Pioneer Center / Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities

03/06/2026

What. A. Morning!

Thank you to everyone who showed up today for our Walk for Awareness. We couldn’t have asked for better weather or better people to spend it with.

Some special shout-outs are in order:

First, thank you to Chillicothe Police Department and Police Chief Ron Meyers for your presence and for leading the walk.

Thank you to Pioneer School and School Services, and all of our wonderful partners at local adult day services, who ensured that any individuals who wanted to attend today's walk had the means to.

Thank you to our speakers: Special Olympics Ohio - Ross County's very own Noah Hiles, RCBDD Board Member and Capital City Crusaders Advocacy Group's Hunter Robinson, RCBDD President Dan Riddle, Ross County Commissioner Jack Everson (with the fabulous Victoria Burns), and Mayor Luke Feeney (with our 2026 Distinguished Student Achievement Award winner Tairan Simmons). Thank you, as well, to our Ross County Commissioners David Glass and James Lowe for being in attendance.

Thank you to The Handi-Capable Kitchen for serving up delicious coffee and cocoa before the walk, using something as small as a warm beverage as a way to spread awareness throughout our community.

Thank you to any RCBDD employees who had a hand in today's festivities. We couldn't have done this without your hard work.

Lastly, thank you to every individual we have the privilege of serving.

03/06/2026

03/05/2026

You are invited to celebrate children with ALL abilities at our community play date next Friday May 13th 10-12 pm at the Mighty Children's Museum

03/05/2026

Tonight's the Night! Opening Reception for the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Art Show at the Pump House Center for the Arts! 6:30pm - 8:30pm.
We have 173 pieces of art made by the Developmental Disabilities community. Most are for sale. Come see what these talented individuals have made and enjoy some pizza, cookies and punch!
Thank you to Mares Cares Counseling for sponsoring the exhibit!

03/05/2026

🏀 Welcome Isaac Carroll to the Celebrity Team!

Retired McClain High School basketball player Isaac Carroll is officially joining the lineup for this year’s Celebrity Game!

Not only is Isaac the most recent player to compete on the hardwood (so yes… he might still have some game left 👀), he’s also a dedicated DSP at First Capital Enterprises, INC and KNECT.

He’s not just lacing up for the love of basketball; he’s playing for the individuals he supports each and every day. That heart for the community is what this game is all about.

Welcome to the team, Isaac! We’re lucky to have you. 🏀💙

03/05/2026

Yesterday was an incredible day at the Ohio Statehouse for DD Awareness Month and Advocacy Day.

Members of the Capital City Crusaders Advocacy Group and leadership from RCBDD came together to raise their voices and represent our community at the state level.

We have the opportunity to hear from Governor Mike DeWine about the importance of supporting Ohioans with developmental disabilities and strengthening the services that help individuals thrive.

We are especially proud of our own Hunter Robinson, who was selected as one of just three self-advocates from across the state to share his powerful story about the impact of support and inclusion. Hunter represented Ross County with confidence, heart, and purpose, reminding everyone in the room why advocacy matters.

After the event, our advocates met with Representative Mark Johnson and State Senator Shane Wilkin to discuss key issues facing the disability community and the importance of continued investment in services.

Days like this show what happens when leadership and self-advocates stand together: real conversations, real impact, and real change. We are proud of our Crusaders and grateful for the opportunity to advocate for inclusion across Ohio! 💙

03/05/2026

03/04/2026

Ross DD brought a large group to advocate! This was at their meeting with Rep. Mark Johnson.

2026 Developmental Disabilities Awareness and Advocacy Day
Wednesday, March 4

See someone you know? Feel free to tag them!

03/04/2026