Coshocton Board of DD recognizes community allies
COSHOCTON — Recognizing those who go above and beyond for individuals with disabilities was the focus of the annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Luncheon Wednesday at Coshocton Village Inn and Suites.
Six awards were given recognizing individuals and businesses in the community who offer support, inspiration and services to those with disabilities. It was the first in-person luncheon in two years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. About 50 people were in attendance.
Steve Oster, superintendent for the Boards of DD of Coshocton and Knox counties, said the luncheon started in 2009.
"It's good to educate the community on disabilities and how far they've come over the last five to 10 years. Advances have gotten better and better. There's more people working in the community now," Oster said. "It just gives awareness to all the great things happening."
Award winners were:
• Lacey Richcreek received the Individual Spotlight Award as someone with a developmental disability who overcame adversity to achieve or go beyond expectations. Richcreek has cerebral palsy, but hasn't let that stop her from playing the piano and cello, skiing and obtaining a job as an assistant activities director with AlterCare of Coshocton. She also makes videos about having cerebral palsy and her life, which she shares on social media, and started an online support group.
"It was an honor to be recognized by people who I want to help in the future," Richcreek said. "It really hit me on what I'm doing, especially when I'm getting messages from thousands of people across the world through TikTok and other social media, that I'm helping others on how to treat their siblings or whoever better."
• First Step Family Violence Intervention Services earned the Employer Award. The organization which helps families dealing with violent and abusive situations has an employee with disabilities who works as the lead in the clothing room, sorting items and helping people to find clothes. First Step was commended for creating an inclusive environment with others working alongside the DD individual and including them in daily operations.
"All people have abilities and strengths, so it's awareness from us to have someone considered to have a disability providing a great support for us, working with us as a team, being part of our community and giving to our community," said Vicki Casey, First Step executive director. "Years ago this wouldn't be the norm hiring such individuals into your agency. The hope is in the future it will be for our community's agencies and businesses."
• Jen Jones was given the Local Hero Award as someone from the community who gives without expecting anything in return while supporting and guiding those with disabilities. Jones started Autism, Support, Knowledge (ASK), a group dedicated to helping people learn about autism. She pulled together first responders to offer safety training to families. She has written several articles relating to disabilities and disability services, including a series on Help Me Grow.
• Shelby Theaters took the Community Partner Award for offering sensory-sensitive movies to the community. One nominator said their brother had never been to a movie before because they worried about him sitting for so long and the noise, but he enjoyed the movie at Shelby Theaters.
• Dedication Awards went to Cedar Casey and Deana Cushman for the care they give to those with disabilities.
Casey has been with Horizons for nearly three years. She was promoted to a team lead in her first year and is now a shift manager for one of the agency's group homes. Casey bought games and activities with her own money and helped individuals decorate their homes.
Cushman has been an independent provider for David Hahn for about 13 years. Cushman said Hahn feels like a member of her family and he even went with her to accept the Dedication Award. Cushman encourages Hahn to be as independent as possible and make his own decisions. She helped him move into his own apartment.
"He's part of my family. I wouldn't have gotten this (award) if it wasn't for David," Cushman said. "David's just a blessing."
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This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Coshocton Board of DD recognizes community allies
