Wood Lane’s Community in Partnership Committee (CIPC) is planning numerous activities to celebrate this year’s Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month theme of “Look Beyond”. The theme gives us a great opportunity promote the unique gifts, talents, and abilities of everyone! The theme was developed by a not-for-profit organization called Ohio Public Images whose purpose is to help organizations increase awareness and understanding of individuals who live with a developmental disability.

The agency’s annual billboard displays throughout the county will also promote the “Look Beyond” theme. “We hope that our message shows how “Wood Lane Works” for our entire community,” stated Superintendent Melanie Stretchbery.

Wood Lane has also printed placemats that depict the theme and will provide to restaurants, churches, service and business organizations at NO CHARGE. The placemats are not dated and can be used throughout the year. Volunteers will also deliver the placemats. Prior to ordering, the placemat can be e-mailed for review can be e-mailed and orders can be placed by contacting Liz Sheets at 419 352-5115 or lsheets@woodlane.us.

Local Kickoff planned on Wednesday, March 6 – Wood Lane is planning a “Spirit Day” to celebrate the potential of everyone. Students from Wood Lane School, adults who receive services, their families, staff, and volunteers will be in attendance. The public is also invited to attend. The event will be held at Wood Lane Industries in Bowling Green and run from 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Members of People First of Wood County will share their experiences at the Statehouse Kickoff.

Self-Advocacy Training on March 9 - Dianna Lust, a University of Toledo graduate student is putting her research into action and leading training for individuals with disabilities on what it means to be a self-advocate. Participants will learn about famous people with disabilities and how they made a difference in the disability rights movement. Lust will also present on different ways to communicate and build leadership skills. The first class will be at Wood Lane School in Bowling Green from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

State-wide kick off is on March 5 - Members of Wood County’s (Wood Lane’s) People First Chapter will travel to Columbus to participate in the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Kickoff Event and Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse. The program begins at 9:45 a.m. and includes speakers with disabilities, employers, as well as elected officials. Immediately following the kickoff program, they plan to meet with Senator Randy Gardner and Representative Tim Brown.

Get rid of the “R” word on March 20 - The BGSU Student Council for Exceptional Children is hosting an event to increase awareness through a campaign known as “Spread the word to end the word” (the use of the word retardation). Individuals and families that receive services through Wood Lane will speak about how harmful words can and the importance of using words that are not degrading and emphasize “people first.” Go to www.r-word.org to learn about the campaign.

March Madness/Special Olympics Basketball - Wood County’s Men’s Basketball Team will be playing in the Sectional Tournament on March 9 at Van Buren High School. The winners in each bracket will advance to the State Tournament.

Dinner/Dance on March 15 – Wood Lane Residential Services and Wood Lane Recreation will hold a dinner-dance at Dyers Supper Club on Campbell Hill Road in Bowling Green. The dance will give individuals the opportunity to socialize and have fun with others!

Literacy in the Park on March 22 at BGSU - Wood Lane School students, families, and staff will participate in the Literacy in the Park that will be held in the BGSU Ballroom. The event draws over 1,000 children, families and educators. The ballroom is full of hands on activities from many agencies and organizations are geared to encourage reading and literacy. Students from Wood Lane School will be present to show how technology is giving them enhanced opportunities to increase literacy and learning. This annual event is made possible by Judith and Joseph Conda. Their financial support helps secure a well-known children’s author to be featured at the event to present and also sign books. More information on this event can be obtained through the BGSU College of Education.

Speaker’s Bureau Expands and ready to present – Nearly 30 individuals have received training and are prepared to present to any youth or adult organization. Speakers include individuals who receive services, their families, staff, Board members and other volunteers. Organizations can specify what topic(s) they would like presented. Tours are also available upon request. To schedule, contact Liz Sheets.