Special Needs Living Akron/Canton- August 2022

AUGUST 2022

Introducing

Emily

and The Improvaneers!

Photo by Julian Curet

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August 2022

Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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pictures say thousands of words

Beauty Belongs to Everyone A story shared simply through images:

Meet Stacy Albright

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August 2022

Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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n2co.com Delivering Neighborhood Connections © 2022 The N2 Company, Inc.

I M P O RTA N T

COMMU NI T Y CONNECTI ON S

NEED TO KNOW WHO TO CONNECT WITH TO ASK A QUESTION? THIS IS WHERE YOU FIND OUT WHO YOU NEED TO KNOW! Akron Blind Center Phone: (330) 253-2555 Website: www.akronblindcenter.org The Akron Blind Center, Inc. is a membershipbased nonprofit organization incorporated in 1948 to serve the blind and low vision communities. They also provide resources, programs, services, and classes for Summit and surrounding counties.

Akron Children’s Hospital Phone: (330) 543-1000 Website: www.akronchildrens.org Akron Children’s Hospital has been caring for children since 1890, and its pediatric specialties are ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. With two hospital campuses, four health centers, and 50+ primary and specialty care locations throughout Ohio, they’re making it easier for today’s busy families to find the high-quality care they need.

Arc of Ohio Phone: (234) 571-5689 Website: www.thearcofohio.org The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

Autism Society of Greater Akron Phone: (330) 940-1441 Website: www.autismakron.org The Autism Society is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots autism organization committed to improving the lives of those affected by autism. The Greater Akron affiliate was founded in 1987 by parent volunteers of children with autism.

Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) Website: www.ood.ohio.gov/ individuals-with-disabilities/services/ services-for-the-visually-impaired Medina, Portage, and Summit Counties Phone: 330-643-3080 Carroll and Stark Counties Phone: 330-438-0500 BSVI assists eligible people, beginning at age 14, with low vision and blindness by providing direct, personalized services to assist them in finding and retaining meaningful work and personal independence. Basic services include personal and work adjustment training, vocational training, mental and physical restoration, and placement assistance.

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Call 211 Phone: 211 Website: www.211.org Serving four counties and covering 1.5 million people in Ohio, the United Way 2-1-1 Help Center provides free and confidential 24-hour access to a compassionate professional who will review your options for help, develop a plan and act as your advocate if you are faced with barriers to service.

Simply dial 2-1-1 or chat with us for assistance.

Se habla Espanol.

Compassion Delivered Phone: (330) 575-0996 Website: www.compassiondelivered.org Compassion Delivered provides medically-tailored nutritional meals to people coping with chronic, lifethreatening illnesses and diseases.

Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio Phone: (216) 447-8763 Website: www.dsaneo.org The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio is a nonprofit that provides support, education, advocacy, and resources for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community.

Greenleaf Family Center (Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services) Phone: 330-376-9494 Website: www.greenleafctr.org Greenleaf is a nonprofit organization that strengthens families in our community through counseling, education, and support. By offering a variety of programs and services, we are here to help families with the many challenges of daily living and personal crises.

Help Me Grow Phone: (330) 492-8136 Website: https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/ help-me-grow/help-me-grow Help Me Grow is Ohio’s evidence-based parent support program that encourages early prenatal and well-baby care, as well as parenting education to promote the comprehensive health and development of children. Help Me Grow System includes Central Intake, Help Me Grow Home Visiting, and Help Me Grow Early Intervention.

Ohio’s Parent Mentor Project Phone: (844) 382-5452 Website: www.parentmentor.osu.edu It is the mission of the Ohio Parent Mentors to provide the necessary support and resources to families of children with disabilities and the professionals that serve them by connecting families, schools, and the community to the benefit of students with disabilities.

Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities Phone: (844) 382-5452 Website: www.ocecd.org The OCECD is a statewide nonprofit organization that serves families of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities in Ohio, educators, and agencies who provide services to them.

Ohio Department of Medicaid Phone: (800) 324-8680 Website: www.medicaid.ohio.gov The ODM provides health care coverage to more than 3 million Ohioans through a network of more than 165,000 providers. Learn more about Ohio’s largest state agency and the ways in which they continue to improve wellness and health outcomes for the individuals and families served at our website.

Ohio Dept of Job and Family Services Phone: (800) 720-9616 Website: www.jfs.ohio.gov The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is responsible for managing many vital programs that directly affect the lives of Ohioans.

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Planning Council Website: www.ddc.ohio.gov Phone: 800-766-7426 The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is a planning and advocacy body committed to community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.

It is the mission of the ODDC to create change that improves independence, productivity, and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. This council is made up of over 30 members, with the majority being individuals with developmental disabilities and parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities who are appointed by the Governor of Ohio.

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Phone: (800) 282-4536 Website: www.ood.ohio.gov Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the state agency that empowers Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. It is accomplished through its Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR), Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI), and Division of Disability Determination (DDD). A fourth area is the Division of Employer and Innovation Services (EIS), which is responsible for establishing and maintaining partnerships with employers.

People First in Ohio Website: www.peoplefirstohio.org People First of Ohio is a statewide organization that works with state legislators and builds relationships with other advocacy groups and state agencies. These relationships promote better interaction among people who make decisions in the communities and the state.

Philomatheon Society of the Blind Phone: 330-453-9157 Website: www.philomatheon.com This organization is a gathering of blind and visually impaired people, along with sighted family and friends, with a mission and goal to help the blind and visually impaired in the community to help themselves to remain or to become able to live independently and an active member of their community.

Red Treehouse - Ronald McDonald Family Website: www.redtreehouse.org Supporting the well-being of families and children with challenges, disabilities, and health care needs. Finding tools, organizations, and events in the community to meet the needs of families.

Join Now! Call or email Today!

PATHFINDERS PROGRAM @Jason’s Place

Sharing Solutions Phone: (330) 546-2001 Website: www.sharingsolutions.info A community of parents/guardians of individuals from transition to adult age with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, professionals who serve the IDD community, caregivers, and policy makers. The focus is to provide information, support, and assistance to all. Everyone is encouraged to play an active role in sharing their resources, knowledge, and experiences.

Social Security Administration - Akron Phone: (800) 772-1213 Website: www.secure.ssa.gov

Registration Open!

CALL NOW!

Social Security Administration - Canton Phone: (877) 255-1509 Website: www.secure.ssa.gov The Social Security Administration assigns Social Security numbers and administers the Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance programs. They also administer the Supplemental Security Income program for the aged, blind, and disabled.

Stark County Board of DD Phone: (330) 477-5200 Website: www.starkdd.org Stark DD connects individuals and families with the services persons with developmental disabilities need for health, safety, education, and quality of life.

Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board Phone: (330) 634-8000 Website: www.summitdd.org Summit DD offers early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, as well as transition services for students with developmental disabilities to vocational, habilitation, and retirement programs for adults.

TRIAD Deaf Services Phone: (330) 768-7272 Website: www.triadds.org TRIAD Deaf Services Inc is an agency providing services to the deaf community in Stark, Carroll, and Tuscarawas Counties. They provide support services, interpreting, leadership, deaf advocacy, and education.

Have a suggestion for an important connection that could be added to this page? Email your suggestion to rick.miller@n2pub.com.

DISCLAIMER: This publication is owned by The N2 Company and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any club, developer, or homeowners association. Articles and advertisements in this publication and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 but remain solely those of the author(s) or advertiser(s). The paid advertisements contained within this magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2.

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Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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This section is here to give our readers easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood vendor to use. Get to know the businesses who make this magazine possible. Please support them in return and thank them if you get the chance!

ABA SERVICES Applied Behavioral Connections Kristen Maple (330) 309-3133 info@appliedbehavioralconnections.com

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY CARE Easterseals Northern Ohio Conor McGarvey (234) 417-0250 www.easterseals.com/noh

INDEPENDENT PRIVATE SCHOOL Wings of Change Therapy Inc Erica Myers (234) 334-0044 www.wingsofchangetherapyinc.com

ACCESSIBILITY & SAFETY MODIFICATIONS JTEK Solutions Group, LLC Jared Chevraux (330) 323-0943 www.jtekgroup.com

The Workshops, Inc Rachel Doty (330) 497-3399 www.choosetwi.com

INSURANCE AGENT American Family - Richard Corns Haley Seifert (234) 714-2300

DISABILITY RESOURCES REM Ohio, Inc Jo Spargo (330) 644-9730 www.rem-oh.com

JOB PLACEMENT SERVICES Independent Employment Services Malcolm Porter (330) 388-5778 www.independentemploy.com

EDUCATION SERVICES Jason’s Place Melissa Hadnett (234) 714-9815 Facebook

NON-PROFIT GentleBrook Francie Kell (330) 877-7700 www.gentlebrook.org

Red Line Advocacy Brandie Hazelett (234) 678-9622 www.redlineadvocacy.com

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION GiGi’s Playhouse Canton Megan Vance (330) 493-9114 www.gigisplayhouse.org/canton

ADULT DAY SUPPORT Premier Approach, LLC Christian Manns (330) 312-6909 www.facebook.com/PremierApproachLLC ANIMAL FENCE/TRAINING DogWatch of Northeast Ohio Donnie Myers (330) 915-6036 www.dogwatchneo.com CHURCH The Chapel Green Amy Troyer (330) 315-5501 www.facebook.com/greenspecialneeds COFFEE CAFE Whole Latte Love Cafe Beth Humbert (234) 360-2233 www.wholelattelovecafe.org COUNTY DISABILITIES BOARD Stark Board of Developmental Disabilities Lisa Parramore (330) 479-3934 www.starkdd.org

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EQUESTRIAN CENTER Pegasus Farm Shelley Sprang (330) 935-2300 www.pegasusfarm.org HOME BUILDER Charis Homes Glenna Wilson (330) 833-4527 www.charishomes.com HOME CARE SERVICES SafeInHome - Ohio (740) 207-5800 www.safeinhome.com

PERSONAL LEGACY PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT The Preferred Legacy Trust Company Tiffany Rockstroh (330) 209-9229 www.preferredlegacy.com PRIVATE SCHOOL The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children Gina Bannevich (330) 493-4400 www.goldenkeyschool.com

REAL ESTATE AGENT Tara Nelson - Keller Williams Chervenic Realty Tara Nelson (330) 899-1644 www.taranelson.kw.com

RESTORATION & CLEANING Brahlers Cleaning & Restoration Stacy Ignacio (330) 834-0008 www.brahlerscrr.com

THEATRE Canton Palace Theatre Laura Strader (330) 454-8172 www.cantonpalacetheatre.org

REALTOR® eXp Realty : The Amy Wengerd Group Amy Wengerd (330) 681-6090 www.amysguarantee.com

SUPPORT GROUP Sharing Solutions www.sharingsolutions.info

TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER CLEARVIEW DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES Dean Miller (330) 224-4403 Facebook

Our mission is to spread HELP, HOPE & ANSWERS! Easterseals has, for almost 100 years, provided services to children and adults with disabilities and special needs, and their families.

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Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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Meet Your Akron/Canton

Special Needs Living MAGAZINE TEAM

Rick Miller Owner

Mike Sturdivant Content Director

Joy Brown Publishing Assistant

Andrea Hurr Writer

Deborah Riley Writer

Melissa Klatt Writer

Sarah Smith Writer

Julian Curet Photographer

Malcolm Porter Photographer

Michelle Herdlick Photographer

Dave Keller Client Concierge

Looking For Fun & Exciting Ways To Spend Your Day? PREMIER APPROACH IS THE PLACE FOR YOU! We offer a variety of community activities, all of which are chosen by participants of the program. At Premier Approach you’ll enjoy a fun, friendly & relaxed atmosphere. Get out and enjoy the things you already love, while also exploring other new and exciting opportunities.

S E RV IC E S PROVI DE D: · Adult Day Support · Vocational Habilitation · Non-Medical Transportation CALL TO SCHEDULE A TOUR! 330-312-6909 | premierapproach@gmail.com 2056 Wales Rd NE | Massillon, OH 44646 10

August 2022

Shelley Harkness Scheduling Assistant

DISCLAIMER: Articles and advertisements in this publication and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a N2 Publishing or any homeowners association, but remain solely those of the author(s) or advertiser(s). The paid advertisements contained within this magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2 or any homeowners association but remain solely those of the author(s) or advertiser(s).

Special Needs Living July Issue Contributors

Richard Corns RBDLLP & Associates LLC

Rich has been an insurance agent for 8 years and has been with American Family Insurance for 4 years. Rich recently founded RBDLLP & Associates LLC which is an insurance agency that is family and community driven. Rich has a true passion for helping people and has a strong desire to impact our local community in the Akron Canton area. His footprint expands through a vibrant network of talented individuals, and clients who find RBDLLP & Associates insightful and impactful. They thrive on being the insurance agency that people turn to for advice and comfort.

Jason Dresden Koinonia Enterprises

Jason has 15 years of experience in the Non-Profit Disability sector, Jason Dresden started volunteering with transition youth students in Tampa, Florida by helping coordinate community and social outings for them. In 2010, Jason worked as a job coach for Hattie Larlham and was promoted to Supervisor where he managed an assembly line program at Little Tikes. Jason then was a Contract Vocational Rehab Supervisor where he managed the Vocational Services division for Hattie Larlham. In 2017, Jason joined Koinonia Enterprises as a Workforce Development Manager overseeing Employment and Transition Services. In addition, he now serves as Co-Chair of the Summit County Collaborative, President on the Employment Collaborative of Cuyahoga County Governing Board and Vice-Chair for the City of Stow Commission on Inclusion.

Happy Peterson The Chapel Green

Happy Peterson is currently the Director of Ministries at The Chapel in Green, Ohio.

He has served in full-time ministry for over 20 years in several capacities, from Student Ministry to Family Ministry. He has a wonderful wife and three beautiful girls.

Amy Troyer The Chapel Green

Amy is the Special Needs Coordinator with the Chapel in Green, and the author of a book titled It’s More Ups Than Downs. Amy and her husband Mark have two children Abigail and Ryan. After Ryan’s birth in 2001 Amy’s passion grew to reach out, love and share with new parents the wonderful blessings that come with having a child with Down Syndrome. It’s More Ups than Downs is a book of inspirational stories from families who have a child or loved one who also happens to have Down Syndrome.

Laura Walker The Goodwill Industries of Akron

Laura is currently the Vice President of Mission Services at The Goodwill Industries of Akron. In her current roleLaura ensures that employees have the resources available to carry forth the mission to help individuals prepare for, find, and retain employment. She has also been employed in the Developmental and Intellectual Disability industry for over 16 years. Laura is also a certified CARF Surveyor. These are professionals in their fields with primary employment at CARFaccredited organizations. Laura is actively involved in the accreditation process and implementation of CARF standards at various organizations throughout the country.

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cover story

By Melissa Klatt Photography by Julian Curet

THE IMPROVANEER METHOD: Building key school, workplace, and life skills through improvisation

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another. He knew the issue was that he had just given her a job that didn’t emphasize her skill sets. Today she is still happily employed there and has become one of his top employees and a customer favorite.”

The Improvaneer Method Is Born!

The Improvaneers, the world’s first all-Down-syndrome improvisation troupe, were cast in 2018. Originally started through their nonprofit organization, Stand Up for Downs (SUFD), The Improvaneers worked hard over the course of a year and a half to gain recognition! Media outlets such as TheTodayShow.com, The Washington Post, Ability Magazine, Inside Edition, The List, Cleveland Plain Dealer, and AOL.com covered their growing audience and wonderful cause – helping those with developmental disabilities grow skills to apply in school, work, and life situations!

Their parent organization, Stand Up for Downs, was founded by husband and wife Rob and Ellen Snow. This dynamic duo studied improvisation in the 90s at the famed Second City Theatre in Chicago and brought it to life when they established The Improvaneers. They call Medina their home but offer so much to citizens all over the U.S. and Canada!

How Does Improvisation Build Key Skills?

Improvisation builds key skills that are fundamental and necessary for expanding an individual with special needs opportunities in social, work,

and lifetime settings. The skills they help build are: • Eye contact • Voice projection • Teamwork • Problem-solving/quick thinking • Creative thinking • Attention to details • Character development • Adaptation • Listening • Development of self-confidence Rob is passionate about helping each individual use their special talents to achieve their goals and dreams. He recounts one particular individual who wasn’t initially placed in a situation where she could thrive using her talents …

“She was working at a fast-food employer. Initially, the manager had her prepping food and washing dishes in the back. However, one of the main reasons he hired her was because of her dynamic, outgoing, and positive personality. After two weeks in this role, he noticed that her personality had changed dramatically, and she was no longer that happy and engaging person he had hired. He wanted to see if a job change might make a difference, so he asked her to bus tables and ask if anyone wanted refills. As soon as she went into the restaurant, he heard laughter. He looked up to see her and several tables laughing together. She was hugging a customer, fist-bumping

In 2021, The Improvaneer Method was born as a new company, offering over 40 online classes per week for students all over to get involved. Closer to home, The Improvaneer Method offers live classes throughout Northeast Ohio. Combined, they reach over 1,000 individuals with developmental disabilities in the U.S. and Canada, helping them on their path to achieving their goals and dreams!

It was created with the aid of special needs educators and Dr. Anna Esbensen, a renowned special needs behaviorist with the Children’s Hospital of Cincinnati. Their program is unlike anything done in similar theaters or improvisational teachings … they created two methodologies and a measurement form that helped individuals increase their skills anywhere from 50-70%!

Support The Improvaneer Method

The Improvaneers book events and fundraisers all over the country, so get in touch with them today to feature them in your next shindig!

You can get involved with The Improvaneer Method!

Follow them on social media (@ theimprovaneermethod) or visit their website: https://www. theimprovaneermethod.com/.

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One hundred percent of parents have seen skill-building in their loved ones with special needs. See the following testimonials: “The Improvaneers put on an amazing performance for our fundraiser! Not only did they engage the audience during the entire performance, but they were so inspirational to all who were in the room!” – Stacy Jackson, GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, Ohio “The biggest growth through the Improvaneer program has been giving him the confidence to know he can and should have a seat at the table. He has a renewed confidence that has fueled him to take more control over his life decisions, be more purposeful in his thought process and take calculated, wellthought-out risks to pursue his life goals.” – Lisa and Tim Doyle “This experience has benefited Adam in so many ways. He has become more socially engaged with his peers, speaks with more inflection and projection, and has enhanced his sense of humor.

Improvaneers has led us to further expand our participation in the Down syndrome community and rejuvenated our beliefs in their limitless capacities.” – Kurt and Fran Schoen “All of that, this awesome energy.

It was really great to see. And as a doctor, the studies they’re doing and showing how these young adults are growing their speech skills and their ability to get out there and be confident and what changes it has made in their own lives is really great.

This needs to grow!” – Dr. Kishore Vellody, Director of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh DS Clinic/ Board President National Down syndrome Congress.

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Follow The Improvaneers on social media (@theimprovaneermethod) or visit them online at www. theimprovaneermethod.com.

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Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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professional perspective

By Jason Dresden, Workforce Development Manager, Koinonia Enterprises

HIRE US, IT’S OK … REALLY IT IS! keep reading if you need confirmation!

Are you a business owner who struggles to find quality, long-term employees?

Is your staff retention rate in shambles?

How about your company morale?

Is it down in the dumps, too?

Are your diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives close to zero?

Well, I’m going to let you in on a little secret – there is a huge pool of talented, hard-working and qualified candidates with disabilities waiting to be hired! That’s right, you read it correctly, waiting to be hired. So as a hiring manager or business owner, how do you engage and gain access to these ready and waiting job seekers, and how come you don’t know about them? It is becoming more and more common for businesses to hire people with disabilities, and the resources to access these job seekers are becoming more and more available. Contact your local county’s Board of Developmental Disabilities to find out more.

Now that you know where to go find these future workers, what are the benefits of hiring them: • State and federal tax incentives • Federal financial incentives include the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), the Architectural Barrier Removal Tax Deduction and the Disabled Access Credit. The State of Ohio also has tax credits available as well.

• Increased revenue • Businesses are seeing an uptick in revenue because 16

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these workers tend to be more focused and productive and can get more done in a smaller amount of time, not to mention paying attention to higher quality results.

• Improved morale • This talented group of job seekers always has the best attitudes when it comes to working and helping others.

They are so excited to be at work that their positivity carries over to other staff, therefore improving the overall worker satisfaction and culture.

• Unexplored workforce • Alleviate vacant positions you have trouble filling by now understanding that there is a gigantic workforce available.

• Diversity, equity and inclusion • If you actively exercise (DEI), it will create a more extensive talent pool in your workplace, which nurtures a healthy company culture and more satisfied workers. That means better productivity, lower turnover, and increased revenue … that’s a win-win.

Now, how to get this going?

You need to take a look at your internal policies and procedures, and it starts from the top down. You must have buy-in from your leadership to create and embrace change in the workplace.

I’ve seen companies that have been running the same old-school hiring and screening policies for years, and they wonder why they can’t fill positions.

Take a long hard look at your HR and recruiting procedures to see what you can do to get with the times and change.

According to The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, “Employment First,” the idea that competitive employment in an integrated setting should be the priority outcome for people with disabilities, is a national movement that continues to gain momentum.

Governor John Kasich signed the Employment First Executive Order in March 2012, making Ohio one of 26 states with an official Employment First policy or legislation. A policy sets the direction but will not alone improve employment outcomes for people with developmental disabilities.

Successful implementation of Employment First requires a multipronged approach and a long-term commitment to systemic change.

So 10 years ago now, Ohio became an Employment First state. Do you feel outdated now? You can check out the website at https://ohioemploymentfirst. org/, and under the “Employers” tab, you can find a wealth of information to get things rolling.

In conclusion, immediately take a hard look at restructuring your internal DEI and recruiting polices, look up the guidelines for implementing Employment First initiatives, and gain access to this highly qualified talent pool of job seekers. I promise you will not see only see impactful results, but you will be providing meaningful, integrated and competitive employment for some of the best workers out there.

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Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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community events

By Melissa Klatt

NORTH CANTON JAYCEES + SPECIAL OLYMPICS The Partnership Standing the Test of Time

Beginning their partnership in the ‘70s, the North Canton Jaycees started working with the Special Olympics to put on a wonderful event for special needs athletes each year!

Since their work together began, their organizations’ similar missions and values have made them the partnership that stands the test of time. Fast forward to 2022, the North Canton Jaycees and Special Olympics Ohio celebrated on May 28 as they were finally able to hold their invitational event after a two-year break!

Joining Forces to Empower Individuals The North Canton Jaycees and Special Olympics Ohio are both organizations made to empower individuals.

With their values and missions in tune, they’re able to put together a wonderful event each year for the special needs community.

Working tirelessly behind the scenes, the North Canton Jaycees pull everything together to ensure the event runs flawlessly. They take the initiative to reach out to the community, gathering donations for everything needed for the event, from the location, food, and even the medals given to participants!

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North Canton Jaycees and Special Olympics Ohio Reunite for Invitational On May 28, 2022, the North Canton Jaycees and Special Olympics Ohio reunited for the first time in two years at the invitational.

Though there were restrictions on the number of participants, athletes from Stark County, Stark Public, Carroll County, and Tuscarawas County joined the festivities to do what they love!

• The following competitions took place for athletes: • Long Lump • Shot Put • Mini Javelin • Bocce • 25M, 50M, and 100M walk/runs • 200M run • And the 4x100M Athletes were staggered, so while male athletes were competing on the track, female athletes were competing in field events, and vice versa.

Impacting Everyone at the Special Olympics Invitational Though the Special Olympics Invitational is a wonderful event empowering all participating athletes, it’s also so heartwarming to hear the stories some of the Jaycees share about the event’s impact on themselves: “At my first Special Olympics event, an athlete crossed the finish line and gave me a big hug. When I told her

that she did great, she jumped up and down cheering, ‘I did good!’”

“Six months later, I was at a Special Olympics bowling event and heard the same girl yell across the bowling alley, ‘David, I did great, I did great!’ She remembered my name from my rain-soaked name tag. Never have I had such an impact as to be so remembered like that. My heart melted, and the Special Olympics had me hook, line, and sinker.”

Dave Pleasant, North Canton Jaycee Life Member “Prior to committing myself to the Jaycee organization, I was volunteering to assist with the Special Olympics since 2014. It’s the event that made me want to be a Jaycee. I find it to be one of the most uplifting days of the year. The solidarity that you witness amongst the athletes is one of the most genuine experiences. These athletes work so hard, and getting to be a part of that and even just getting to cheer them on is so gratifying.”

Angela Alonso, 2022 North Canton Jaycees President Support the Special Olympics Ohio and North Canton Jaycee Partnership To show your support for these organizations, follow all of their activities on Facebook at: • North Canton Jaycees (@ NCantonJaycees) • Special Olympics Ohio (@ SpecialOlympicsOhio) The North Canton Jaycees have tons more events going on each year! If you’re interested in making a donation or volunteering for future events, check out the North Canton Jaycees website at https://northcantonjaycees. org/ or shoot an email to Angie Alonso at president@northcantonjaycees.org for more information.

Those partners include these local businesses: Stadium: North Canton City SchoolsMedals: CSE Federal Credit UnionManpower and Tents: Synchrony FinancialFood: • Acme • Walgreens • Sam’s Club • Giant Eagle • MaryAnn Donuts • Tomtreyco

Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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DONATED THIS YEAR TO HELP END MODERN-DAY SLAVERY.

The N2 Company – the company behind this publication and 850+ others like it – is financially committed to end human trafficking.

FOR EVERY AD WE SELL, N2 DONATES ENOUGH MONEY TO FREE 2 SLAVES FROM CAPTIVITY.

Thanks to the businesses within these pages, our Area Directors, and readers like you, we’re able to break the chains of this horrible reality.

A GIVING PROGRAM BY

Visit n2gives.com to learn more about our giving program.

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August 2022

athlete spotlight

Christian McCarty Special Olympics Athlete Q&A

­

ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH EMPLOYMENT

Ohio Employment First Program

Job Development Job Coaching Community Based Assessments Career Exploration Follow Along Services Travel Training

Question: Which team do you participate in?

Answer: Stark DD. Q: Which sports do you participate in?

A: Right now, track and field and softball. This year, I am going to start playing basketball!

Q: Why do you love being a Special Olympics athlete?

A: It gets me out there to meet new friends. It also lets me play the sports that I love!

Q: What is your favorite professional sports team?

A: Cleveland Browns.

Q: Who is your favorite professional sports athlete?

A: Deshaun Watson.

Contact us TODAY to learn more: 330-388-5778 independentemploy.com

malcolm@independentemploy.com

Q: What is your best Special Olympics memory?

A: 2015 was the first time I made it to State for Special Olympics. I went to Ohio State and participated at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium!

Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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resource guide

TRUSTED COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Sometimes, who to call is the biggest question!

To suggest a community resource for use in this section, follow this link and fill out the form: form.jotform. com/221204488981157.

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August 2022

NDED

MME RECO

We want to utilize the Special Needs Living platform to share and introduce community resources to families and individuals within the Akron/Canton special needs community.

Our goal is to be a source for you to find safe, trusted, and proven providers of products, services, and ideas that bring impact and value to you. We will look to accomplish this by passing along recommendations generated through organic community referrals of trusted members of your family’s network of go-to people, companies, and organizations.

As a way to help us build this powerful resource tool, please share with us the go-to resources that you feel would help someone else.

Thank you for your submissions and your commitment to helping others.

You can share a recommendation by scanning this QR code and filling out the form.

community employment spotlight

By Deborah Riley

Everyone’s Favorite Co-Worker

NICOLAS TOMINS Let me introduce you to Nick Tomins, or as his manager describes him, “everyone’s favorite” co-worker!

Nick has worked at the Macedonia Burlington store for nearly three years, having been there since October of 2019. According to his manager, Tamika, Nick is a “very meticulous” and hard worker!

After graduating, Nick stayed for the Grade 23 program at Hudson High School. Grade 23 is a program that teaches job skills to prepare individuals for life after high school and for work in the community.

While in the program, some of the job sites Nick worked at include Arhaus Furniture, Sheraton, Bevan Law Offices, and The Shelly Corporation.

While he was in the Grade 23 program, Nick began working with Independent Employment Services for job development. Nick’s mother, Lisa, encourages other parents who have young adults in similar school programs to begin job development services at that time so that when they are done with their school programs, they are able to have a smooth transition into life post-high school.

Nick began working with Independent Employment Services in late 2018. His job developers assisted him with applying for and interviewing for various jobs. When Nick obtained his position with Burlington in October of 2019, he was able to work at Burlington three days per week while he attended Grade 23 twice per week.

Upon leaving Grade 23, Nick was able to increase working from three to four days per week at Burlington.

Nick’s role at Burlington has evolved over time, and his job developers have been available to help him as his responsibilities have changed.

They helped him learn his role and responsibilities when he first started his job. During the Covid pandemic,

Nick took a three-month leave from work, and upon his return, his job developers were able to assist Nick with learning his new duties. They also helped him with being safe at work while working during a pandemic.

Nick’s favorite part of the job is working on the loading dock because it is quiet. He loves working with his store manager, Tamika, and his supervisor, Daja. Nick’s current role involves working in receiving. He unpacks the shoes from the shipping boxes, prices the shoes, puts on the security tags, and then stocks them

on the shelves. He also helps with recovery in the shoe department.

According to Tamika, “Nick is a very quick learner who likes to make sure his job is done right.” He will also make sure that everyone else is doing the job right as well. She said that Nick is always on task and gets along with everyone!

If you’re out shopping in the Macedonia area, stop by Burlington and check out the shoes. You may get to see Nick in action. You can be sure that he is working hard to keep the shoes stocked and organized!

Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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CONNECTING PEOPLE + COMMUNITY

Get To Know

WE HAVE TO OFFER 24

August 2022

SENIOR SERVICES

GentleBrook provides residential options for seniors looking to age in place.

The HomeStead:

Our 49 bed assisted living and memory care facility

The Villas:

Our independent living 55+ condominium community GentleBrook Corporate Office

880 Sunnyside SW

Hartville, Ohio 44632 330-877-7700

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICES GentleBrook serves the GentleBrook fosters independence for individuals with intellectual

and/or developmental disabilities

by offering programs and services through our adult day programs

and residential support services, including residential waiver

services, and intermediate care facilities (ICF) in Hartville and

West Lafayette. In July of 2022,

GentleBrook will take over as the

provider of adult day services for the Holmes County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

gentlebrook.org

community through two businesses in Hartville.

GentleBrook Greenhouse + Farm:

GentleBrook Greenhouse + Farm has a wide selection of beautiful bedding plants, hanging baskets, house plants & succulents. Open to the public spring through fall.

The SportsPlex: An

indoor sports recreation center with a full basketball court and a 7,500 sq. ft. turfed multi-sport training facility for individual and team use.

GentleBrook is a not-for-profit social purpose enterprise that believes in connecting people + community through services and businesses.

We believe all human life is a sacred gift and most fulfilled in community with others.

Coming Fall 2022

Menlo Park, a 6-bed ICF

• Habilitation / Active Treatment and Adult Day Programs • Medical / Health Care Supports / Respite Services

• Home-like environment • Financial Oversight • Transportation

For more information call: 330-877-3694

Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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nonprofit spotlight

By Sarah Smith

THE GOLDEN KEY CENTER FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN

Striving to unlock the future for their students The mission of The Golden Key Center is to provide quality education and intervention services for students with developmental disabilities.

That sounds like a simple statement but involves a complex course of action. The center is not a “cookiecutter” service provider; it serves the individual needs of each family and client at their own pace.

The Golden Key Center offers educational services to students from five counties and 23 school districts under the Ohio Department of Education. It is a non-public charter school, providing Autism or Jon Peterson Scholarships for eligible students. As a non-tuition school, Golden Key provides all educational services with no additional fees to all families. Services provided include education, intervention, speechlanguage therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, music and

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August 2022

arts services, tech and library science, social skills intervention, food therapy, relational and behavioral support, and nursing services through Akron Children’s Hospital.

As Golden Key has added students and services, the center requires more classroom and restroom space, increased office and therapy space, a functional gym for increased physical activity programs, and a functional living space to teach independent living skills. Golden Key’s building expansion project will allow a 50% increase in student capacity as well as a 20% increase in trained staff in the field of autism and cognitive disabilities. This space will also provide an area for family meetings.

Gross motor skill development will be assessed using a functional gym to learn and practice those skills.

“The Golden Key Center came into my life when my son was three and a half years old,” Gina Bannevich, operations director at Golden Key, said. “He was having difficulty at a childcare center and was about to be released due to his behavior. A friend told me about Terry Frank and The Golden Key. I went for a tour, and Terry told us to see a neurologist at Akron Children’s Hospital to consider an autism diagnosis. Dominick, my son, started at The Key in January 2010 and later that year received a diagnosis of autism. He spent six years at The Golden Key. Dominick graduated from the Key and is now a fully integrated student in the public schools and doing wonderfully. I attributed his success, my family’s support, and the knowledge we gained about autism to Terry and the staff of The Golden Key. The list of things that Golden Key gave to Dominick would

fill this magazine. They supported him in learning to make life transitions.

They supported him from only wearing white shoes to being able to wear any color shoes. They supported him in developing the ability to express his emotions versus outward behavior. They helped him create new techniques to overcome food aversions. Dominick’s quality of life expanded because of what The Golden Key taught him,” Bannevich said.

“I was so devoted to the organization and saw the benefits it offered to the Stark County community that I had to find ways to support it personally,” she continued. “I helped create the annual fundraiser, served on their board, and four years ago decided to follow my passion for Golden Key and work as the Operations Director.”

The organization is a nonprofit, 501c3, founded by Terry Frank and Kathy Catazaro-Perry in 2007 as a summer camp. The physical facility opened in November 2008. Terry and Kathy sought to establish a childcare that provided services for both typically developing and medically fragile students.

Golden Key has grown into a non-public charter school for students primarily with autism and cognitive disabilities from preschool through eighth grade.

Last school year, Golden Key had 93 students, and all are entitled to services through the Ohio Scholarship programs, which fund all education, therapy, and intervention services.

Providing smaller classrooms, individualized education based upon each student’s unique learning style, and extensive training of the staff gives families the confidence that their child will succeed in life as well as in school. A maximum of 12 students are allowed per classroom. Five classrooms are due to be certified in the global Pyramid Approach to Education Classroom Certification, a communication method for those with autism.

“We feel if we can get our existing students to a place where they will succeed going back to their district, we want them to do so. We want them to thrive. Our focus is always on quality of education and services leading to a quality of life,” Bannevich said.

Enrollment for 2022-23 is closing soon. For information, please visit www.goldenkeyschool.com or call 330-493-4400. Golden Key is located at 1431 30th St. NW in Canton.

A Capital Campaign is underway to raise funds for the expansion. Financial support is needed. Donations can be made at https://goldenkeyschool.com/donation/ unlock-the-future-capital-campaign/.

Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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youth spotlight

By Andrea Hurr

NEED A HUG?

YOU NEED TO KNOW EMMA STONE! LIVING LIFE WITH A CONTAGIOUS SMILE “Always see your kid’s abilities, not their disabilities. Encourage them to participate in activities and have fun!” are the wise words from Sharon Stone, mother to Emma, who has Down syndrome.

Emma lives in Massillon with her mom, dad and two dogs. She has an older sister, Makayla, whom she admires very much. They have a special bond, and Emma looks up to her because “Makayla always helps me and loves me. Even though she lives far away, she always Facetimes me.

We have fun jamming in the car. I can always count on her. I love my sister.”

Such sweet words from Emma, who wants to work in a bakery one day.

Going back to Sharon’s advice, she always encouraged and set realistic expectations for Emma. Her family would not allow her disability to define her, and through seasons

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of difficulty and fear, they found support from friends, Service and Support Administrators at the Stark County DD, and other professionals throughout the years to help them find the answers and help they needed.

Sharon says, “surround yourself with good, supporting friends and professionals. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Allow your kids to get out in the community and live their lives!”

They are fortunate to live in a community where they have found endless opportunities for Emma, and she has participated in a number of programs over the years. She particularly loves playing tennis with the Buddy Up Tennis program and also participates with Improvaneers and works out at Impulse Training, Whispering Grace Horses, Empower Sports Soccer and ran track in the Special Olympics.

Emma found out about Buddy Up Tennis through Upside of Downs, a nonprofit organization committed to helping service the Down syndrome

community through new parent support, recreational activities, raising awareness and advocating for a brighter future. They promote the “Upside” and positive aspects of Down syndrome. Emma has been playing for over five years, and in 2020 she wrote an essay and spoke at the Buddy Up Gala! Her list of accomplishments doesn’t end there – at Impulse, where she has been working out for five years, she does personal training as well as a class for special needs called Hero30.

Emma says that she often has people seek her out for her hugs. She has a contagious laugh and enjoys life to the fullest. She owes her “live life to the fullest” mantra to her family, who always encourage her and all the wonderful programs and people she gets to work with and interact with daily.

We can learn so much from Emma’s positivity and approach to enjoying whatever life has to offer.

Thanks, Emma!

Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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Suppor�ng Individuals With Down Syndrome, Their Families And The Community

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(330) 493-9114 canton@gigisplayhouse.org gigisplayhouse.org/canton 4061 Bradley Circle NW, Canton, Ohio 44718 Programing is always FREE! Special Thanks to John Weston and Five Arrows Technology for supporting GiGi's Playhouse and for sponsoring this ad!

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August 2022

thoughts from the ministry

Puzzle Perspective

BROUGHT TO YOU BY HAPPY PETERSON, DIRECTOR OF MINISTRIES AND AMY TROYER, DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY AT THE CHAPEL GREEN Have you ever put a puzzle together before? If you have, you know that each puzzle piece fits into another perfectly, and you cannot make the pieces fit into places they were not meant to be.

Each piece has a specific place to help create the whole picture.

Now, imagine if you were holding a puzzle piece and one side of the puzzle piece was pink, and the other was green. The pink half could represent things that are difficult for us or areas that we struggle with, and the green represents the areas that we are good at and the things we enjoy.

What would it look like if you had this puzzle piece in front of you and wrote your strengths on the green side and the things you struggle with on the pink side?

I am sure yours would look like mine, with a few strengths and struggles written on each half of the puzzle because each of us, disability or not, is made up of both pink and green.

Psalm 139:13 says, “for you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

We were all created with strengths and weaknesses. Our creator does not make puzzle pieces that are all pink or all green. Just as puzzle pieces fit together to create a beautiful and complete picture, each of us is made to come alongside to support each other and create a beautiful picture to make up the body of Christ.

One of the beautiful things about the body of Christ is how we all work and fit together. When we realize that we have strengths and weaknesses, we realize how much we need each other.

From that point, in humility, we have

the freedom and ability to grow and learn together.

The apostle Paul gives us a clear look at how the body of Christ should work together by comparing it to a human body. Paul tells us that we are made up of many different parts (1 Corinthians 12) with many different functions. While some functions may seem more important than others, like our vision, all are vital.

I don’t typically give my kneecaps the respect they deserve. Can you imagine how funny it would be if our legs didn’t bend? Or what if they bent in the other direction?

In a very similar way, we can mess up the body of Christ. Pride is a primary culprit in sending us spinning off into a version of the church that does not reflect who Christ wants us to be. Look at two different scenarios that Paul gives us. 1 Corinthians 12:15-16, “If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body.”

And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body.

Here we have this false humility that claims, “Aw, shucks. I’m just not good enough to fit in with the rest of the crowd.” Imagine the silliness if my foot just ran off because it didn’t

think itself worthy. I get it, I hide it in a sock and shoe, and sometimes it gets a little smelly, but I really need my feet.

I need them both. When we have a family that says we don’t belong at this church because we just don’t fit here, we really miss out on the opportunity to support and bless them.

We miss out on the chance to grow and learn from them and with them.

Our body gets robbed of the chance to stand on both feet and be who we are intended to be. If you’re the family that feels like you don’t belong, please know that we want you. We need you.

We are incomplete without you.

Likewise, we see the other side of the coin in verse 21, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’” We do a major disservice in the church when we exclude anyone from our midst. As the body of Christ, we need to make a concerted effort to find ourselves reaching into the hurting, lost, and disenfranchised. This is what makes us so completely different from the world. So, church people, take the time to see those around you. Take the time to learn what it would mean for them to become a part of your fellowship.

It may look a little different initially, but it keeps us functioning the way God intended.

Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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Empowering All To Soar Nurturing skills that foster independence and empower ALL to live their best lives!

We Have Opportunities

Just For You All Over The Neighborhood!

FUSE (B.2)

(2912 Whipple Ave NW, Canton)

ForTWissimo (B.1)

(2912 Whipple Ave NW, Canton)

TWi West (A)

(7891 Hills & Dales NW, Massillon) Take part in recreational and leisure activities, or explore your career interests through vocational habilitation activities.

Life skills, self-advocacy, self-determination, healthy living, social skills. Independence grows when we FUSE together all of our skills! Explore and engage in your community through regular, small-group, excursions focused on empowerment and skill growth.

TWi’s place for music! Sing your heart out in our recording studio, choreograph new moves in our dance room, break a sweat in cardio drumming, or compose the next big hit in our instrument labs!

Just Imagine (C)

(Canton Arts District, 201 6th St NW) Explore your creative side! Artists in our program are offered opportunities to experiment with new art mediums, grow their skills and learn new techniques from professional artists.

TWiLite Café (D)

(Inside Canton City Hall, 218 Cleveland Ave SW, Canton) We invite you to visit us Monday – Friday and enjoy a daily menu special, hot breakfast, or hearty and healthy lunch.

Through this paid employment opportunity, our team members are growing work skills that foster greater independence.

Services Include: Visit Our Website To Learn More: ChooseTWi.com

330-479-3958

Information@ChooseTWi.com

· Adult Day Support · Vocational Habilitation · Group Employment Support · Individual Employment Support · Homemaker Personal Care · Non-Medical Transportation Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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August 2022

professional perspective

By RIchard Corns, RBDLLP & Associates LLC

INSURING YOUR MOBILITY (DEVICES) You can protect yourself and your personal mobility devices

When many people think of things that are insurable, they immediately think of items such as automobiles, houses, life, or business insurance; however, often, many everyday things can be insured in some capacity. In our agency here at RBDLLP & Associates LLC, our mindset takes on a much different approach that offers solutions on many items that, to many, are uninsurable.

With American Family Insurance powering our product options, we are fortunate to be able to offer options that many don’t believe to be available.

One product that we can offer to our clients is coverage on personal mobility devices (PMD) directly, like an auto insurance policy and coverage that extends from a home, renters, or condo policy known as equipment breakdown coverage.

When it comes to PMD, there are coverages that protect these very

expensive devices against many issues that users might need help with. For example, an insurance policy would extend coverage to bodily injury, property damage, medical payments, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist, comprehensive, and collision. These coverages protect users in many ways, including the provision of financial protection from potential damage caused by our insured, coverage for damage that results from a potential collision, coverage against theft and or other comprehensive claims, along with medical payments to our insured.

At RBDLLP & Associates LLC, our PMD clients can also elect for coverage from our home products, known as equipment breakdown coverage. This coverage will cover these PMDs from mechanical breakdown, electrical breakdown, and power surge. If the personal mobility devices experience a

mechanical concern, electrical concern or power surge issue that causes our clients’ devices to no longer work appropriately, our policy will offer some coverage to them. This coverage extends to motorized chairs in the home that are utilized for stair assist.

These devices can be very expensive to replace, and many times the reasons for replacement would fall underneath our policy guideline coverages. Coverage for these devices is very easy to obtain and requires very limited information from our end. With the premiums being very affordable, we advise all parties who might have a PMD in their home to explore these coverages. The process of getting a quote can take about five to ten minutes from a licensed staff member at an agency that can provide you and your loved ones with a quote that could put peace of mind in place for everyone.

WE KNOW HOW ESSENTIAL YOUR PERSONAL MOBILITY DEVICES ARE TO YOUR LIFE

That's why we insure them!

CHOOSE THE COVERAGE THAT MEETS YOUR NEEDS: Personal Mobility Device Coverage Covers you anywhere on or off the road for: • Bodily Injury • Property Damage • Collision • Medical Payments • Uninsured Motorist • Underinsured Motorist • Comprehensive

Equipment Breakdown Coverage Available for home, condo, or renters and covers mobility devices and motorized chair lifts from mechanical breakdown, electrical breakdown, or power surge.

office: 234-714-2300 cell: 330-413-6986 rcorns@amfam.com

Call Richard Corns TODAY for more information!

Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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community impact q&a

QUESTION and ANSWER session with a COMMUNITY RESOURCE

Q

Laura Walker, The Goodwill Industries of Akron

Question: Where do you work currently?

Answer: The Goodwill Industries of Akron.

Q: What is your job title here?

to carry forward the mission to help individuals prepare for, find and retain employment. Through strategic and operational oversight, I work diligently in a range of tasks to oversee Mission Services and our Workforce.

a person gain a sense of pride and self-satisfaction. While everyone’s employment journey is unique, I believe every person who desires to work should be able to have this experience.

Q: What is the inspiration behind why you work in this field?

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is new to your field?

A: I have a passion for helping others that I discovered early in my career.

While in college, I went through a period of rediscovery after losing a child, a parent, and a job. I found a Direct Support Professional position with Hattie Larlham that was able to fill a void in my life. What I did not realize at the time was that I was about to embark on a journey that would turn my career path in a different direction and ultimately change my life forever.

A: Focus on the abilities of those that you will work with. Each person will amaze you with their own unique talents and characteristics.

Set a person up for success but also leave room for failure to learn those valuable life lessons and give the person the opportunity and support to overcome challenges they will face in the natural world.

A: Vice President of Mission Services.

Q: How long have you been employed in your current job?

A: Seven months.

Q: How long have you been employed in this industry?

A: Sixten years.

Q: What were your previous jobs in the industry?

A: Direct Support Professional, Job Coach, Program Manager, Program Director, and CARF Surveyor.

Q; Educational background?

A: Bachelor of Science.

Q: What do your day-to-day job responsibilities include?

A: As a member of the Executive Leadership of Goodwill Industries, it is my responsibility to ensure that employees have the resources available 36

August 2022

Q: What part of your job are you most passionate about?

A: Workforce and Professional Development. Whether it is working with a person referred for services or a team member, my passion is to help people pursue their interests and reach their goals. Employment helps

Q: What is your favorite success story you have seen?

A: A young gentleman coming out of high school that my team supported was working on basic employment skills in a factory setting. At a meeting where we discussed his first 90 days, he told his team and me that he wanted to be successful at work so that he could purchase a car and eventually move out on his own. With the support

of his team, this young man was able to save up enough money in 14 months to purchase his first vehicle. The pride he expressed in being able to drive himself to work was exhilarating!

Within the next year, he moved into an apartment with a friend and secured a higher-paying job, living his best life. He was grateful for having the resources and support from his team to reach his goals, but ultimately it was his determination and positive attitude that drove his success.

Q: What advice would you give to parents in your field to help navigate?

A: Get involved early, ask a lot of questions, and hold people accountable. Advocate for the needs of your child and continue to pursue resources that will help your family and child navigate the challenges that life will present. Help your child to write their own story.

Q: Where do you see your industry going moving forward?

A: The last two years have changed the world of work dramatically, and we are seeing a change in how people view employment. I believe innovation and creative approaches will change our landscape in the next several years to address challenges such as the workforce shortage, burnout, and efficiency challenges.

For people with disabilities, I feel that it is a time where they can truly shine and demonstrate their skillsets to companies, leading to more diverse and inclusive work environments.

Q: What has been the biggest factor in your career success?

A: I have been blessed with great mentors, colleagues, and family who have surrounded and encouraged me to strive for greater success.

Without the people that I have

encountered along the way and their encouragement, I may have settled, but there was always someone there to push me a little further. That is what I encourage you to do for others, pay it forward and give a person your encouragement to strive for greatness! Be someone’s cheerleader.

Q: What is your favorite nonprofit organization or volunteer opportunity?

A: I would love the opportunity to tell you more about the great work that we do at Goodwill Industries of Akron and the impact that we make in our local communities. We turn your donated treasures into resources that provide assistance in areas such as employment services, transportation, emergency assistance funds, and more.

Check us out at https://goodwillakron. org or follow us on social media.

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info@brahlerscrr.com Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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development spotlight

INTRODUCING ANDREW VOJTUSH … BE YOUR CHILD’S ADVOCATE When you have a child with special needs, finding the right people to help can seem overwhelming, but finding that one person who goes out of their way for your child can make all the difference in the world.

A case in point here is Mrs. Debi Swan, SLP, who has had a huge impact on 12-year-old Andrew Vojtush’s life.

Andrew, who has Autism spectrum disorder, met Debi at the elementary school he attended in Nordonia. He was completely nonverbal when they met, and she always said that he was a “multi-communicator” and would talk one day. They worked together for six years, and, with her help, Andrew learned to use an iPad with the program Proloquo2Go on it to help him communicate.

She believed in him and that he would use his voice, even when others didn’t think he would, and she became a huge advocate for him during IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and ETR (Evaluation Team Report) meetings. She was right, and a few years ago, Andrew did start talking!

Andrew’s mom Amber says that he still struggles with some words but has come such a long way and that “Mrs. Swan definitely had a huge impact on his speech and communication skills.”

Amber advises that you have to be your child’s own advocate and get involved in order to connect the right people to your child. “Be involved in school meetings, join social groups in person and online, and get involved with your county developmental disabilities board.” Not everyone is going to see your child how you can see them, and, just like with Andrew, it takes just that one special person to change their life. Of course, the Vojtushes have had a lot of other people along the way help them on their journey, and sports have had a great impact on their lives as well.

Andrew has played soccer on a VIP team in Twinsburg, basketball with Empower Sports, and baseball 38

August 2022

with the Northeast Ohio Challenger baseball league. In sixth grade, he participated in band for the first time and joined an after-school jump rope club. He also regularly participates in the Special Olympics track and field day held at Nordonia High School.

He has played many of these sports matched with a peer buddy, and that peer model has been very important to him too.

There are still challenges within their community for sports programs and activities that include the special needs community, but word of mouth and asking around is how Amber

By Andrea Hurr

was able to find so many programs that fit Andrew’s needs.

Hopefully, as people and communities become more aware of the needs of their neighbors, more programs will be made available in every community.

Andrew is a twin and has two sisters and two brothers, and he’s even an uncle! He loves the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sesame Street and Wheel of Fortune, and Papa John’s pizza especially.

When he grows up, he wants to work at Builda-Bear or Papa John’s.

Building Skills.

Fostering Relationships.

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Sharing Solutions IDD Support Group for Families, Caregivers & Professionals

Next Group Meeting: August 15th

5:00p - Social Hour | 6:00p - Meeting

Walthers Twin Tavern | 430 Applegrove St NW | North Canton, OH

M ARK YOUR CALEND AR S Tuesday, September 13th Respite Care Services

Wednesday, October 5th

An Evening with DODD Director, Kim Hauck

Contact us TODAY to RSVP for the next meeting and receive email reminders! jodi@sharingsolutions.info • www.sharingsolutions.info Find us on Facebook, too!

Where Every Ability is Celebrated

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We offer high quality, researched based, instruction for students with disabilities in grades 3-12+ with a focus on vocational skill education.

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Specializing in Stark, Tuscarawas, Carroll, Summit, Portage, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Wayne, and Medina Counties & all surrounding Northeast Ohio Suburbs.

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August 2022

adaptive sports

G.O.A.L.

G.O.A.L. offers a soccer league for 6- to 18-year-olds with intellectual or physical challenges.

“This past season, we had 21 players participate who each had some type of disability,” said Tammy Daly, recreation director for Green Soccer and the founder of G.O.A.L. “We have the players broken up by ability, not by age, and we have high school students from Green High School’s JV/Varsity soccer teams join them for a game of soccer. About 15 Green High School soccer players join in the games each week. So, overall, we have 36 kids playing soccer together each week.”

Daly said she created G.O.A.L. due to the demand for an adaptive league.

“I started the program because every season, a few parents asked if we could

Green Organized Adaptive League

accommodate their child who had special needs. Often, we could not,” she noted. “After some brainstorming and a couple of meetings, we came up with a format and a logo. Since then, we have become affiliated with Ohio North Soccer’s TOPsoccer Program, which provides curriculum and guidance for adaptive leagues.”

According to Daly, the players who participate in G.O.A.L. are excited to have a league of their own. “It’s the first time a lot of them have been able to play sports,” she said. “Some of them tried it when they were little, but once it started getting a little more competitive, there just wasn’t the right spot for them.”

Daly said Green High School’s JV/ Varsity soccer players also have been very receptive to the program and freely volunteer their time. “I have no trouble getting the players on the high school team there,” she said. “I send out a spreadsheet to the high school players every Monday and let them know how many players we need for the upcoming weekend. And within two or three days, it’s all filled up.”

Games are scheduled for Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m. at Boettler Park in Green. Daly said the number of players in each game can depend on the ability of the players involved or the size of the field. “Sometimes, we use a small field, and the children will play three vs. three,” she said. “Sometimes, we have seven vs. seven games, and other times some of our older players will play eleven vs. eleven. It is very adaptive.”

Daly said the idea is to make G.O.A.L. an ongoing endeavor. “I wasn’t sure how it was going to go the first season, which was the fall of 2019.

I thought we might just do it in the fall because the fields are dryer compared to the spring,” she said. “But then, at the grocery store, I ran into one of our players who participated in G.O.A.L., and when he saw me, he asked, ‘When can I play soccer again? I can’t wait to play.’ And I said, ‘Okay, you can play in the spring. We’ll get it going again.’”

And while Daly said she expects the program to continue to grow, there is a cap on how many players it would be possible to accommodate.

“We’ll take up to 30 players who have disabilities because of field space and the number of volunteers we have available. So, I think 30 would max us out, but I do hope the word spreads.”

Players must be 6 or older by April of the season. Visit the website for more details. Daly said players who are not Green residents are eligible for the G.O.A.L. program, but Green residents will receive priority.

For additional information about G.O.A.L., contact Tammy Daly at GSA@GreensoccerOH.com. To register, visit www. greensoccer.org.

Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

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sponsor spotlight

Sharing Solutions

Support for Families and Caregivers

42

August 2022

By Sarah Smith

The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.- John F. Kennedy Sharing Solutions is a monthly adult support group for intellectual or developmentally disabled individuals, their families, caregivers, community professionals, and transitioning high school students. The group supplies support, guidance, and education to help navigate through the daily life of an IDD individual. Sharing Solutions has a partnership with The Arc of Ohio and Stark County Board of DD and connects with the community professionals who attend the meetings.

Beth Miles and Jodi Broom, co-founders of Sharing Solutions, have been best friends for over 27 years. They met at the North Canton Montessori School in 1995, where their children, Max, and Alyssa, were students at the Stark County Integrated Preschool Program.

“As our disabled children transitioned into adults, procuring community services and benefits they needed to be successful was overwhelming,” said Broom. “We realized that many families were struggling with the same issues as us. Sharing Solutions was started as a grassroots support group to empower families with the knowledge they needed to navigate the adult world of IDD services. We are two moms who have a passion for empowering people in our disability community.”

Sharing Solutions IDD Support group started in Beth’s house in January 2018, moving to Walthers Twin Tavern for meetings in August 2018. In 2019, Sharing Solutions merged with Stark DD Family Information Series quarterly support group, and now The Arc of Ohio is using Sharing Solutions as a model to help create support groups across Ohio.

“The Sharing Solutions IDD Support Group is vital for families; it is centered around parents

helping parents with knowledge and emotional support,” said Stark DD Superintendent William Green. “Not only does the group provide a listening ear, but they also assist families in getting the support that they need.

The meetings also host professionals, whether it is us, the ARC of Ohio, the DD Provider Community, or speakers for relevant meeting topics, which helps foster a collaborative and cooperative partnership between professionals and families.”

Beth and Jodi are involved with many community outreach opportunities, whether it is a postsecondary transition through the local school districts or community health fairs or any other community functions where they can bring awareness of Sharing Solutions. They are committee members of the Stark County Technology Collaborative with the goal of bringing assistive and supportive technology awareness to the disability community. In 2023, Sharing Solutions will be collaborating with many postsecondary transition agencies to create an after-graduation series to help students and their families develop plans for adulthood.

“The Sharing Solutions group is extremely helpful to families and caregivers,” said parent Carol Lichtenwalter. “By supplying current and complete information from those providing direct services and support, we can stay informed of important resources and topics. Networking with other families is also an important benefit.”

Jodi and Beth recommend that other parents of IDD individuals get involved with a productive support group, be realistic about their child’s disability, and realize that knowledge empowers. They encourage caregivers to sign up for emails from

organizations such as the Stark County Board of DD, the Arc of Ohio, and Disability Cocoon.

Monthly meetings are held at Walthers Twin Tavern in their banquet room except for July and December. They offer a 5 p.m. social hour for attendees to converse with other families, professionals, or topic presenters. Meals and drinks can be bought during this time. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. and usually lasts a couple of hours.

Beth and Henry Miles have been married for 31 years. They have two children, Alyssa (29) and Matt (22). Alyssa has a rare genetic neurodegenerative disorder, BPAN. She was always cognitively disabled but was diagnosed at age 25.

She was ambulatory until two years ago when her disorder started to progress. She attends a wonderful day service, Jason’s Place, where she gets the services she needs.

Jodi and Sean Broom have been married for 33 years. They have three adult sons with autism, Max (30), Cameron (27), and Tristan (22).

Max and Cameron are employed in the Stark County community, while Tristan receives Voc-Hab services from Pegasus Farm and Clearview Developmental Services. The family has been part of the Canton Challenger Baseball and is currently involved with Stark Public Special Olympics.

For more information about Sharing Solutions, please visit www.sharingsolutions. info, their Facebook page, or email Jodi at Jodi@sharingolutions.info or Beth at Beth@ sharingsolutions.info.

Akron & Canton Special Needs Living

43

FINAL TAKE

The Golden Key School

Jaycees and Special Olympics

The Improvaneer Method

Stacy Albright and Mike Sturdivant

Emma Stone

Richard Corns and The Team

AU G U ST I S S U E P H OTO F I N I S H Photos carefully selected by Mike Sturdivant Emily and Rob Snow

44

August 2022

Andrew Vojtush

Changing The World, One Child At A Time Therapeutic Day Center Combining Academics & Therapies for a Collaborative Approach

Wings of Change has had a tremendous impact on me and my boys' lives in such a positive way! As a single mom of THREE boys with autism and no family at all in Ohio, Wings has gifted me with joy and assurance that my boys are in excellent hands when away from me.

- Shervana Ross, mother to three of our students

Wings of Change Therapy, Inc. provides therapeutic day programming for youth between the ages of 5 and 21.

Our therapeutic day program provides educational and therapeutic services to children of all ability levels. The licensed therapists work alongside the intervention specialists within the classrooms and provide individual therapy.

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OUR TEAM INCLUDES: - Intervention Specialists - Occupational Therapists - Speech and Language Pathologists - Physical Therapist - Direct Support Professionals

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5051 New Centre Dr Wilmington, NC 28403

A Social Publication for the Residents of Akron & Canton