March 1 is the start of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! The Allen County Board of Development Disabilities will be celebrating all month long with the theme "Look how far we've come...let's take the next step" and hashtag #accessibleallencounty. 

Look for the billboards, connect on social media or find other ways to learn more about developmental disabilities during March. Visits are scheduled at elementary schools across the county; guests will read a book focused on disability awareness to students in their classrooms. This year's book, "Sports Set Me Free" by Jeanna Stallkamp, was written by a Lima resident about her daughter.

DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING
On March 19, Early Intervention is hosting a Community Developmental Screening event at 2550 Ada Rd. This screening is free and open to the public for children birth through age 5. The screening will include growth & development, hearing, vision, speech, dental, behavior, autism, gross and fine motor. The screening is from 4:00-7:00 p.m., with registration closing at 6:00 p.m.

NIGHT AT NINETEEN DANCE
"Night at 19," an all abilities dance, will take place on March 23 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at 19 Hawthorne on 1000 Fetter Rd in Lima. The theme is "Dance Under the Moonlight" and guests aged 14-40 are invited to enjoy a fun night of music and dancing. To register, visit https://forms.gle/YrSVfcdfGTaFAYct8/

PARTNERSHIP LUNCHEON
On March 26, the Board's annual Partnership Luncheon will be held. This is a time to share the yearlong journey for the Board and people served, as well as TO honor people who made a significant impact on services during 2023. This event has limited attendance.