My name is Paul Marcum. I am 40 years of age. I have Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. I first came into contact with the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities in 1992 when I became unable to take care of my physical needs. Edna Samms came out to where I lived with my parents, and got aide services arranged for me.

As the years went by, I got other services as needed, which allowed me considerable growth as a person.

In 1999, Nancy Richards was looking for a part-time data entry clerk. I was interviewed for that job, and when it was offered to me, I accepted. A year later, I was given the opportunity to participate in a partnership between Delaware County Habitat for Humanity and the County Board to build a home for an individual with a disability. With the assistance of both organizations, I have been a proud homeowner for more than 5 years. I have become a board member of Delaware Creative Housing

to help other people with disabilities to live in the community. Overall, I would say that the person I am today is as much from help from the county board as any other factor.