MEDINA, Ohio -- The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities is encouraging leadership on the part of people who have developmental disabilities.
The MCBDD’s new leadership academy will help clients learn the skills they need to take on local leadership roles.
“It is a six-month program so they can identify their leadership skills,” said Pam Hunt, director of community development for the MCBDD.
She shared that people who have developmental disabilities have expressed interest in the program and want their voices to be heard.
“They’re often overlooked when it comes to leadership roles,” she said.
The program will cover topics including understanding leadership, roles and responsibilities, personal leadership profile, communicating and listening, problem solving, interview skills, types of leadership opportunities and goal setting.
“People with disabilities have a wide variety of talents and opinions and want to be more involved as valued citizens in community decisions,” MCBDD Advocacy Coordinator Michelle Fortney said in a recent press release.
“They want opportunities to contribute and participate in decision-making processes. Whether its serving on a local non-profit board, participating in committees or making their voices heard in local government, people with developmental disabilities want the same chances as everyone else to help shape their communities.”
Fortney shared that those who have expressed interest have asked how to get more involved, but “they don’t know where to start. This program will give them the tools.”
She said this is a program they have every intention of continuing, but they are starting out small. Additionally, she shared that they’d eventually be interested in partnering with small businesses in the future.
“It’s exciting to us that people want to be involved in their community,” Fortney said.
The program is for those 18 and older who have developmental disabilities. The application is due March 17. Class size is limited.
More information on the program and the application can be found at www.mcbdd.org/advocacy/ or call Fortney at 330-725-7751, extension 232.
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