Licking County DSP Employment Connections

05/07/2026

In the month of May, it is that time of year where I am out and about attending Career Fairs at local High Schools! I have been able to be at Newark High School- Newark City Schools, Licking Valley High School and Heath High School- Heath City Schools in the past two weeks. I was also able to share this time with two great Providers, CSS Licking County and Center for Disability Services. If you are looking to become a DSP reach out to me, Hannah Tucker 740-644-8015!

05/07/2026

Meet Monica, a Career Services Specialist with Licking/Knox Goodwill Industries, Inc.

Monica started as a Summer Youth Coach with Goodwill while she was going to college. She found it to be a perfect fit while being a student and working. After graduation, she was hired as a Job Coach and has now been promoted as a Career Services Specialist! In her current position, she supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities complete their tasks at work. Most importantly, she helps them learn how to build relationships at work and find the right people for support. Monica’s favorite part of her job is getting to watch individuals grow from being shy to thriving at work!

Monica works closely with employers to advocate for the people she supports and learns the job right alongside them. Monica’s advice to DSPs is to understand that your whole job is a constant learning experience, and it is okay to not know something. Being comfortable with being uncomfortable is key! Never stop advocating for your client, even when others try to mute you out!

If you are interested in a rewarding career, reach out to DSP Employment Connections to learn more about becoming a DSP!

05/04/2026

Tomorrow is a primary election and an opportunity to exercise your right to vote!
Voting is just on way that people in Licking County can experience freedom.

If you are an adult supported by LCBDD, you have the opportunity to share more about freedom means to you! Here's how:
1. Submit a piece of writing (ranging from a couple paragraphs to one page) on the following topic:
What does freedom mean to you? How can LCBDD support your freedom to choose what you want in life?

2. Email us your response to selfadvocacy@lcountydd.org by May 6! You can ask a person who supports you to help you send it in.

3. If your response is chosen, you will be invited to speak to the group during our first ever Advocacy Assembly from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on July 2 at LCBDD (116 N. 22nd St. in Newark).

We can't wait to hear from you!

We are still looking for speakers so please send in your submissions by Wednesday!

05/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to Summer Kickoff! Shoutout to these awesome Providers- if you are looking to become a DSP, you can reach out to any of these providers or contact me: 740-644-8015 and hannah.tucker@lcountydd.org

04/30/2026

We cannot wait to see everyone this Saturday for our Summer Kickoff Event. See you all from 4:00pm-7:00pm at the Canal Market District. Happy Summer everyone!! ☀️🍦🍧

04/28/2026

What a great Provider Steering Committee meeting we had today! Thank you to our Superintendent Alex Corwin for stopping by to share his appreciation with our providers for the work they do every day. Also, a shoutout to .newbeginnings for coming and presenting about processing grief and equipping us with practical tools we can use in our everyday lives. This group of providers also had a wonderful conversation around the OISP and how the County Board and providers can work more closely together to better serve individuals! Congrats to our raffle basket winner- Independent Provider Gayla Tichenor.

Next meeting, we will be joined by Lisa Chandler, who will be presenting on a positive support approach to behaviors. Participants will learn how trauma, unmet needs, sensory challenges, and environmental factors can influence behavior and how shifting our perception can change outcomes. She will provide real-life examples and practical strategies staff can use while supporting individuals. DSPs are welcome to join! See you all on May 26th at 10:00 am. You won't want to miss it!

04/28/2026

Direct support professionals (DSPs) support people in their homes, on the job, and in the community. They empower independence, build relationships, and change lives!

Learn more about the difference you can make as a DSP by visiting dodd.ohio.gov/providers/DSP-Resources

04/27/2026

Providers doing amazing things! Licking County is very proud of our MSY program! Thank you Shanay Nye for all your hard work with this program!

The Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Multi-System Youth (MSY) respite program supports families of children and young adults with complex needs.

Meet respite provider John and 12-year-old Carter, whose story shows how youth can grow socially, connect with their communities, and build confidence.

➡️ lcountydd.org/2025/07/03/youth-respite-program-builds-strong-connections/

04/27/2026

Licking County DD Providers-see you all tomorrow!

04/21/2026

If you are an Agency, Employment or Independent Provider in Licking County, join us next week! These meetings were created for Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Providers to come together to be able to give feedback, learn together, collaborate and a chance to win a raffle basket! See you all next week!