- Feature Story
- May 5th Levy Request
- DCBDD Updates
- Employee Spotlight
- Community Events
- Community Resources
Kelly's Story
May 5th Levy Request
On May 5, 2026, Delaware County voters will be asked to consider a 2.0 mill renewal with a 0.7 mill additional levy for the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DCBDD).This levy will continue funding essential services that support children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families throughout Delaware County.
What is Being Requested?
Levy Type: 2.0 mill renewal + 0.7 mill additional
Length: 5 years
Estimated Cost:
$65.00 per year per $100,000 of home value
Approximately $5.42 per month per $100,000 of home value
All levy dollars remain in Delaware County and may only be used to support services for eligible county residents.
What Levy Funds Support
Local levy funding helps provide essential services for over 2,300 people in Delaware County such as:
- Early Intervention (birth through 2):
- Provides coaching and developmental supports for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, helping children build skills and preparing families for long-term success
- Service and Support Administration (case management):
- Partners with individuals, their families, and service providers to plan, coordinate, and monitor services that support health, safety, independence, and community participation
- Family Support Services
- Provides person-centered and family-centered supports that help individuals with developmental disabilities participate in their communities and maintain family stability
Local tax dollars are statutorily required to fund the Medicaid match, which is DCBDD’s largest budget driver
- Personal care and daily living supports
- Employment and job retention supports
- Home accessibility and safety modifications
- Transportation and community participation supports
DCBDD Updates
Upcoming Board Meetings & Closures
BOARD MEETING
Thursday, May 14th at 6:30 p.m.
Byxbe Building, 1610 State Route 521
CLOSURES
Monday, May 25th
Superintendent Kris Hodge's Column in the Delaware Gazette
Where We'll Be
Delaware's First Friday
May 1, 6 - 9 p.m.
Downtown Delaware’s First Friday returns in May with a special partnership with Delaware County District Library as part of the COSI Science Festival Community Events lineup. Families can enjoy free children’s activities, explore downtown shops, and dine at local restaurants while spending time together in the community. Free COSI Learning Lunchboxes will also be distributed from the library’s Bookmobile while supplies last, with one box available per child who is present with an adult at pickup. Businesses will stay open late, making it a fun evening to explore all that Downtown Delaware has to offer.
Buckeye Valley Middle School Career & Community Day
May 4, 10 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Buckeye Valley Middle School
Buckeye Valley Middle School is hosting an Outdoor Career and Community Day to help students explore the wide range of careers and community services available close to home. Designed as a mix of a traditional career fair and a hands-on “Touch-a-Truck” experience, the event will connect students with local businesses, trades professionals, and community organizations through interactive demonstrations and conversations about the work that keeps the community running. The event will take place outdoors on Buckeye Valley Middle School’s campus.
Delaware Public Health District Caregivers Focus Group
May 12, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Dublin City Preschool Springtacular
May 14, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Dublin City Preschool
DCBDD Board Meeting
May 14, 6:30 p.m.
Delaware County Byxbe Building
SourcePoint Health & Wellness Expo
May 19, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Delaware County Fairgrounds, Agriculture Building
SourcePoint’s Health & Wellness Expo returns to the Delaware County Fairgrounds with more than 75 exhibitors offering free health screenings and wellness resources for adults ages 55 and older. Attendees can take advantage of convenient shuttle service from SourcePoint at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon, or use on-site golf cart transportation from parking areas to the entrance. Lunch will also be available for purchase from Pitabilities Food Truck from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Westerville's Fourth Friday
May 22, 6 - 9 p.m.
Westerville’s Fourth Friday festival invites the community to historic Uptown Westerville as State Street closes for an evening of entertainment and community fun. Attendees can enjoy a summer concert series on the lawn of Hanby School House, roving entertainment, food trucks, pop-up vendors, and shopping and dining at local Uptown businesses. Adults can also enjoy beverages within Uptown’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area while exploring the event.
Delaware County Reentry Coalition Resource Fair
May 26, 3 - 6 p.m.
Delaware County Byxbe Building
This event features a variety of resources and information for justice-involved individuals (includes those who have a criminal record, on probation/parole, or previously incarcerated) over the age of 18 and their families.
Employee Spotlight
Happy work anniversary to Service & Support Administrator, Susan Swipas, who celebrated 24 years with DCBDD in April.
Thank you for your dedication to the individuals and families we support. We appreciate all you do for the DCBDD team!
Community Events
Access to Leadership: DCBDD's Leadership Program for Adults Served by DCBDD
Access to Leadership has moved to Wednesday evenings from 4:30–6:00 p.m., making it even easier to fit this opportunity into busy schedules. This is a great opportunity for adults served by DCBDD who are interested in building leadership skills.
Access to Leadership is a six-month program for adults with developmental disabilities served by DCBDD who want to grow as leaders and become more involved in their communities. Participants attend monthly sessions at community locations and complete additional activities outside of class time.
Program topics include leadership development, communication and active listening, time management, interview skills, nonprofit board structure, and setting personal leadership goals.
Application details:
Applicants must be adults with developmental disabilities served by DCBDD
An application is required (or individuals can call 740-201-5833 for assistance)
A selection interview is part of the process (space is limited)
Participants must commit to all six sessions and program activities
Applications are now open, so please help spread the word to individuals who may be a good fit. The selection committee may contact applicants with follow-up questions as part of the review process.
Questions? Direct inquiries to Mallory Workman at Mallory.Workman@dcbdd.org or 740-201-5833.
Free Election Day Transportation from Delaware County Transit
Ohio Deaf and Blind Education Services Family University Conference
May 9, 2026, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Check-in 9:30 – 10 a.m.)
Family University is a free conference designed for families of children who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, Visually Impaired, or Deafblind. Held at The Childhood League Center, the event offers opportunities to connect with other families, explore local support agencies, and participate in breakout sessions focused on wellness for children. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided, and ASL/English interpreting will be available. A food truck will also be on site for additional purchases. Families who need support with childcare are encouraged to reach out to event organizers.
Next Chapter Book Club
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.
DSACO's iCan Bike Camp
June 1–5, 2026
Columbus Academy
4300 Cherry Bottom Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
Multiple Session Times
iCan Bike Camp is a weeklong program hosted at Columbus Academy in Gahanna that helps individuals with disabilities learn to ride a bike independently. Led by trained staff and supported by dedicated volunteers, participants build confidence, independence, and social connection through hands-on instruction and encouragement. Volunteers age 14 and older are paired with riders to provide physical and motivational support throughout the week and are encouraged to attend all five days. The camp fee is $225, and applications are available for both riders and volunteers.
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.