(MIAMI COUNTY, OH–) In recognition of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, representatives from the Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) are visiting local elementary schools to read and donate books to their school libraries.

On Friday, March 14, Darren Miller of Piqua, who is an adult served by MCBDD, along with MCBDD Community Awareness and Opportunities Director Melissa Nichols and Communications Coordinator Jenna Gerig, visited all five first-grade classrooms at Milton-Union Elementary School.

Miller read “When Charley Met Emma” to the students while Nichols and Gerig held the book so the children could see the illustrations. The story is about a young boy who meets a little girl who uses a wheelchair. Through their interaction, Charley learns that despite their physical differences, they share much in common—and they become friends.

Following the reading, students participated in a discussion with Miller, Nichols, and Gerig. A copy of the book was then donated to the school library.

MCBDD has several more readings scheduled at elementary schools throughout Miami County during March. The goal of these visits is to encourage young children to be kind to others despite perceived differences, and to find common ground with one another.

The Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) serves more than 1,000 individuals of all ages in Miami County. MCBDD directly provides:

• Early Intervention services for children ages 0–2
• Service and Support Administration (case management) for ages 3 through adulthood
• Special Olympics sports programming for ages 8 and up
• Recreation services for all ages
• Free trainings for Direct Support Professionals (caregivers)

MCBDD also partners with local service providers offering adult day services, in-home care, job training, and transportation. These services are funded through a combination of local tax levies (40%) and Medicaid (60%).

For more information about MCBDD, visit miamicountydd.org or call (937) 440-3000.