Community Star Awards winners announced; registration open for Oct. 8 event

Posted on August 7, 2025 by FCBDD Communications

Musician and self-advocate Genene Blackwell, one of the 2025 Community Star Award winners

Registration is open and winners have been announced for the 2025 Community Star Awards, an annual celebration of the Franklin County DD community and some of its most extraordinary people and partners. This year’s Star Awards takes place Wednesday, October 8, at The Boathouse at Confluence Park, 679 W. Spring St. in Columbus. The evening …

Franklin County DD offering fee waiver, transportation option for 2025 Synergy Conference

Posted on August 5, 2025August 5, 2025 by FCBDD Communications

Franklin County DD is now accepting fee-waiver requests to cover the full cost of the 2025 Synergy Conference fee for people served by Franklin County, along with a support person if needed. Franklin County DD also will provide a transportation option to and from the conference this year. Synergy takes place October 1-3 at the …

Teen honored with Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award

Posted on July 21, 2025 by FCBDD Communications

Racing around the track, which she does at a blistering pace, Aviva Pearce feels free. Worries and troubles can’t catch her. “I do love it,” the 14-year-old said. “It takes away all my problems.” Aviva was selected by her school as this year’s winner of the Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award, the highest honor a middle-school …

Book shares family’s journey of love, resilience

Posted on July 17, 2025July 17, 2025 by FCBDD Communications

Father and adult son smiling with a copy of their book

As he sifted through the scattered photos – there were hundreds, along with videos, letters and school art projects – Michael Ramsey realized he had a bigger job than just organizing his family pictures. “This was his legacy,” Ramsey said of his son Eric, now 36. “And it was the way to tell his story …

Franklin County DD welcomes new West Central School principal

Posted on July 16, 2025 by FCBDD Communications

Smiling woman with short, curly hair and glasses

Amy Comford, an occupational therapist who has spent almost all of her 30-year career in schools, has joined Franklin County DD as principal of West Central School and Transition Services. Comford replaces Rebecca Holthaus, who retired in June. “Amy is a conscientious and dynamic leader. Her enthusiasm for our students and their families and support …

Provider Fair returns to state fairgrounds Sept. 2

Posted on June 20, 2025August 11, 2025 by FCBDD Communications

Many people inside large hall lined with resource tables.

The 2025 Franklin County DD Provider and Community Resource Fair is set for Tuesday, Sept. 2, in Kasich Hall at the Ohio Expo Center. The free event allows people with disabilities, families and caregivers to connect in person with dozens of service providers, community-resource organizations and — new this year — employers. Provider tables and …

Franklin County DD welcomes new board members

Posted on February 3, 2025 by FCBDD Communications

Smiling woman sitting next to adult daughter in wheelchair

Three people with deep experience in disability issues and advocacy are the newest members of the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Franklin County Commissioners appointed Rebecca Swartz, Katherine Silver Kelly and Gene Harshaw to four-year terms on the agency board. They took their seats at the January meeting, where members also elected Dean Fadel …

Franklin County DD announces new logo

Posted on January 27, 2025 by FCBDD Communications

Starting this month, the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities is rolling out a new logo. Bold, bright hues of teal and gold show off an outline of the state, a star pinpointing our location in the Columbus area, and a shortened version of the agency’s name: Franklin County DD. “We hope it catches on,” …

National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Start the conversation

Posted on October 7, 2024October 7, 2024 by FCBDD Communications

Smiling woman with glasses and red shirt and sweater

Recently I read a book about ableism, specifically about ableism in the church. It included a nugget of research that is truly startling. The author noted a 2018 study by the disability equality organization SCOPE that found 67% of people were uncomfortable talking to someone with a disability. Let that sink in. Two-thirds were afraid …