The More I Know, The More I Keep Growing Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair

As my life progresses, I keep looking for resources that are going to help me keep growing successfully and happy.

My mother sought resources for me until my early teens, when I started looking for resources for myself. I highly recommend people with disabilities seek their own resources as soon as they are able. Even if a person cannot research resources for themselves fully on their own, it should be their right to have a say in what’s going on for it’s their life. And the earlier one starts voicing their opinions about their lives, the better.

I’m happy to work for Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley (GESMV) because they provide many programs and services to assist people with disabilities. If there’s a service they do not provide, they will find another organization that does. On May 20^th, GESMV put on a Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair and boy did I learn about many resources to help me continue to be the best me I can be. Here are just a few organizations that showed up and how they can support you or someone you care about:

• Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) were on the scene sharing their valuable information. It’s because of their support that I am employed at GESMV. “You down with OOD?” Well, I am!
• I learned that Catholic Services has a ton of resources, from helping one pay utility bills to providing transportation services. My people at Choices in Community Living offer services like helping individuals get out into the community and providing personal assistance in their home.
• My friends at Disability Rights Ohio lend their services to people whose rights have been violated. We are fortunate to have this organization help advocate for the community.
• As I scooted down, I bumped into my peeps from Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities. They are one of the backbones of the community when it comes to assisting people with disabilities. From employment, direct support, advocating for universal changing tables, and more – you name it, they do it.
• Five Rivers Health was also in the house. They take care of my medical needs, providing me with the best doctor and dentist and I’m happy to say: great patient service!
• Special Olympics were in the building searching for the next special Olympian and Help Me Grow was there sharing information so one can begin their young journey as children with the right resources.

Of course, GESMV was in the building sharing information from employment to Adult Day Supports. The Good Connections Cafe team was in the house providing delicious snacks and excellent customer service for the event. Good Connections Café operates on the GESMV Main Street Campus four days a week and helps people with disabilities learn job skills and build work experience.

As I said, the more I know, the more I keep growing. I learned a lot at the resource fair, and I know I’ll be better off because of it. A big thanks to all that participated!