At its September meeting, the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognized the family of an individual served by our Children's Department and a Community Connections Trainer in our Community Inclusion Department.
Special Recognition Award
When Javier came through Early Intervention for his evaluation 6 months ago, his mother expressed concerns she had and struggles he was having in different areas of development.
Since then, so many positive things have been happening because of the services provided by Javier’s team in EI as well as all the work and follow-through that mom is providing to him. His mom has truly embraced all of what Early Intervention is and has to offer Javier and the family. She takes every strategy and recommendation given to her by his team and helps make it happen.
She has changed her schedule at work to be more available to meet his needs, made and followed through with appointments he needed, and has recently moved to provide a better space for the family to grow and thrive in.
She is open to always doing what is best for Javier and it shows in all the new things he has learned. Mom has gotten involved with playgroups through the Early Intervention Department as well as other events in the community to help develop his social skills and peer interactions.
Mom always reaches out with any questions she has, invites EI staff along to appointments for an extra ear to listen, and has embraced everything Lucas DD offers that best fit her son’s needs.
We look forward to continuing to grow with Javier and his family and be there to provide support, strategies and encouragement along the way. It is an honor to be on this journey with them and the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is honored to present them with the September 2024 Special Recognition Award.
Staff Person of the Month
September’s Staff Person of the Month is in her 36th year of dedicated service to the Board. Community Connections Trainer Suzanne Osenbaugh began as an Assistant Teacher, earning the admiration of both students and colleagues, then transitioned to Job Coach, where she played a crucial role in supporting individuals on their employment journeys.
Beyond her primary responsibilities as a Community Connections Trainer in the Community Inclusion Department, Sue actively contributes to various initiatives, including assisting with Wealth and Wisdom classes, supporting programs such as SALUTE, FANs, Special Olympics, and helping manage resource tables at various community events throughout the year.
Her willingness to assist others exemplifies her commitment to the Board and its mission. She consistently expresses a readiness to help, and works diligently to ensure that our individuals and our colleagues can succeed in whatever they want to do.
Sue ensures that each individual's transportation needs are met with unwavering commitment and care. Whether she’s distributing TARTA or TARPS tickets, teaching valuable pedestrian safety lessons, or riding alongside someone on their 3-mile bike ride, in jeans no less, on one of the hottest days of the year.
Her colleagues said her enthusiasm for her work is infectious, she is a beacon of positivity, she is dedicated, full of purpose, and her joy in what she does creates a productive and fun atmosphere for those around her.
Sue has a unique gift for uplifting others and taking the time to forge meaningful connections. When you pass her in the hall, she always has a smile on her face and greets you with a kind word.
Thank you for your continued dedication to the individuals we serve, Sue. The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is pleased to present you with the September 2024 Staff Person of the Month Award. Congratulations!