visit us online at the end of an era · visit us online at ... his parents dave and traci tate own...
TRANSCRIPT
Volume 17, Issue 6 June 2016
The Madison Express
Visit us online at www.co.madison.oh.us/dd/
Madison County Board of Developmental Disabi l i t ies
The End of an Era Jim Canney says Goodbye
The end of June 2016 marks the conclusion of a memorable tenure for Superintendent Jim Canney. For the past 40 years, Jim has been a cham pio n f or peopl e wit h disabilities — the last 28 as superintendent. His contributions to the county and state have only been surpassed by the compassion he has shown for the people we serve. So it is with great appreciation — and sadness — that we bid farewell to Superintendent Canney.
PAGE 2 THE MADISON EXPRESS VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6
Canney Contributions
During his four-decade tenure, Jim Canney has done much
for Madison County and the State of Ohio. Here is a short
list of highlights:
Under his leadership, MCBDD has passed each levy
since 1988.
Served on the Ohio Public Images Board — spotlighting
media and advocacy efforts statewide.
The first Ohio county to do separate transportation for
adults and kids. This eventually led to Madison County
Ride, which currently travels a million miles a year.
Suggested the idea of a DD Awareness Month Kickoff
at the Ohio Statehouse.
One of the first Ohio counties to privatize adult services.
The annual golf outing enters its 18th year.
Our last two State Accreditation Reviews have been
nearly perfect. Accreditation covers all aspects of our
program, and our last two resulted in a five-year award and
a four-year award. The Department eliminated five-year awards prior to our last review, so at that
time, a four-year award was the maximum to be attained.
The Canney Proposal (which became known as the ‘Firewalls Document’) has changed the way the
entire state contracts with providers. Prior to this proposal, providers contracted with local county
boards, and the contracts ran the gamut regarding rates/services. The Firewalls Document requires
providers to contract with the State of Ohio so that there is consistency and uniformity statewide.
Saying Goodbye, but only at work!
By Gretchen Peters
Liz Blakeslee (right) and Jim Canney celebrated
June 2 as their last working day in the office together.
With vacations and retirement dates approaching, the two
took a moment to say goodbye.
Liz (who will be retiring later this summer) has
worked under Jim’s lead for over 22 years. The two
know this isn’t the last they will see of each other. Liz
jokes Jim may find her lounging by his pool later this
summer.
Jim was curious — asking Liz if this picture
would end up framed and in her living room. We will
miss them both.
PAGE 3 THE MADISON EXPRESS VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6
Fairhaven Preschoolers Graduate Madison County Board of Developmental Disabilities Fairhaven School graduated 18 Pre-School students
in a ceremony held May 24. The graduates included (front, left) Corbin Wenning, Hunter Whiteside,
Keaton Toland, Ella Coleman, Harper Witt, Cole Barrett, Wyatt Davitt (middle, left), Owen Davitt,
Spencer King, Kennady Fowler, Corbin Yoder, Camille Ruble, Kenley Fisher, Cameron Whitcraft, Ryder
Samons. Fairhaven staff participating were (back, left) Becky Rader (with M. J. Fulton), Marlene Toops,
Mike Mast, Jessica Wright, Melonie Fisher, Vicki Thompson, Julie Anthony, Inez Gordon, Sue Reeves,
Nancy Morris. Graduate Abram Clark was not pictured. Graduation certificates were presented by
MCBDD Superintendent Jim Canney and MCBDD Board President Diane Miller-Ryan..
A Candy Count Down By Gretchen Peters
Our health services coordinator, Denise Zerkle,
surprised retiring Service Coordinator, Liz Blakeslee,
with her own countdown to retirement board.
With the help of her children, Devin and Danica,
Denise used her creative talents to tip off Liz’s 30 day
countdown.
Pictured are Liz and Denise showing off her gift.
Liz will be retiring from the Madison County
Board of DD in July 2016.
PAGE 4 THE MADISON EXPRESS VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6
A Run of a Lifetime
Mission accomplished.
For three years, Sheena Leedham and Blaine Tate have been training
together.
Sheena has been the teacher, while Blaine has been the student.
Blaine, a near-14 year old young man has used fitness training as a way to
cope with some of the social anxieties he experiences due to his autism diagnosis.
The story behind his first competitive race is enlightening and encouraging.
Through his training and perseverance with his goal of running in a 5k,
Blaine became a teacher for many.
His parents Dave and Traci Tate own and operate Elitefts, a London-based
company which runs the gamut in fitness training – instruction, competition,
clothing, equipment.
In Sheena, Blaine has not only had a trainer, but an encourager and a friend who sometimes needs to help
him cope with various surroundings.
“Our training goals are to have fun, play, move, get stronger, and expand our social network,” Sheena said.
“A typical training day is segmented to incorporate conditioning, strength training, fine motor skills, play, games,
sport, rest, and food.”
While training has remained the same, the focus shifted some following a trip to the Columbus Zoo in
2015.
Sheena and Blaine made a day of it – staying constantly in motion in the 90 degree heat. Before they knew
it, the pair had walked seven miles. They got to enjoy the animals while covering a tremendous amount of ground.
That is when the idea of Blaine working toward participating in the Zoo Run Run 2016 5k was born. They
would work upon that great day at the zoo as a motivational memory.
“The zoo was familiar, fun, and a place where he showed competency,” Sheena said. “Sandwiching this
with the idea of running three miles, (which) paled in comparison with our seven-mile trek.”
Sheena then presented Blaine with a 14-week training game plan. Because of his love of the zoo, Blaine
began to realize that the pain of the race would be washed away when he considered the gain he would have of
spending the rest of the day visiting with all of the different
animals the zoo had to offer.
While the words ‘race’ and ‘squats’ were early on
triggers of negative feelings and actions, over time Blaine
learned to not only lose fear in them, but embrace them.
The training incorporated things such as weighted-vest
walks, elongated running, and medball sprint work.
“I’ve found movement and strength to have a positive
effect on all people, especially individuals with autism,” Sheena
said. “Movement is an integral part of our existence. If this is
abandoned how can progress be made in all the other areas
we’re looking to develop?”
The day of the race in mid-May, the three-point-one
mile run only served as a warm-up for Blaine. He and Sheena
spent an additional seven hours enjoying the animals and
atmosphere of the zoo.
“My hope is our story inspires trainers and parents
working with children and adults with autism to continue to
differentiate training, move outside of comfort, create and
commit to challenge, use interest to guide your decision-making,
and celebrate small and grand progression along the way,”
Sheena said. “The results will be extraordinary.”
From Classroom to Dining Room Congratulations to Eric Stedding on his
graduation from London High School. Eric’s
success can be credited to strong support from his
parents Rose Harper and Chad Stedding who have
consistently encouraged Eric throughout his years
in school to believe in himself and never give up.
That belief has led
Eric to recently obtain
community
employment at Bob
Evans Restaurant as a
busser. Eric plans to
spend his summer
working part time and
enjoying time with
his father, playing
video games as well
as taking a special trip
to Kings Island to
celebrate his
graduation.
PAGE 5 THE MADISON EXPRESS VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6
June 2016 FOCUS ON COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT
Pathways to Employment
From Job Fair to Job Club By Jenn Coleman
Job Club- Scioto Downs Racino Job Fair
Job Club focuses on creating economic, social and culturally strong and
vibrant communities. Part of achieving those goals includes exploration of
work opportunities available in nearby areas that promotes individual growth
-- allowing people with disabilities to experience earning wages in various
settings of interest. Recently Job Club supported the third occurrence of a
special hiring event focused on inclusion in the workforce at Scioto Downs
Racino in conjunction with the Pickaway County Board of DD on May 27.
Following the event, organizer Patrick Kilbane, Transition Specialist at the
Madison County Board of DD for the OOD Bridges to Transition program,
notified MCBDD that Scioto Downs Racino will be offering three people
employment! We had seven people who interviewed from Pickaway and
Madison Counties, so we have a 42% success rate of job offers from our mini-job fair. Scioto Downs Racino has hired
over 15 people from the Pickaway and Madison County Boards in less than three years. Attending the job fair (from
bottom left, clockwise) Michael Foster, Jenn Coleman, Micheal Elfrink, Tara Dolby.
Spotlight- Employer of the Month
West Jefferson Animal Hospital
Thank you for being a part of our community!!! Dr. Paul Stephenson and Dr. Tracy Arvin reached out to MCBDD
through a mutual connection to pursue employing a part time kennel attendant in May. They are actively learning about
how to be involved with individuals with disabilities to encourage employment after exit from high school. Dr.
Stephenson is looking forward to future collaboration with Job Club to fill open positions in the future as well as allow
some volunteering to occur during the school year for students interested in the veterinary field. Currently, they have
hired two individuals to work as kennel attendants.
Summer Programs- Bridges to Transition
Transition Specialist Patrick Kilbane and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Vocational Rehabilitation
Counselor Jackie Hines have been busy working with teams to develop meaningful summer services that promote skill
development and preparation for students to enter the world of work after exit from high school. Students of all abilities
at age 14 are eligible to enroll in the program. This summer, 35 Students are involved with OOD Bridges to Transition
services in Madison County. Madison Health is once again partnered to provide work opportunities for five students
beginning June 13. Other services offered this summer in Madison County through OOD Bridges are: Summer Youth
Career Exploration, Temporary Summer Job, Community Based Work Assessments, Drivers Training/ Assessment,
Work Adjustment, Job Development and Placement Assistance and Job Coaching/Retention. Providers delivering these
services this summer are Capabilities, United Rehab Services, Rehabilitation Training Services and the Ohio State
University.
*Also, important to note are businesses locally who have opened up their doors to allow tours and employment to make
this summer’s OOD Bridges to Transition program a success.
Other Job Club shenanigans… Marlyn Zeeck and Brandon North (pictured)
dropping in at the Taco Bell open interviews event to talk about benefits of hiring
individuals with disabilities. This instance led Taco Bell Manager Rick to connect
with Job Developer Carrie Hayes from Capabilities who assisted with successful
placement of a high school student receiving OOD Bridges Temporary Summer Job
Services. Job Club continues to make community business connections to assist
employers with their hiring needs. For future opportunities follow Job Club on
Facebook at Madison County Job Club community page.
PAGE 6 THE MADISON EXPRESS VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6
Special Olympics
Orlando Magic! Tigers take National USA Volleyball Crown
ORLANDO -- A fairytale ending.
It was appropriate that in the place of Walt
Disney World, a magical ending would take place.
And that is exactly what happened for the
Madison County Tigers Unified Special Olympics
Volleyball Team as they came from behind to capture
the USA Volleyball Tournament National
Championship during Memorial Day weekend at the
Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
Led by athletes Mike Ellis, Paul Hiles, Shawn
Stewart and John Zeeck, the Tigers defeated the Texas
Allen Spikers 25-21, 23-25, 15-13. Unified partners
were Lexi Comer, Lincoln Comer, Jessica Thompson,
and Chris Zeeck. Mike Mast served as coach.
“It was pretty dramatic,” said Lincoln Comer of the final moments of the championship. The Tigers had lost to
Texas the previous day in pool (ranking set-up) play. To make matters worse, Madison County was trailing 13-9, and on
the brink of bringing home the runner-up trophy.
Then, Lexi called a timeout in an attempt to rally the troupes.
“I told them, ‘We could either get our heads in the game and win this or give up and go home,’” Lexi said.
The Tigers chose the first option, scoring the next six consecutive points – giving Madison County Special
Olympics it’s first-ever National Championship. The volleyball squad had participated in this tournament in the past –
most recently in 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota where they earned a third place finish.
The Zeeck brothers received extra recognition as the Tournament Committee selected an athlete and a partner
from each team who signified what Unified Sports is all about.
In addition to Texas, the other teams in Madison County’s division were – Florida Brevard Fire, Georgia Kay
Center Tigers, and the Arizona Thunder.
Contributors to the trip included Sports Imports, Cappy’s Pizza, Deer Creek Honey, London Police Department,
M&M Sports, Mabe’s, Special Olympics Ohio, Wendy’s, The Ohio State University, Savannah’s Helping Hand, and
Madison County Ride.
For more information regarding Madison County Special Olympics, please contact Lincoln Comer at 740-852-
7052 x1917.
Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a Colorado incorporated non-profit organization recognized by the United
States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) as the National Governing
Body for the disciplines of beach volleyball, indoor volleyball and sitting volleyball in the United States. USA
Volleyball has over 315,000 registered members, 12,000 teams and 5,300 clubs nationwide.
Team members included (from left) Chris Zeeck,
Lincoln Comer, Lexi Comer, Jessica Thompson, Mike
Ellis, Shawn Stewart, Paul Hiles, John Zeeck
Duncan receives his Diploma Congratulations to Duncan Gholson of London, Ohio on his graduation
from West Jefferson High School! Duncan’s success can be credited to
strong support from his parents Lorri and Dean Gholson and his older
brother DJ. Duncan’s family has been a driving force in his life as he
prepared to become an adult. With support and guidance from his family
he obtained his driver’s license, has experienced community employment
and is planning to live semi-independently in the future. Duncan plans to
spend his summer searching for part time employment, listening to music
on the porch and enjoying time with his family.
PAGE 7 THE MADISON EXPRESS VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6
Images from the Open House
On May 23, an Open House was help to honor Jim Canney’s retirement as
well as to welcome Susan Thompson as the next MCBDD Superintendent.
Countless people came to the Fairhaven Gymnasium that day to express
their well-wishes. Images include (clockwise from top right):
Jim and Susan show the cake made to commemorate Jim’s retirement
Gary and Donna Hay sign a book for Jim. Their late son Randy was
served by MCBDD. Gary had two stints as a Board Member — 1976
to 1983 and 1995 to 1998. They received the 1999 Dorothy Allison
Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jim and his wife Melissa
Jim visits with Lori Dodge-Dorsey,
Director of Madison County Department of
Job and Family Services
Jim with Waymond Harris, who was on
Special Olympic basketball teams that Jim
coached
Jim with original Board Member (1967)
and fellow (2015) Dorothy Allison Lifetime
Achievement Award winner Helen Roddy
Jim with former Board Member Bob
Edwards (2002-2007) Bob’s daughter Sue
Mosier currently serves on the Board
Jim and current Board President Diane
Miller-Ryan
Jim will soon join longtime friend Ron
Spencer in the realm of MCBDD retirement.
Ron is also a fellow (2011) Dorothy Allison
Award winner
Madison County Board of DD Monthly Board Updates
By Brenda Fitch
The Regular Monthly Board meeting was held Thursday, May 19, 2016
at the Administrative office. Board members attending were, Diane
Miller-Ryan, Sue Mosier, David Ridenour, Mary Hopkins, and new board
member Shauna Good.
The Board approved the amended Administrative Program Calendar.
Susan Thompson advised the Board of the large furniture donation that
we received.
Carol Ansel reported on remote monitoring of our homes.
A payment of $600.00 for dues membership in the Ohio Self
Determination Association was approved by the Board
Susan Thompson’s Ohio Department of DD’s Certification as
Superintendent has been issued and was shared with the Board.
Diane Miller-Ryan advised the Board of the June 16th training and that
Randy Beach from the Ohio Association of County Boards would be there
to discuss the responsibilities of the Board and how the funding works.
The Board was reminded of Jim Canney’s Open House at Fairhaven on
May 23, 2016, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The next regular monthly Board Meeting of the Madison County Board
of DD will be Thursday, August 18, 2016 at the Administrative Office.
Madison County Board of
Developmental Disabilities
Superintendent
Jim Canney
(740) 852-7050 x1819
(740) 852-7051 FAX
Organization Services
John LaCivita, Director
(740) 852-7050 x1816
Business
Susan Thompson, Director
(740) 852-7050 x1820
Family Support Services
Carol Ansel, Director
(740) 852-7050 x1838
Children Services
Mike Mast, Supervisor
(740) 852-7052 x1910
Nothing Can Slow Her Down By Gretchen Peters
Ginger Shaw is more than happy
to show off her adaptive equipment that is
a part of her independence with daily
living.
With a supportive family behind
her Ginger has faced the effects of
Multiple Sclerosis head on. With her
can-do attitude Ginger is an inspiration to
us all. Ginger is an example of where
there is a will there is a way.
Ginger’s dad said in a recent
meeting that he has found success
purchasing items through Amazon and
searching hip and knee replacement items.
Ginger has taught me a lot about
her different size grabbers, hooks,
wheelchair canopy, electronic cover, cup
holder, shoe horn, items from OT and the
backpack, lunchbox, and purse she is able
to maintain on her wheelchair.
Thank you Ginger for sharing your
story with us.