Clinton County Board of Developmental Disabilities
- Real Change Wilmington
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
At the Clinton County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD), located at 180 E. Sugartree Street, they believe in determining "how" can an individual do something, not "if" an individual can do something. Shanon Bene, Transition Coordinator at the CCBDD, stated, "It's all about determining how an individual can be independent in their community, can be successful, can be employed, not if they can be employed or independent." Marnie Reed, Family Support Liason, stated, "My best suggestion from one parent to another, call and find out what the CCBDD can provide to you."
The CCBDD currently serves roughly 300 individuals from age birth to adulthood in the county. Those individuals have a Service and Support Administrator who helps connect them with things large and small, like essential resources or just a friend to talk with. According to Marnie and Shanon, it's "hard to pinpoint all services offered" because the individuals they serve are so diverse. CCBDD also works with the Department of Education, Clinton County Health Department, Job and Family Services, local schools, and others.
Marnie and Shanon stated that Ohio's county board of developmental disabilities system started in 1967 and is unique, as it is not present in every state. Prior to the creation of the boards, there was no system. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities oversees each county and each county board. Each county board is governed by 7 members.
When the CCBDD first began in Clinton County, they operated out of the basement of a local church. They were then located in the Nike Center before it was sold last year to the World Equestrian Center. Their current location on Sugartree Street is "more efficient with taxpayer money," according to Marnie, because their employees are now all located in one building.
This year, Marnie and Shanon are also working on bringing "Ohio Sibs" to Clinton County, a support program for siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Listen to the full story on episode 73 of The Real Change Wilmington podcast. Learn more at co.clinton.oh.us/boardofdd/
