President Reagan proclaimed this in 1987. The goal for this month is to increase the public’s awareness and understanding of people who have developmental disabilities so that these individuals will have increased access in our communities to employment, education, housing and social opportunities.
We have many things planned at Metz this year. To kick off the month, we will be going to the County Commissioners’ meeting on Thursday at 10am. Here, they will formally declare March DD Awareness Month in Geauga County! A few of our individuals will be attending with us. Residents and other county officials will also be present.
We also have activities and projects planned with Help Me Grow, Adult Services, and the ICF. These include visits to the local schools to be guest readers, making gift baskets for the elderly, and even creating photo albums. We are all very excited to recognize this most important month of March.
The slogan for this year is “Look Beyond.” We encourage people everywhere to Look Beyond the disability and see the ability; the desire; the potential; and the future in all individuals!
Meet Ben
Ben is almost one year old and has Down syndrome and complete ACC (agenesis of the corpus allosum). He receives treatment through our Early Intervention Program at his home. He also comes to Metzenbaum once a month for swim therapy. Ben is progressing very well and has recently begun rolling over and sitting on his own!
When Ben’s parents found out about his disabilities, they were referred to The Metzenbaum Center through the Cleveland Clinic. Our knowledge with ACC made us the right choice for Ben’s care.
Ben’s mom has started a blog. Here, she is able to share with other parents of Down Syndrome children. The blog talks about the joys of being a parent and the challenges that come with disabilities. Be sure to check it out! The amazing and always cute stories of Ben and his family are sure to inspire us all!
Meet Alex
Alex is 30 years old and has been with The Metzenbaum Center since 1989 when he was seven.
His family moved to Chardon from Euclid and was referred to Metzenbaum. Alex was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at seven-months-old. When he first came to Metzenbaum, he attended our school. He continued with the Metzenbaum School until age 22. Now, Alex goes to MSI, our workshop, five days a week. There he works on several different projects a year.
This past summer, Alex went to Recreation Unlimited Camp near Columbus, Ohio.
He has gone for the last eight years and looks forward to it every year. He likes the fact that camp brings him some independence. He also likes that he does it by himself, without the help of family. This year he participated in boating, bowling, swimming — and even climbed a rock wall!
In April of this year, Alex received an iPad. He uses it to communicate and play games. His favorite game to play is Bingo. He also loves to look at the photo gallery and to show his pictures to family and friends! Alex likes to use the iPad independently, but he also shares his games and takes turns with others.
Alex has a great sense of humor and loves to play jokes on his family!
