Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Director Kimberly Hauck made a stop in Portsmouth on Aug. 25, 2022, to tour programs at Scioto County Developmental Disabilities. Her tour included a meeting with providers, individuals served by the county board, self-advocates, family members, and SCDD leadership and board members at the Carousel Center. Director Hauck also visited with SCDD staff at the Vern Riffe School.
“We had the opportunity this afternoon to meet with providers and some of the folks that are served by the county board. We heard a lot about the fun initiatives that are going on, and one of the people being served talked about some transportation opportunities and his desire to open a coffee shop and some of the technologies he’s utilizing. It’s been a good afternoon,” Director Hauck stated.“Everyone has been very welcoming. I can tell that the community really comes together to support people with disabilities. It looks like there are great relationships and strong bonds here.”
Hauck announced shortly after becoming the state director of DODD that she would be touring all 88 counties, across DODD's six regions. Scioto County Developmental Disabilities is in Ohio DODD Region 4 South, along with Fayette, Pickaway, Ross, Pike, Adams, Lawrence, Jackson, Highland, Brown, Vinton, Gallia, Athens, and Meigs counties.
During the director's visit at SCDD, updates were shared from the state regarding multi-system youth programs. The director also discussed some of the collaborations among multiple state agencies including Ohio Department of Education and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities.
“We are very fortunate to have Director Hauck visit us; I think that speaks to her passion for the field and her understanding of what it takes to serve people throughout the state of Ohio with disabilities,” said Scioto County DD Superintendent Matt Purcell.
For more information about the programs and services at the Scioto County Developmental Disabilities, call 740-353-0636 or visit online at www.sciotodd.org, and like and follow them on Facebook.