Lending Library Offers Support for Families of Children with Disabilities in Scioto County
PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — The Scioto County Board of Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) has launched an innovative Lending Library to support children with developmental delays and disabilities. Officially established in May 2024 with a $2,123 grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens for families who receive services through SCDD by providing access to specialized equipment.
In October 2024, the program received a significant boost through a $5,000 grant from The Scioto Foundation, thanks to the efforts of Early Intervention Manager Erica Culver. Community members and Early Intervention families have also made contributions, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the project.
“The Lending Library is designed to provide our service recipients with the tools they need to thrive in their learning environments
,” Culver said. “These items are often prohibitively expensive and only needed for a short period of time. By offering them on a loan basis, we’re able to help ease the financial strain on families.” The lending library assists families served by SCDD regardless of household income. The program’s mission is simple but impactful: to empower families and support children’s development by offering resources essential to a child’s development.
Among the specialized items available are tools like the Creepster Crawler, which helps children build strength and mobility, and the Special Tomato Out and About Seat, which allows children who cannot sit independently join family activities. Additionally, families can access portable steps to help children practice walking up and down stairs or trial items such as a TheraTog suit for mobility support.
“For many families, purchasing these items is simply not an option,” Culver explained. “Insurance often doesn’t cover them, and that’s where the Lending Library comes in. We can provide immediate access to equipment, helping families make informed decisions about what works best for their child.”
(River Spencer, son of Holly Cole enjoying time
with a Peanut Ball from the Lending Library. His
mother decided to purchase their own after seeing
how useful it was to River's development.)
SCDD’s Early Intervention works primarily in children’s natural learning environments—homes, grandparents’ houses, and daycares—where children feel most comfortable. The Lending Library enhances these efforts by ensuring families have access to the tools their children need to reach developmental milestones.
(Madelyn, child of Chelsea & C.J Adkins, is trying
out the Special Tomato Out & About Seat for the
first time.)
The number of children with developmental delays and disabilities is rising annually in Scioto County, and the Lending Library is poised to become an indispensable resource.
“This program reflects our commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive,” Culver said. “It’s about meeting families where they are and supporting them in meaningful, tangible ways.”
For more information about the programs and services offered by Scioto County Developmental Disabilities, call 740-353-0636, visit our website at www.sciotocountydd.org, or follow us Facebook and TikTok.