Supporting Students Through Continued Learning

Students are headed back to the classroom for a new year of learning. Children and teachers love summer break, but research shows that a student can lose up to 20% of their previous learning if they are not engaged in education during their time off.

Fairfield DD helps to battle this learning loss each year through the Summer Scholarship Program. Families can apply for a stipend of funding for their school-age students to be applied toward summer enrichment activities. These summer experiences can range from swimming lessons to summer camp as the students continue to grow, learn, and become more independent. This year, through grant funding from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, services were extended to include ages 3-5 for learning this summer. We had 256 families apply to use this opportunity.

Fairfield DD's speech therapist, Sarah Thimmes, offered Forest Rose students the opportunity to further develop their communication skills using their devices. Students who had speech therapy during the year were invited to join. The sessions could be held either at school or at home, providing families with valuable insights on how to best assist their students. One parent, whose daughter received continued speech therapy, said that it was invaluable to the family. They learned how to use the device, communicate with their daughter, and incorporate it into their daily routines. The students who took part are entering this new year even stronger than they finished!

Early Intervention Services in Fairfield County

Fairfield County’s youngest residents are being set up for success through a unique collaboration of agencies. Early Intervention is a statewide system that provides services to parents of infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. Funding for this program comes from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and is awarded through a grant to the Children First Council. Grant funds support families through a voluntary home visit program where trained professionals offer the skills and tools to parents and guardians to nurture the growth of their child. 

A team of professionals coordinates and provides these services. Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action handles referrals and case management. Fairfield DD supports families by providing services specific to each child’s needs and goals in the home or natural environment. Developmental specialists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists are just a few of the team members who may support the family. Each week, the teams come together to ensure the needs of the family and child are met. All children are unique and develop at their own pace. Fairfield DD team members, along with the staff from Community Action, tailor the plans and goals to ensure all children can live fulfilling lives.

Collaboration in Technology

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities awarded grants this year focused on creating Technology Hubs in each region of Ohio. The grant for region 5, where Fairfield County is located, was awarded to the Mid-East Ohio Regional Council (MEORC). Fairfield DD’s Assistive Technology Coordinator, Lori Ferbrache, along with MEORC’s David Mitchell, are supporting these efforts, not only for our county but the other 19 in our region. The goal is to help educate and expand access to assistive and remote technology to promote independence.

Through the grant, each county will be given a Technology Kit that includes a variety of equipment to try, and staff will be trained on how to help people implement. Recently, the group hosted a Technology Day as part of the Hartford Fair to raise awareness and educate. Their next event is a virtual learning fair where companies that provide remote supports will be discussing their services on September 6. There will be an open house for the Assistive and Enabling Technology Space located at Forest Rose School on October 2. Fairfield DD is excited to be part of this initiative. Stay tuned for opportunities to learn more! 

Fairfield County Senior Expo

Friday, August 23, 2024, 10:00–2:00 pm

Visit the 2nd annual Fairfield County Senior Expo! Free admission and parking are available.

76th Annual Pickerington Lions Labor Day Parade and Fish Fry

Monday, September 2, 2024, 10:00 am

The day's events begin with the parade that steps off from Opportunity Way at 10 a.m., followed by the fish fry and entertainment at Victory Park.

Online Remote Support Technology Fair

Friday, September 6, 2024, 12:00–1:00 pm

Mark your calendar for Remote Support Technology Fair. Log-in to hear from companies that provide remote supports and learn how it might work for you or someone you know. Staff will be on hand to answer questions as well.

Go Orange for Hunger

Thursday, September 12, 2024

September is Hunger Awareness Month. Join the Fairfield County Hunger Alliance in wearing orange to raise awareness. Learn about the alliance and how to get involved on their website.

Fall Health Fest

Saturday, September 28, 2024, 11:00–1:00 pm

Fairfield County Health Department invites you to their Fall Health Fest for health resources, music, games, and much more at the new Lancaster Community Garden.