

People can also post pictures of themselves with their orange sleeve and tag the Board of DD on social media, and one additional winner will be selected at the end of the month.

County residents are encouraged to wear orange throughout the month. and share photos on social media tagging the board of DD, according to the release.

Artist Nicole Mackellar will participate in the exhibition and reception at the library.

“I am happy that people can see my artwork and the talent I have to paint and crochet,” she said. “I want people to recognize my talents and the strengths that make me who I am.”