Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities

12/24/2025

Before heading off for winter break, West Central students donned some seriously festive attire and strutted the red-and-green runway during the school’s annual Ugly Sweater Fashion Show! There were plenty of laughs, plus hugs and heartfelt thanks for all the fun we have together. Special shout-out to Dena for the great job hosting! May your holidays be as happy and bright as these smiles.❤️💚

12/23/2025

If strengthening your advocacy skills is on your list of resolutions for 2026, ElevateDD is sharing some terrific tips from Stephanie Leppert, DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio’s Outreach & Advocacy Associate!

Want to grow your advocacy skills? Here are Stephanie’s favorite tips:

Share your dreams. “When I was 6, I wanted to be a gymnast. I told my parents and my gym teacher. That led me to the Worthington Special Olympics team, and my dream came true!”

Speak up clearly.

Breathe. “Before I tell my story, I take deep breaths. If you're nervous, this helps.”

Practice out loud. “Before public speaking, I read what I wrote so I can practice the hard words, like derogatory, proponent, and judiciary!”

Practice again. The more you practice, the easier it is to remember what you want to say.

Part 3 is coming next!

12/22/2025

Although our Franklin County DD staff members are awesome every day, they seem to shine even more during the season of giving. From volunteering at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective and operating our drive-through produce pantry, to collecting food and essential items for Columbus City Schools students in need and providing holiday gifts for children, we’re grateful for colleagues who look for ways to help.

12/19/2025

We were tempted to call this our Ugly Sweater Party, but then we went with Festive Sweater Party. Because, well, some of this attire maybe, sorta, kinda looks okay? Either way, happy to all who celebrate! 😉

12/18/2025

Our next drive-through produce market opens at 4:30 p.m. today—Thursday, December 18! Free vegetables and fruits will be available starting at 4:30 p.m. at Franklin County DD, 2879 Johnstown Rd. This market, a partnership with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, welcomes all.

12/17/2025

West Central students enjoyed some excellent holiday outings to the Columbus Metropolitan Library (cool train!) and the Ohio Statehouse (custom tour!). It’s great to be able to explore community spaces that are fun, educational and accessible, and our city has many!

12/16/2025

Among the many talents of the Franklin County DD Self-Advocate Advisory Council is a real gift for giving! We wrapped up a great year of advocacy with a pizza party, gift exchange and plenty of laughs. If you’re part of the Franklin County DD community and interested in self-advocacy, we’d love for you to join us in 2026! Email ryan.phillips@fcbdd.org or call 614-342-5984.

12/15/2025

Due to inclement weather conditions, Franklin County DD Early Childhood centers, West Central school programs and transportation services are closed today, December 15.

12/14/2025

Wishing you peace and happiness this Hanukkah!

12/12/2025

We love celebrating all the many different cultures, cuisines and traditional clothing that our Early Childhood families shared during International Night! Learning from each other and sitting down together for a potluck meal (a grand tradition at our Early Childhood Learning Community) is a wonderful way to spend an evening. And did we mention fun? Our children and staff always have that part covered!

12/11/2025

IMPORTANT NEWS: Due to a food-delivery scheduling change, tonight's (Dec. 11) drive-through produce market, a partnership with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, will NOT take place. Please help us spread the word!
New date and time:
* 4:30 p.m. next Thursday, Dec. 18
* Franklin County DD, 2879 Johnstown Rd.
* All are welcome

12/11/2025

Our Service Coordination YBC winner for December is Shelly, who received a whopping 13 nominations! (YBC is for You’ve Been Caught…doing something nice.) Colleagues say Shelly is patient, supportive, encouraging, knowledgeable and helpful. Her positive energy extends to so many—and ensures that those she serves in our Franklin County DD community always receive excellent support. Shelly will be deeply missed when she moves on to the next chapter of her very people-focused career. Thanks for everything, Shelly. You definitely made your mark!