ScoopAble Ice Cream – Where every scoop makes a difference.
Miami Township, Ohio – At ScoopAble Ice Cream, they believe that employing individuals with disAbilities has an incredibly positive impact on our business and the community at large. By offering meaningful job opportunities, individuals not only gain access to a diverse range of skills and perspectives, but also play a role in building a more inclusive community.
“Our employees with disAbilities exhibit remarkAble resilience, adaptAbility, and problem-solving skills, enriching our workplace environment and cultivating a culture of empathy and understanding,” says ScoopAble Ice Cream. “By hiring individuals with disAbilities, we send a powerful message of acceptance and equal opportunity, inspiring others to embrace diversity and recognize the valuAble contributions of all members of society.”
Grand Opening is May 31
The Mission
Provide valuable employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while creating an enjoyable experience for all the senses.
Loveland, Ohio – In my debut broadcast of “Courtney Explains it All” I talked about what inclusion means for those with a developmental disability and what we can all do together to make life more manageable and equitable.
In this excerpt from my original full length vlog, I talk about one of my most loved organizations, Best Buddies. I also talk about how I learned to make friends and build upon those friendships.
I think it is important for schools and workplaces to practice inclusion by learning and teaching about different kinds of disabilities and I give some concrete examples. Also, why it is important for businesses to give employment opportunities and support employees with a disability.
As someone who has lived with a disability all my life my desire is to explain why inclusion is important for someone with a disability.
I hope you find my explanations and tips helpful. Thank you so much for checking out my vlog!
“Courtney Explains It All” is a vlog on LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV that will feature my insight on different topics, issues, and interviews focused on the developmental disability community.
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You can also watch the full episode here.
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My desire is that you will find the following organizations helpful as we continue our journey together!
Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 Butler County Residents. Supports and services are available life-long through contracts with partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.
Founded in 1967, the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 people. Supports and services are available life-long through partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.
Much of our services go beyond the walls of our facilities and take place in the community. The Board’s supports are geared toward the philosophy of person-centered thinking, which places the individual at the center of decisions made about the services they receive. We are committed to helping people determine their dreams and helping to make those dreams come true.
Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS) is a government social services agency established by state law. For more than 50 years, HCDDS has provided educational, vocational, and residential support and services to thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). Each year, we support approximately 7,300 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their lives, from babies through seniors, by providing case management, monitoring service quality, and funding services provided by our community partners.
We treat each person we serve as a unique individual and connect them to services to reflect the life they want. By collaborating with more than 1,000 certified providers, we’re able to support people to live a life that is important and meaningful to them, on their own terms.
Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The mission of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to help those we serve expand capabilities and navigate the possibilities. We envision a culture comprised of inclusive communities where people with disabilities thrive and live a life on their own terms. Individuals and families served by the Clermont County Board of DD have the right of choice and flexibility regarding what, how and where services are provided. Individuals and families will be empowered to make decisions, become partners and work cooperatively with professionals, and exert control over the services provided to them.
Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports to over 2,400 people in Warren County who have developmental disabilities. The mission of the board is supporting people with disabilities and their families to achieve what is important to them. The Board employs 127 people in full and part time positions. We operate out of four locations in Warren County, and have an annual budget of $30,500,000.00. More than 65% of our revenue is derived from local levy funds.
Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
The mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. The Ohio DD Council operates under the authority of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) and is a part of the Ohio DD Network. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities assists and supports the Ohio DD Council as the federally mandated designated state agency.
Loveland, Ohio – In my debut broadcast of “Courtney Explains it All” I talked about what inclusion means for those with a developmental disability and what we can all do together to make life more manageable and equitable.
This excerpt from my original full length vlog is about “What defines Inclusion”, and how you can practice it for your own benefit or to benefit others.
As someone who has lived with a disability all my life my desire is to explain why inclusion is important for someone with a disability.
I hope you find my explanations and tips helpful. Thank you so much for checking out my vlog!
“Courtney Explains It All” is a vlog on LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV that will feature my insight on different topics, issues, and interviews focused on the developmental disability community.
________________________
You can also watch the full episode here.
______________
My desire is that you will find the following organizations helpful as we continue our journey together!
Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 Butler County Residents. Supports and services are available life-long through contracts with partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.
Founded in 1967, the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 people. Supports and services are available life-long through partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.
Much of our services go beyond the walls of our facilities and take place in the community. The Board’s supports are geared toward the philosophy of person-centered thinking, which places the individual at the center of decisions made about the services they receive. We are committed to helping people determine their dreams and helping to make those dreams come true.
Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS) is a government social services agency established by state law. For more than 50 years, HCDDS has provided educational, vocational, and residential support and services to thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). Each year, we support approximately 7,300 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their lives, from babies through seniors, by providing case management, monitoring service quality, and funding services provided by our community partners.
We treat each person we serve as a unique individual and connect them to services to reflect the life they want. By collaborating with more than 1,000 certified providers, we’re able to support people to live a life that is important and meaningful to them, on their own terms.
Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The mission of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to help those we serve expand capabilities and navigate the possibilities. We envision a culture comprised of inclusive communities where people with disabilities thrive and live a life on their own terms. Individuals and families served by the Clermont County Board of DD have the right of choice and flexibility regarding what, how and where services are provided. Individuals and families will be empowered to make decisions, become partners and work cooperatively with professionals, and exert control over the services provided to them.
Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports to over 2,400 people in Warren County who have developmental disabilities. The mission of the board is supporting people with disabilities and their families to achieve what is important to them. The Board employs 127 people in full and part time positions. We operate out of four locations in Warren County, and have an annual budget of $30,500,000.00. More than 65% of our revenue is derived from local levy funds.
Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
The mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. The Ohio DD Council operates under the authority of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) and is a part of the Ohio DD Network. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities assists and supports the Ohio DD Council as the federally mandated designated state agency.
Loveland, Ohio – In my debut broadcast of “Courtney Explains it All” I talk about what inclusion means for those with a developmental disability and what we can all do together to make life more manageable and equitable.
“Courtney Explains It All” is a vlog on LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV that will feature my insight on different topics, issues, and interviews focused on the developmental disability community.
This vlog episode is about what inclusion is, what inclusion looks like, and how to advocate for others with disabilities. As someone who has lived with a disability all my life, I hope you find my explanations and tips helpful. Thank you so much for checking out my vlog!
My desire is that you will find the following organizations helpful as we continue our journey together!
______________
Welcome to the Roll Mobility – your go-to app for a smoother life, specially designed for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues. With a staggering 12% of U.S. adults facing mobility disabilities, we’re here to make a difference.
Discover a world of convenience with Roll Mobility. Our platform equips you with reliable information about the accessibility of restaurants, public spaces, businesses, trails, and parking areas. Say goodbye to doubts about whether a place is truly accessible.
Roll Mobility isn’t just an app; it’s a community-driven accessibility tool. Unlike other search engines, we understand that accurate data requires a united effort from the community. Together, we’re paving the way for a more inclusive future.
Disability Rights Ohio
Disability Rights Ohio is a non-profit corporation with a mission to advocate for an equitable Ohio for people with disabilities
Since October 2012, Disability Rights Ohio has served as Ohio’s Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system and Client Assistance Program (CAP). It is governed by a Board of Directors, primarily consisting of people with disabilities and family members of people with disabilities.
Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 Butler County Residents. Supports and services are available life-long through contracts with partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.
Founded in 1967, the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 people. Supports and services are available life-long through partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.
Much of our services go beyond the walls of our facilities and take place in the community. The Board’s supports are geared toward the philosophy of person-centered thinking, which places the individual at the center of decisions made about the services they receive. We are committed to helping people determine their dreams and helping to make those dreams come true.
Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS) is a government social services agency established by state law. For more than 50 years, HCDDS has provided educational, vocational, and residential support and services to thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). Each year, we support approximately 7,300 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their lives, from babies through seniors, by providing case management, monitoring service quality, and funding services provided by our community partners.
We treat each person we serve as a unique individual and connect them to services to reflect the life they want. By collaborating with more than 1,000 certified providers, we’re able to support people to live a life that is important and meaningful to them, on their own terms.
Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The mission of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to help those we serve expand capabilities and navigate the possibilities. We envision a culture comprised of inclusive communities where people with disabilities thrive and live a life on their own terms. Individuals and families served by the Clermont County Board of DD have the right of choice and flexibility regarding what, how and where services are provided. Individuals and families will be empowered to make decisions, become partners and work cooperatively with professionals, and exert control over the services provided to them.
Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports to over 2,400 people in Warren County who have developmental disabilities. The mission of the board is supporting people with disabilities and their families to achieve what is important to them. The Board employs 127 people in full and part time positions. We operate out of four locations in Warren County, and have an annual budget of $30,500,000.00. More than 65% of our revenue is derived from local levy funds.
Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
The mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. The Ohio DD Council operates under the authority of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) and is a part of the Ohio DD Network. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities assists and supports the Ohio DD Council as the federally mandated designated state agency.
Former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich. last weekend. (Neo Hopkins/The Detroit News/TNS)
In a new book, Donald Trump’s nephew Fred C. Trump III says that the former president told him that people like his son, who has intellectual and developmental disabilities, “should just die.”
The claim comes in Fred Trump’s memoir “All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got to Be This Way” that is set to be released next week. An excerpt was published by Time on Wednesday.
Fred Trump, the son of Donald Trump’s late brother Fred Trump Jr., said that he saw his uncle being in the White House as an opportunity to advocate for housing support and other needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities like his son William, 25.
After the 45-minute Oval Office meeting concluded, Fred Trump said his uncle asked to see him.
“I thought he had been touched by what the doctor and advocates in the meeting had just shared about their journey with their patients and their own family members. But I was wrong,” Fred Trump wrote.
“Those people,” Fred Trump said his uncle told him, “the shape they’re in, all the expenses, maybe those kinds of people should just die.”
Not knowing what to say, Fred Trump said he “turned and walked away.”
On another occasion, Fred Trump said he reached out to his uncle to ask for help with a medical fund that the family had set up for his son that was running low. After explaining the situation, Fred Trump recounts that the former president told him “I don’t know,” then let out a sigh and said, “He doesn’t recognize you. Maybe you should just let him die and move down to Florida.”
The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment from Disability Scoop about Fred Trump’s claims. Time also said that it asked the former president to respond and received no reply.
Let’s change the world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
April 13, 2024
10:30 AM | Hamilton, OH
The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading event in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and you can join us in HAMILTON on April 13that Marcum Park!
Join 50,000 participants at 70+ Walks across the globe to support the Best Buddies programs in schools, workplaces, and communities. You’ll be making the world more welcoming to people with IDD — one friendship, one job, and one life-changing connection at a time.
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Who We Serve
The IDD community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, people and families with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and other undiagnosed disabilities.
Programs
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people and families with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.
Hamilton, Ohio – On Saturday, April 22, volunteers and community members came together to support the annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk at Marcum Park in Downtown Hamilton. The volunteers included Loveland Magazine co-owners, Cassie Mattia and David Miller.
Mattia unloaded trucks and vans and re-loaded them when the walk was over. Her role was also to greet walkers, help them with registration, and publicize the event on social media. Miller took photos from the unloading and set-up until capturing guests eating food and enjoying games after walkers cross the finish line.
Connie Mehlman, the Community Connection Coordinator for the Butler County Department of Development Disabilities was the Greater Cincinnati Walk coordinator.
The Best Buddies International Friendship Walk is the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Due to the amazing efforts of everyone involved in the walk this year, the Best Buddies Ohio Greater Cincinnati Friendship Walk raised over $51,000. The funds raised will aid in the expansion of local Best Buddies programs. “Thank you to all those that participated, volunteered, donated, and sponsored the Best Buddies Walk,” said Melman.
Take a look at the Best Buddies Walk action captured in a photo collage video brought to you by Loveland Magazine‘s David Miller and Cassie Mattia.
Thank you to the event sponsors: Hanover Reserve Weddings and Events, Telhio Credit Union, Speak Up a Self-Advocacy group Through Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Bill & Jenny McCloy, The Lang Agency, Gifts In Honor of Joseph Pollock: The Pollock and Bhat Family, and Nothing Bundt Cakes.
Everyone experiences challenges in their lives whether it’s having a not-so-great work week, overcoming an illness, or getting into an argument with someone you care about. In the grand scheme of things, those challenges are often ones you can quickly overcome and grow from! Some obstacles in life can be so challenging that when one overcomes them it is not only inspirational to see but also serves as a beautiful example for those experiencing the same obstacles. Meet Kathryn (Kat) Feldmann, a 21-year-old who has not only never backed down from a challenge but has also been a source of motivation for others in the developmental disability community to pursue their dreams.
Kat, who lives with her mom, Kristen, her dad, Kurt, and her brother, Konrad in Liberty Township has overcome a lot of medical challenges in her life. As a baby, Kat was diagnosed with an Atrial Septal Defect that was eventually corrected through surgery. Kat was also diagnosed with autism, Pierre Robin Sequence, anxiety, Craniofacial Anomalies, and a speech delay. Though Kat deals with challenges daily due to her disabilities, she has successfully managed to not only exceed her goals, but also receive many awards/honors along the way for her outstanding achievements.
Kat, as a very young girl, loved being involved in the community and supporting organizations that she truly believed in.
“Throughout her school age years, she participated in Butler County 4H doing mostly food and nutrition projects and even competed at the state fair twice,” Kat’s mother Kristen said. “Kat was also involved in Girl Scouts since first grade and earned the Girl Scout Gold award. For this, she earned a multiyear grant from Katie’s Krops and grew a garden from which she donated her entire harvest to a local food pantry. She also identified and printed recipes to donate alongside the produce so that the recipients would have a better idea of how to cook it.”
Kat and her many accomplishments, awards, and honors!
Kat’s determination and dedication to the environment, her community, and cooking delicious, healthy, fresh food earned her multiple 4H awards and a trip to Washington DC where she served as the “Citizens Focus” Club’s Treasurer. Little did Kat realize she was becoming one of the biggest local advocates for those with developmental disabilities!
As time went on, Kat began to really enjoy researching things that interested her, often watching YouTube videos to learn as much as she could about topics that she was passionate about. This led to Kat diving into many hobbies such as collecting American Girl Dolls, reading books, cooking, music, dancing, spending time with her Siamese cats, and art.
Kat, her brother Konrad, and her mother Kristen (Photo top left), Kat and 1 of her 3 Siamese cats (Photo top right), Kat and her SSA, Teresa Rouff (Photo bottom left), Kat in Pittsburgh (Photo bottom right).
Kat successfully graduated from Lakota East and shortly after became a part of Butler Tech’s Project Life, a comprehensive, multi-year transition program where students develop, practice, and strengthen skills that increase adult independence and successful integrated employment in the community, and Butler Tech’s Project Search, a school-to-work program for students with disabilities who are serious about working hard and getting a job.
“Kat completed both Project Life and Project Search in May of 2022. For Project Search she completed rotations in the emergency department and the lab at West Chester Hospital,” Kristen explained. “She is now working with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) to secure employment in the future.”
Once Kat finished Project Search she realized she had an interest in Hospitality which led her to enrolling in the Tartan TOPS program at Sinclair College, an educational/career pathway program for part-time students who have an intellectual disability.
Kat in front of Sinclair College, where she currently takes classes in the Tartan TOPS program.
BCBDD Service and Support Administrator (SSA), Teresa Rouff, began working with Kat in April and couldn’t be more impressed with Kat’s progress!
“On top of all the amazing things Kat is doing, she recently began a vocational habilitation program at InsideOut Studio where she creates various art pieces,” Teresa said. “She loves art and is VERY talented. She has a few pieces for sale on the InsideOut Studio website that show how gifted she is at art!”
Kat enjoys all aspects of art and is currently working with fiber and crocheting knits at InsideOut Studio. Kat said she hopes to sell some of her creations through the online store.
“Kat is also involved in SpeakUp and was recently matched with a buddy through Best Buddies and looks forward to fun times ahead with her new friend,” Kristen said. SpeakUp is a BCBDD self-advocacy group and Best Buddies is a non-profit organization that offers one-on-one friendship and leadership development programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Kat’s “Happiness” acrylic on canvas that she created at InsideOut Studio (Photo top left), Kat’s white pumpkin garden stone that she created at InsideOut Studio (Photo top right), Kat with advocate Jodi Mann, Director Kimberly Hauck from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), advocate Cassie Sullivan, and Steve Beha, the Chief Policy Officer for the DODD, Kat was on an advocate panel when DODD’s Director Hauck visited the BCBDD (Bottom right photo).
Kat says her main hope and dream is to become as independent as possible and to live with roommates and friends for socialization. She says she would like to get a job that allows her to make a difference in the world and continue doing what she’s passionate about!
Watch the on-camera interview with Kat Feldmann, BCBDD SSA Teresa Rouff, and Kat’s mother Kristen Feldmann below!
The U.S. Department of Justice is on the hot seat amid attempts to allocate funding intended to address the needs of kids with autism and other developmental disabilities who wander.
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is pressuring the agency to follow through on its obligations under Kevin and Avonte’s Law.
The law, which was signed last year, called for $2 million annually through 2022 for grants to local law enforcement and nonprofit agencies. The money can be used to provide electronic tracking devices to families of those at risk of wandering or for education, training, notification systems and other efforts to prevent or better respond to elopement.
However, Schumer’s office said that rather than make funding available to local agencies as called for in Kevin and Avonte’s Law, the Justice Department folded the wandering program into a larger grant for a national center to improve police response to people with mental health conditions as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Mission
Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Courtney Hineman is a disability rights advocate. She is the Community Outreach Advocate at the 
April 13, 2024
