Highlighting the evening’s activities was keynote speaker Kitrael Chin, President and Creative Director for Hearts for Music, Inc. The Ohio-based non-profit provides opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in musical opportunities, regardless of their musical experience or their disability. He uses IPADs to allow individuals to create music, even if they have never played an instrument.

This year’s dinner marked the first year for the Board’s Change Award, given to employers who stand out in their efforts to provide work that adds dimension and richness to their employees’ lives. Busy Beaver in Calcutta and Allegiant Service Center in Lisbon are this year’s recipients.

Employment and Community Engagement Manager Shirley Bowald explained that the Change Award is based on a quote commonly attributed to Mahatma Ghandi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

“We spend a lot of hours at our place of employment,” Bowald said. “In creating this award, we thought about what has value in the workplace. I think we are all looking for co-workers who are kind and caring. We chose these two businesses because we continually hear compliments and good things about them.”

Allegiant Service Center in Lisbon received one of two Change Awards through the County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Shown from left to right are Paul Anthony, Allegiant Service Center Owners Chad Cole and Brandi Cole, and Shirley Bowald. (Submitted photo)

To determine next year’s Change Awards recipients, the Board will accept comments from the public, from families of those served by the Board who are employed, and from service providers. The public comment period will open in January.

Paul Anthony, Business Engagement Specialist, extended thanks to the many businesses who help and support the Board throughout the year. He recognized Alicia Johnson, director of the Salem Chamber of Commerce, for her unwavering support and assistance throughout the year. Additionally, he thanked East Liverpool Mayor Bobby Smith for his advocacy in reaching out to the Board to learn more about the operations and to offer assistance.

Assistant Superintendent Josh Martin said CCBDD invests nearly $12 million in waiver funding into various employment supports, including vocational habilitation, transportation, job coaching and workplace assessments. This investment assists 75 individuals in Columbiana

County who are either gainfully employed or on the path to employment. These employment numbers represent an increase of 240 percent over the last five years. Additionally, Ohio is an Employment First state, and CCBDD’s efforts have resulted in them meeting all the objectives of this executive order.

Businesses who are interested in learning more about the employment services provided through the County Board of Developmental Disabilities are encouraged to call 330-424-7788.