(Lebanon, OH) – A Centerville man shared his story of using cars, family, and God to fuel his determination at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) Open Houses on March 11, 2025.

WCBDD hosts two Open Houses each March to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM.) Established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan, DDAM increases public awareness of the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities and provides the encouragement and opportunities needed for them to lead productive lives to achieve their full potential. 

WCBDD Superintendent Megan Manuel emceed the event and emphasized the importance of observing DDAM to foster “understanding, compassion, and advocacy.”

“It is essential to remember that behind each person is a story. A story filled with dreams, challenges, and incredible resilience,” Manuel said. “By sharing these stories, we break down barriers and foster a deeper appreciation for the diverse talents and perspectives that individuals with developmental disabilities bring to our community."

The event’s theme was “Driven to Succeed” and featured driving-themed decorations throughout the auditorium. The theme was inspired by the keynote speaker, Ross Kester, who finds inspiration from many aspects of his life, particularly his love for vehicles.

Kester has appreciated vehicles since he was child. He draws inspiration from cars in physical therapy by imagining himself pushing down on the gas or brake pedal while doing ankle stretches or picturing himself climbing into a vehicle while doing step exercises. While he draws inspiration for his workout routine from cars, he also incorporates "Reward Days." Every 20 days, if he stays consistent with his workouts, he rewards himself with a car-related outing.

With the support of his provider, Claire LaJoye, the pair presented Kester’s story in a Q&A format. Kester brought many objects to represent his passions, including his Bible, a basketball signed by Karl Malone, a bus grill given to him from Cardinal Buses, and a variety of vehicle-related shirts.

After presenting, Kester invited the audience to meet him and give him a fistbump.

Warren County Commissioner Shannon Jones presented a proclamation recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month during the afternoon session, while Warren County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Joseph Kirby presented the proclamation at the evening session. 

Prior to presenting the proclamation, Kirby shared his experience with hiring people with disabilities at the courthouse, thanks, in part, to the recommendation of Manuel. Kirby said beyond the work these individuals contribute, they also provide an incredible amount of enthusiasm and positivity that the courthouse may otherwise lack.

“I think what we ought to do is kind of shift our mindset, instead of the disabilities of an individual, why don't we look at the abilities of the individual, see what they're able to do, see how they're able to plug into collaboration, and along with that, we understand what their boundaries are,” Kirby said. “We want to try and highlight their accomplishments, and we want to encourage other people, not just on our campus, but other organizations, to follow our lead, because it's been such a tremendous experience for us.”

The Open House sessions also included information about the WCBDD driving program. WCBDD partners with Capabilities Inc., to assist individuals with developmental disabilities with obtaining their driver’s license. Former students Ishika Sharma, Luke Marshall, and Mason McCart recorded a video to show at the Open House sessions to share how the program has changed their lives.

Marshall now drives himself to work, Special Olympics, and advocacy meetings. Sharma drives herself to work and social events, but also assists her family members with transportation. Not only does McCart drive himself to work, but he also operates vehicles within Kings Island as part of his job. These three personal stories represented the impact the driving program has on people to allow them to work and integrate into the community.

The evening Open House session concluded with a performance by the Voices of Warren County Choir. Over 150 people attended the two open house events. WCBDD organized a raffle drawing, giving away several gift baskets and raising $963 for Warren County Special Olympics.

The Lebanon Key Club volunteered to decorate the event space, including brainstorming ideas, making decorations by hand, and decorating the auditorium the day before the event. The dedication of these students was critical in making this event a success.



The annual DDAM Open House event will return in 2026.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.