(Mason, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) is hosting training sessions for Mason city employees on how to support individuals with disabilities. 

During the community training sessions, WCBDD staff explain what a developmental disability is, how to support individuals with a disability in an emergency situation, and how to use person-first language. The training aims to foster understanding and destigmatize disability.

About 150 Mason city employees, including fire fighters, police officers, and members of the parks and recreation department, have signed up to attend one of three community training sessions. The first session took place on May 6, 2024.

WCBDD Provider Development Coordinators Lindsay Graves and Angela Mason led the training session. Mason stressed the importance of creating an inclusive environment for people of all abilities. 

“We want to make sure that [people with disabilities are] able to do things that people without disabilities are able to do,” Mason said. “It may look a little different. They may need some assistance. They may need some adaptive equipment. But we want to make sure that they are included in anything that you or I could do.”

Graves highlighted the function of a Carter Kits Sensory Bag, a resource that may help someone with a disability remain comfortable during emergency situations. These bags include tools like a weighted blanket, sunglasses, noise-reducing headphones, and sensory toys that may help to reduce anxiety.

Throughout the presentation, one factor remained consistent- it is important to treat people with disabilities with the same respect, understanding, and dignity as everyone else.

To request a community training for your organization, contact Angela Mason at angela.mason@warrencountydd.org.

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