Steelnative to host Open House for County Board of Developmental Disabilities

EAST LIVERPOOL- Steelnative Coffee, 201 E. Fifth St., is once again hosting an informational day to highlight the many programs offered through the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD). Patrons who visit the coffee shop between 9 and 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27 can enjoy a free cup of coffee and talk with Board of Developmental Disabilities staff about services available for individuals with disabilities. People who have loved ones with a disability and businesses who want more information about hiring people with disabilities are encouraged to attend.

CCBDD Superintendent William Devon said the goal is to reach parents and families who are looking for supportive services for their loved one. These include waiver case management; services for young children through the Help Me Grow Program; behavioral supports; community involvement programs like the Aktion Club; and coordination and referral for employment. Robert Bycroft School also falls under the Board's umbrella.

Recently the Board has been working to expand into the southern end of the county. Devon said the open house provides a good opportunity for staff to sit down and talk with family members or businesses, find out what their needs are, and hand-deliver it to the correct people.

"Last time we were here, we were able to assist two families," Devon said. "It's always a win-win whenever we can come down to help people who need services."

Shirley Bowald, Community Inclusion and Employment Manager, encourages employers who are looking for reliable, hard-working employees to stop by for more information. She explained that there is a lot of misinformation surrounding hiring people with disabilities and employers often have questions about things like transportation and accommodations.

"If you want to create an inclusive workplace, come talk to us. There are many benefits to hiring someone with a disability but sometimes employers are hesitant because of misinformation about things like transportation and accommodations. We can give you facts and get you started with solid, factual information," Bowald said.

Devon said individuals with disabilities are great employees and work at many positions that are hard to fill. "Most restaurants and businesses are having trouble getting people. Restaurants, especially, need servers and dishwashers," he said. "Our people excel at that. They are consistent, reliable and nice people to work with."

East Liverpool Mayor Bobby Smith welcomed the Board to East Liverpool and has offered to assist them in their drive to expand services in the southern portion of the county. He said local businesses are having difficulty finding people to work, and that being the mayor has opened his eyes to the possibilities of expanding help to everybody. "Word of mouth and participation in events like the open house helps everybody," he said. "It helps local business and it helps people."

CCBDD Business Engagement Specialist Paul Anthony invites anyone who wants more information to stop by the open house. He thanked both Smith and Steelnative for welcoming the Board to East Liverpool.

"Their participation and assistance enables us to spread the word our many programs, especially in an area of the county where we are trying to expand," Anthony said.

Anthony noted the Board serves all of Columbiana County. He encourages anyone who wants more information to attend the open house or call the Board at 330-424-7788.