Knox DD helps individuals of all abilities live fulfilling, inclusive lives

Their mission is to empower people to reach their full potential. For over six decades, Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Knox DD) has been an advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. The agency envisions a community where individuals with developmental disabilities are fully included, respected, and given opportunities to thrive.

What began as a grassroots movement by concerned parents has evolved into a robust, community-centered system of support. Knox DD plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities are empowered to live fulfilling, inclusive lives. Their core values are collaboration, opportunity, responsibility, and inclusion.

“It is our belief that everyone has value, regardless of whether or not you have a disability,” said Brittany Coon, Knox DD public outreach manager. ”So, it’s always our biggest effort to make sure that everyone is connected, feels valued, and has their voice heard. As they’re going through elementary school and high school, a lot of the programs that are within the school districts are helping prepare them for employment. Once they graduate high school they can go on and be employed in the community and be taxpayers, just like everybody else. Some even go on to own their own homes, businesses, or whatever fits for their life. We’re just trying to help them have the skills to do whatever they want to do to live their lives, just like any other person.”

The origins of MRDD services in Knox County trace back to the early 1960s, when a group of local parents united to advocate for better opportunities for their children with developmental disabilities. Their efforts culminated in the establishment of the Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities, which became the official county agency responsible for providing services and protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities.

In 2009, Ohio made a significant shift by removing the term “Mental Retardation” from the names of state and local agencies, reflecting a broader cultural and legislative move toward dignity and respect. The term “MRDD” was replaced with “Developmental Disabilities” (DD), aligning with national trends and the preferences of self-advocates and families.

Knox DD is part of a broader network of support coordinated by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). Through this partnership, Knox County residents benefit from statewide initiatives such as Technology First, a program that ensures assistive technology is considered in every service plan, helping individuals gain greater independence. There is also Employment First, a statewide effort to prioritize employment as the preferred outcome for working-age adults with disabilities. DD community talks help to bring together individuals with disabilities, families, and providers to share experiences and explore new resources.

Knox DD works with people, who need help, but they also authorize services, like New Hope Industries, Gannt Homes, and Creative Foundations.

“We authorize the services and oversee the funding for the services that the people receive,” said Coon. “So, if they live in a group home and they are on heart medicines, wherever they live, those people will go in and will help them. That might include helping them clean their apartments, cooking, or bathing. If they want to go out and do volunteer work, or whatever it is.”

Knox DD offers a wide range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals across the lifespan. These include programs like, Early Intervention (EI) through the Help Me Grow program, Knox DD provides home-based services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Developmental specialists work closely with families to create Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) that support early learning and development.

There is also School-Age Support, where Knox DD collaborates with local school districts to ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate educational services. They also offer transition planning to help students move successfully into adulthood.

“We have four child team services support administrators,” said Coon. “They work exclusively with children, pretty much from the age of five, until they’re about done with high school and that can be up to 22 years old. So, if they need to go into the school to help with I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) planning, individual accessibility needs, they will pitch in and help collaboratively to make sure that each student has what he needs, within the school.”

Adults with developmental disabilities can access vocational training, job coaching, and supported employment opportunities. Knox DD partners with local businesses to create inclusive workplaces and promote economic independence.

“We also have an employment manager, who works with Opportunities for Ohioans With Disabilities and all of the employment providers that we have in the county, to help individuals to get ready to be employed within the community,” said Coon. “That’s helping them with different job skills in whatever capacity the person needs. That means helping them get ready for an interview, writing a resume and all of those sorts of things. Once they do get the job, the job coach will go in and actually help the person learn on the job. How to do the job. Once they have a base understanding, then he will come in periodically to just check in and make sure everything is going well.”

Through Residential Support, the agency helps individuals find safe, supportive living arrangements—whether that’s in a group home, with family, or independently with assistance.

“Those are usually providers that we work alongside,” said Coon. “They are the ones that will go in and do the hands on help with the individual. They work with them on normal house stuff like helping with grocery shopping, or helping with cooking and cleaning. Maybe helping with bathing. Just normal, everyday things that we have to take care of, as people.”

Knox DD provides Family Support Services, including respite care, advocacy training, and financial assistance for families caring for loved ones with disabilities.

Knox DD also creates opportunities for Self-Advocacy and Inclusion. Programs like “Know Your Knox” and Family Connections foster community engagement, helping individuals build relationships and participate in local events.

Knox DD currently serves 708 individuals with special needs. Knox County has made significant strides, but challenges remain. Funding limitations, workforce shortages in direct support professions, and the need for more inclusive housing options are ongoing concerns. However, the community continues to innovate. For example, Knox DD is exploring new models of person-centered planning and community-based services that emphasize individual choice and autonomy.

The agency also actively seeks feedback from families and individuals through advisory councils and public forums, ensuring that services evolve to meet changing needs.

The future of developmental disability services in Knox County is rooted in collaboration and innovation. With a strong foundation of community support and a clear commitment to inclusion.

Upcoming initiatives include expanding access to remote support technologies, increasing provider training opportunities, and enhancing public awareness about the contributions of individuals with disabilities.

Residents of Knox County can support this mission in several ways. Volunteer with local programs or events. Employ individuals with disabilities through inclusive hiring practices. Advocate for policies that promote accessibility and equity. Donate to local organizations that support individuals with developmental disabilities.

For more information, visit the https://www.knoxdd.com or contact their office at 11700 Upper Gilchrist Road in Mount Vernon, or call (740) 397-4656.