Perspectives March 2026

WHAT'S INSIDE?

Lenny

At five years old, Lenore, who goes by Lenny, is full of movement, curiosity, and personality. Sitting still is not really her style. As her mom, Alyssa, puts it, “She is very busy all the time.”

Lenny has a diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects multiple body systems. She has complex medical needs and multisensory impairments, including deafness and low vision. Lenny has undergone surgeries and spent much of her earliest life in the hospital, with significant medical needs. Lenny wears a BAHA hearing aid and communicates using a combination of American Sign Language, spoken language, and other supports.

Despite everything she has been through, Alyssa describes Lenny as “a very happy child,” a quick learner, and incredibly determined. “She picks up on things much faster than us,” Alyssa said. “Her memory is incredible.”

Lenny knows what she likes and is happy to share it. When asked about her favorite shows and books, her answers came quickly. She likes Bluey. She likes Daniel Tiger. She also likes The Very Hungry Caterpillar First Signs, a book in which she appears alongside other Deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

When asked what sign she used in the book, Lenny proudly answered, “More.” Seeing herself in the book was exciting, especially when she later spotted it in a bookstore. “When we went to Barnes and Noble, and she saw it there, she was very excited,” Alyssa shared. “It felt like a big moment for her.”

Language is a big part of Lenny’s world. Over the last two years, she has bee learning ASL. “When we can sign to her, she understands it much better,” Alyssa said. It helps fill in the gaps of what she might not have heard auditorily. “It really helps with her confidence and independence, particularly in busier or louder environments.”

Lenny has also been learning Braille at school with the help of her Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) and recently mastered the Braille alphabet on the Perkins Brailler. She is an avid reader and a strong speller. Alyssa believes that using both ASL and English has supported Lenny’s early literacy skills. “Finger spelling for words and using closed captioning has helped her a lot,” she said.

As Lenny became more medically stable, Alyssa began searching for support and information about language access and deaf education. That search led to the American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC). Lenny and her family are members, and Alyssa regularly attends webinars and virtual ASL storybook lessons. “They’ve been a really helpful resource for us,” Alyssa said. “As parents, to support her and for learning.”

Her family, like many hearing parents who have Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing children, is often not provided adequate resources in the early years to support language for their child. “We weren’t given resources or encouraged to learn or expose her to ASL.” Many parents are left to research and find supports on their own. Only 8-10% of hearing parents of Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing children learn and utilize ASL, and the absence of access to a signed language can lead to language deprivation for these children. Organizations and resources like ACDC provide parents with the tools and confidence to best advocate for their kids.

Lenny’s personality shines through in everything she does. She likes to build things. She likes to play and is a social butterfly. She is always moving, always exploring. “Nothing slows her down for very long,” Alyssa said.

As Lenny continues to grow, her mom hopes she always feels comfortable using the language that works best for her and confident advocating for herself. “I want her to feel comfortable and confident,” Alyssa said. “And using what communication feels most accessible for her.”

For Lenny, communication is not just about words. It is about connection, confidence, and being understood. And whether she is signing “more,” reading her favorite books, or racing from one activity to the next, Lenny is doing just that.

DCBDD Updates

Upcoming Board Meetings & Closures

BOARD MEETING

Thursday, March 12th at 6:30 p.m.

Byxbe Building, 1610 State Route 521

CLOSURES

Monday, May 25th

Where We'll Be

March 2nd

DCBDD Family Forum
- 6 p.m. Caribou Coffee, 1752 Columbus Pike, Delaware

March 4th

Wear Blue for Inclusion
DD Awareness & Advocacy Day
- Ohio Statehouse
Delaware Area Career Center Career Fair
- 9:30 a.m. DACC, 4565 Columbus Pike, Delaware

March 6th

Delaware County District Library Radio Show
- WDLR 96.7 FM / 1270 AM

March 11th

Coffee with a Cause: Disability Inclusion in Action
- 7 a.m. COhatch Polaris, 1554 Polaris Pkwy #325, Columbus

March 12th

DCBDD Board Meeting
- 6:30 p.m. Byxbe Building, 1610 State Rte 521, Delaware

March 17th

Buddies, Books, & Bubbles
- 6:30 p.m. DCDL Liberty, 7468 Steitz Rd, Powell

March 23rd

Regional Workshop: Advancing Accessibility in Central Ohio
- 12:30 p.m. Columbus Zoo 4850 Powell Rd, Powell

March 25th

Supports Through the Lifespan: A Conversation with OCALI’s Lifespan Transitions Center

March 28th

Genoa Township Bunny Trail
- 11 a.m. McNamara Park, 7049 Big Walnut Rd, Galena

March 31st

Game Changers: Fostering Inclusion & Accessibility at Ohio’s Sports’ Venues with the Cleveland Guardians and Columbus Blue Jackets
- 12 p.m. Webinar

Employee Spotlight

Happy work anniversary to Service & Support Administration Supervisor, Diana Barnhart, who celebrated 8 years with DCBDD in February.

Thank you for your dedication to the individuals and families we support. We appreciate all you do for the DCBDD team!

Community Events & Resources

DD Awareness Month with DCBDD

March is Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities and foster a community where everyone can thrive.

Every year, DCBDD and our partners host events, workshops, and forums to raise awareness, share resources, and promote inclusion. Here’s a snapshot of our 2026 schedule:

Wednesday, March 11 – Coffee with a Cause: Disability Inclusion in Action
- 7 a.m., COhatch Polaris, 1554 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus
- Hear from community leaders, including DCBDD’s Chase Waits, on disability inclusion in action.
Monday, March 23 – Regional Workshop: Advancing Accessibility in Central Ohio
- 12:30 – 4 p.m., Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
- Learn from local organizations on how to prioritize accessibility and inclusion.

Tuesday, March 31 – Game Changers Webinar: Fostering Inclusion at Ohio’s Sports Venues
- 12 p.m., Online
- Join a conversation with the Cleveland Guardians and Columbus Blue Jackets on making sports venues accessible and inclusive.
  Register for the Game Changers webinar.

Stay up-to-date on all events and share them with family, friends, people who receive DCBDD services, and providers by visiting:

Advocacy Roundtable: Know Your Voting Rights!

Friday, April 3rd 2026

Networking 8:30 a.m.

Program 9 – 11:30 a.m.

Byxbe Building

Join DCBDD to learn about the rights people with disabilities have in the voting booth! People served by DCBDD and their guardians can join us and the Delaware County Board of Elections to learn:

How to register to vote
What a ballot looks like
How to cast your ballot
What a levy is
What accessible assistance you have the right to when you vote
How guardians and supporters can assist people with disabilities

Provider Training Series: MUIs, UIs, and Reporting

MUIs, UIs, and Reporting

Wednesday, April 15th at 12 p.m.

This training will provide an overview of Unusual Incidents (UI) and Major Unusual Incidents (MUI) and the important role providers play in protecting the health and welfare of people with developmental disabilities. Participants will learn when and how to report incidents, what happens after a report is made, and how reporting supports safety, accountability, and quality services.

We will also discuss why incident reporting matters and how providers contribute to a strong health and welfare system. The training will highlight how thoughtful prevention planning can reduce future incidents and provide clearer guidance for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Creating clear, practical prevention plans is one of the most effective ways to support staff and ensure individuals receive safe, consistent care.

This session is designed to help providers feel more confident in their reporting responsibilities and strengthen their role in supporting the people they serve.

Next Chapter Book Club

Sunday, March 22nd at 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 19th at 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 17th at 3:30

DCDL Orange Branch

Make new friends and enjoy great stories at Next Chapter Book Club at the Orange Branch of the Delaware County Library. This adult and teen program welcomes individuals with disabilities who want to connect, learn, and have fun through reading. All abilities are encouraged to participate. Sign up for Next Chapter Book Club.

The Loop Bowling with Friends

Saturday, March 28th 2-4pm at Delaware Lanes

Thanks to an amazing donation from the Ohler Family, entry for Loopers is only $5 (includes shoe rental)

The Loop will group bowlers, 4 per lane. We’ll also have some fun props and games to encourage social interaction.
Family member cost is $12 (although we encourage you to let your Looper have some time with peers if they are comfortable)
At least one Loop volunteer per lane.
Pizza and snacks are available for purchase

Please RSVP with number of bowlers (in discussion section) by 3/25 so we can reserve lanes.