Perspectives June 2026

WHAT'S INSIDE?

Wally Takes the Polar Plunge

Wally had always wanted to do the Polar Plunge. “It’s been on my bucket list,” she said. This year, Delaware County Special Olympics organized a team, so she finally decided to go for it. “I know it’s frozen cold water, but I just wanted to… get the experience,” Wally explained. “I know, crazy, but I’ve kind of got to do it once, at least, just to see how it really is.”

Sports have always been a big part of Wally’s life. She loves playing and watching them. Over the years, she’s participated in soccer, basketball, volleyball, bowling, golf, powerlifting, and recently began playing softball. Golf has become her favorite, and this year her father is taking her to Scotland for her 40th birthday, where she’s excited to play at St. Andrews.

Beyond sports, family means everything to Wally. “I have my mom, my dad, and my stepdad. I have two brothers and three sisters. I’m the baby in the family. I also have four nephews and five nieces.” She described how her family supports each other. They cheer at marathons, graduations, and family gatherings.

Her work is also a source of joy. Wally has been at All R Friends, an adult day support program, for seventeen years. “I work with our individuals… I help them with activities, physical activity. We take them out to the community, like, twice, three times a week. We do swimming, movies, a lot of fun things, so it’s an awesome program.”

Wally credits the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities for helping her achieve important milestones. Gaining her driver’s license, which took four years and significant encouragement from her Service & Support administrator, stands out as a major accomplishment. She also feels proud to live on her own and appreciates her strong support network.

Special Olympics has been part of Wally’s life for about twenty years. She became involved through friends and quickly joined more sports. In Delaware County, she has experienced a close-knit, family-like connection. Friends, coaches, and volunteers make every season special. What Wally enjoys most are the connections and bonds formed among athletes, coaches, and volunteers.

This sense of community makes events like the Polar Plunge even more meaningful. Wally was excited to share the day with her friends and teammates. Inspired by these experiences, Wally hopes more people in Delaware County come out and see what Special Olympics is about. “If you haven’t checked it out before, it’s unbelievable. Just the smiles on people’s faces after they get done, or just cheering people on. It’s unbelievable. It makes their day.”

Now, after the plunge, Wally is looking forward to her Scotland golf trip, a visit to Hilton Head Island, and maybe even the National Special Olympics in Cleveland in 2030. “Just to go and volunteer, just going out there and seeing everything—it’s amazing.”

Ultimately, for Wally, the Polar Plunge was more than a challenge. It was a chance to be with friends, try something new, and celebrate the community she loves. “I just want to say thank you to Delaware County for everything you guys do. You’re amazing.”

DCBDD Updates

DCBDD Earns 3-year Accreditation

We are proud to announce that the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities has been awarded a 3 Year Accreditation by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities! This recognition, the highest award possible, reflects our team’s unwavering dedication to high-quality supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families in our community.

DCBDD Marches in City of Powell Memorial Day Parade

A group of people participating in a parade, pushing strollers and holding American flags, with spectators on the roadside.

A parade featuring participants holding a banner with text and images, including a person in a wheelchair, onlookers, and a vehicle with blue and white balloons in the background.

People participating in a parade, with a child in a wagon holding American flags, surrounded by adults in coordinated blue shirts.

A parade scene with a smiling person in the foreground giving a thumbs-up, surrounded by people walking and sitting along a street.

A crowd gathers for a community event, with a focus on a man in a "not broken" shirt and a person in a wheelchair.

People walking in a parade with a banner for the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

People at an outdoor event, walking along a road with trees in the background.

A man waving from inside a silver truck with blue and white balloons attached to the side mirror.

A group of people holding a banner for the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities, surrounded by blue and white balloons.

Group marching with a banner from the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

DCBDD families, individuals served, and staff had a wonderful time observing Memorial Day with the City of Powell by marching in their parade! Thank you to everyone who participated and showed their support. We look forward to more opportunities to come together as a community!

Upcoming Board Meetings & Closures

BOARD MEETING

Thursday, June 11th at 6:30 p.m.
Byxbe Building, 1610 State Route 521

CLOSURES

Friday, June 19th

Where We'll Be

Got a Story to Tell?

Has DCBDD made a difference in your life or the life of your family member? We want to hear from people who receive services, families, caregivers, and advocates about what these supports and connections mean to you.

Your story can help others better understand the impact of services, inclusion, advocacy, independence, and community support in Delaware County.

Whether it’s a small moment or a life-changing experience, your voice matters and could help inspire others in our community.

If you would like to share your story, please contact Mackenzie Waxler at mackenzie.waxler@dcbdd.org

Employee Spotlight

Happy work anniversary to Service & Support Administration Supervisor Julie Streb, who celebrated 10 years with DCBDD in May.

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

Community Events

Where to Find Momentum Refresh

In 2026, DCBDD is sponsoring Momentum Refresh at events around the county! Check out where you can find the van in June 2026!

Delaware First Friday: June 5
Buckeye Valley Touch-a-Truck: June 13
Powell Festival: June 18-20

Momentum Refresh provides clean, safe, and comfortable mobile adaptive restrooms designed specifically for individuals (and their caregivers) who struggle with or are unable to use standard accessible public restrooms. These restrooms are equipped with comprehensive features, including an overhead ceiling hoist, height-adjustable adult changing tables, sinks, showers, and customizable grab bars.

Fishing Has No Boundaries

On June 13th, Fishing Has No Boundaries of Central Ohio and Buckeye Boat Club will be hosting their Spring Adaptive Fishing Event at Hoover Reservoir! Enjoy a great, inclusive day exploring the nature Central Ohio has to offer through fishing for only $5 per participant!

Supplies for Scholars

Registration for Supplies for Scholars 2026 is now OPEN!

Register your Delaware County student to receive FREE school Supplies.

Questions? Check out the Supplies for Scholars FAQ.

Ohio Young Adult Advisory Council (OYAC)

The Ohio Young Adult Advisory Council (OYAC) is a statewide initiative focused on elevating the voices of young adults with disabilities and ensuring their lived experiences help shape policies, programs, and services across Ohio. OYAC creates meaningful opportunities for young adults to share their perspectives, influence statewide decisions, and help improve systems designed to support them. Meetings are held virtually twice each month and provide a welcoming, supportive space where every voice matters. Young adults interested in advocacy, leadership, and making a difference are encouraged to learn more and get involved. Email michaeluheryeti@gmail.com for more information or to get connected.

Community Resources

Blue Envelope Program

The Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities Blue Envelope Program is a simple tool designed to support safer, more effective communication between individuals with developmental disabilities and law enforcement. The blue envelope holds important documents and key information, such as communication preferences or emergency contacts, that can be shared during a traffic stop or other interaction.

This program is a partnership with local law enforcement agencies to promote understanding, reduce stress during encounters, and help ensure everyone’s safety. Blue envelopes are free and available at several locations throughout Delaware County.

Keith's Law

Keith’s Law is an Ohio law designed to improve safety and communication between individuals with disabilities and first responders during emergencies. It created a voluntary, statewide database that allows individuals or families to share important information, such as communication needs, medical considerations, or behavioral supports, ahead of a crisis.

When a 9-1-1 call is made, this information can be accessed by emergency personnel, helping them better understand the person’s needs and respond more safely, effectively, and compassionately.

Keith’s Law builds on Ohio’s earlier Communication Disability Law by expanding the database to include individuals with a wide range of disabilities, not just communication-related needs. Participation is optional, and information is kept confidential.

iBill Money Identifier

The Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities iBill Money Identifier Program provides a free, easy-to-use device that helps individuals who are blind or visually impaired identify U.S. currency. The handheld iBill device quickly reads the value of paper bills using speech, vibration, or tone patterns, making everyday transactions more accessible and accurate.

Through a partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, eligible individuals can receive an iBill at no cost. The device is small, portable, and designed for independence, helping users confidently manage money at home and in the community.